A visual artist from Vermont named James Merrill has tackled the collision of code and reality with a crazy idea—he collaborated with a custom drawing robot to turn generative algorithms into authentic artworks that are both precise and flawed. Sounds contradictory? Not really. His work celebrates the unpredictable beauty of simulated materials while exploring how technology can give digital creations true material life.

The story unfolds at the Saint George Hotel in Marfa. That weekend, Merrill shared some interesting insights during an interview: how important emotions are in his creative process, why imperfection becomes the soul of his work, and how Marfa continuously inspires generative artists' experimentation and community cohesion.

"I'm James Merrill, an algorithmic visual artist. My specialty is using generative algorithms to drive these drawing robots, allowing the code to create unique artworks. This approach lets me create in the digital space while leaving traces in the physical world."

When asked what first comes to mind when creating a new piece—code, visual imagination, or a certain feeling he wants to express—Merrill said: Feeling is the starting point of everything. This answer reveals a truth: even the most complex algorithms are driven by human emotion.