Jared Tarbell

Jared S. Tarbell is a generative artist, programmer, and entrepreneur known for his exploration of the intersection between mathematics, nature, and digital art. Born in 1973 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tarbell was introduced to personal computing as a teenager and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from New Mexico State University. Early in his career, he embraced the Processing programming environment to create digital artworks that balance computational precision with organic complexity, reflecting a subtle spirituality woven into recursive patterns and mathematical forms.

Tarbell is the creator of Levitated.net, an influential platform where he shares generative art and source code, encouraging others to experiment with algorithmic creativity. His innovative work explores themes of emergence and recursion, often evoking the beauty found in natural systems through computational means. These qualities have garnered him international recognition, with exhibitions worldwide highlighting his contributions to digital and generative art.

Beyond his artistic practice, Tarbell is also a notable entrepreneur. In 2005, he co-founded Etsy, the widely popular online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, initially using the platform to sell his digital art creations. His professional experience extends into data visualization, having contributed projects for companies like Bloomberg and Boeing. He also co-founded Electric Playhouse and was an early investor in Meow Wolf, supporting immersive and interactive artistic experiences.

Through both his creative and entrepreneurial endeavors, Tarbell continues to push the boundaries of digital art and technology. His work inspires a deeper appreciation for the harmony between code and creativity, inviting audiences to explore the elegant complexity that emerges when art and mathematics converge.