Chris Mercerhill is a generative artist, which he defines as an artist that creates a system of rules and parameters through which a physical artwork is created. He does not use Generative AI or any kind of artificial intelligence. Instead, he writes code that generates instructions and coordinates for his robot (a retired 3D printer) to manipulate pens, markers, and paintbrushes to produce paintings and drawings. The code incorporates random numbers so that each time the code is executed, a different set of instructions is generated, resulting in a unique artwork. Each piece is an exploration of the interplay between the digital algorithm and the physical media.
Chris’s paintings and drawings are inspired by geometric art and minimalism. He also looks to historical quilt block patterns as jumping off points for his work. Sol LeWitt’s wall drawings and Procedural art have also informed how he thinks about the relationship between the human artist who conceives of the algorithmic system and the robot which drafts and draws the work.
Chris Mercerhill was born in Toronto and grew up in Burlington, Ontario. He studied Art & Art History at the University of Toronto at Mississauga and Sheridan College before moving to the United States for graduate school. His curiosity and diverse interests have led him to study art, art history, French, education, and linguistics, each of which influence his creative practice. He lived in South Carolina, Illinois, and Ohio before moving to Stratford in December 2025. In addition to teaching his robot to paint, he enjoys quilting, welding, and aquaponic gardening.