Statement

I am a generative artist. Systems, robots, and materials are the three pillars of my practice. Trained in studio art, computer science, and information science, I am passionate about building visual-generating systems that tell stories and record emotions. Specifically, I focus on creating generative plotter paintings: visual expressions that are generatively created by algorithms and physically rendered using robots. My multi-disciplinary works are rooted in technology: I develop expressive visual stories by crafting algorithms and building software. My works blend digital and physical: robots, specifically 3-axis CNC machines known as plotters, render the outputs of the algorithms into physical forms, materializing the ideas behind the code. Using various physical materials and techniques, such as watercolors, embroidery, and ceramics, I examine the roles of cutting-edge technology in traditional forms of art and craft. My works are emotional: rather than purely focusing on technical capabilities or mathematical precision, I create art to capture emotion and stories. Because algorithms are my love language, and the plotter is my quill, I see my practice as a way to observe, experience, and record the world around me.

Bio

Shiqing (Licia) He (B. 1992) is a Chinese generative artist and a human-computer interaction researcher dedicated to creating artistic expressions through technological innovations. With a Ph.D. in Information Science and a Bachelor of Science degree in Studio Art and Computer Science, Licia currently resides in London (United Kingdom) as a full-time artist, focusing on capturing and presenting information around her through visual art. Fascinated by the possibilities of human-machine collaboration, Licia's explorations led her to combine generative art with robots, bridging her digital and physical painting practices through pen plotters.

Licia He's artistic journey began with her Studio Art and Computer Science study at Union College (New York, United States). She conducted one-year independent research on natural color production around the globe after her graduation as a Thomas J. Watson Fellow . She continued to search for the connections between art and technology throughout her doctoral study at the University of Michigan, School of Information (Michigan, United States), where she researched and published in areas such as data visualization, human-machine interaction, and creativity support tools. Around 2018, Licia ventured into the world of generative art to connect her passion for visual art and programming. Fascinated by the possibilities of human-machine collaboration, Licia's explorations led her to combine generative art with robots, bridging her digital and physical painting practices through pen plotters. She previously served as an assistant professor at Texas A&M University, School of Performance, Visualization, and Fine Art (Texas, United States), where she founded the Generative Craft Lab.

In her creative journey, Licia He continues to search for expressive visual languages that communicate emotion and experiences. Through her research and artworks, Licia concentrates on enabling and amplifying creative expressions with technology. Her cross-discipline and multicultural experiences often serve as her inspirations for artmaking, driving her to create works that express her unique perspectives.

Licia's works have been exhibited and collected worldwide. Since 2021, she has been exhibiting and releasing digital (NFTs, liciahe.eth) and physical generative artworks through venues such as Art Blocks , Bright Moments , and Feral File . For a full list of exhibitions and research activities, please refer to her CV . To see an archive of her previous works, please visit the Gallery page .

Licia is an active member and contributor of generative art communities such as the Generative Artists Club and #plottertwitter . She enjoys sharing her passion for generative art through workshops, lectures, studio visits, and writings. Licia can be reached through Email , Instagram , and Twitter .