Interviews

Local Machine

Laura, aka Local Machine is an NFT Artist from New York City. She has always loved art and how it can transport you to a different emotional, spiritual, and even physical space. She began creating generative art just five years ago. At first, it was a way for her to learn how to code as she transitioned into the data scientist role. From there, she began pursuing generative art as a discipline.
When she is not busy making NFT Art, she loves snuggling with her cat, Snowball. And when she gets the opportunity, she loves to get outside and hike.


NFT Granny: “Dear Local Machine, thank you for taking your precious time to answer my question. I have a question regarding your name – what does “Local Machine” mean? Is this something like a nickname?”

Local Machine: In computer programming, “Local Machine” refers to one’s physical computer instead of a remote or virtual machine on the cloud. I always liked the phrase and thought it sounded like the name of an indie rock band. When I started programming to create digital art, I decided to use the term as my alias in the art world.


How did you first become interested in art, and how did you get started with it yourself?

Local Machine: I’ve always loved art and how it can transport you to a different emotional, spiritual, and even physical space. I began creating generative art just five years ago. At first, it was a way for me to learn how to code as I transitioned into the data scientist role. From there, I began pursuing generative art as a discipline.

Can you tell us more about the story behind your project “shan shui: fog”?

Local Machine: I strive to use art as a mode to construct an adequate space with technology. Because I use machine learning algorithms in my work, there is an opportunity to demonstrate what representation and fairness can look like in AI. My shan shui series is a direct example of how thoughtful model development can create and amplify more diverse perspectives than the dominant voices of the past. 

I trained a model to create shan shui, a traditional Chinese painting form that reminds me of my childhood home and Chinese heritage. These landscape paintings centre on mystical mountain ranges understood to be undying lands. As an Asian American, this style of painting fosters the ancestral spirit of home.

shan shui: fog
Open on foundation.app
Which of your artworks are you most proud of? 

Local Machine: I’m most proud of Frontier, my physical AI sculpture series. I love NFTs that come with physical pieces. In this series, I used a machine learning model to generate abstract, digital sculptures. Subsequently, I 3D printed the sculpture to bring them into the physical world.

3D Sculpture

The sculptures violate the principle of causality. They are artefacts that were seen before they existed yet.

🌲🌲🥚🌲🌲
Open on foundation.app
We are curious 🙂 Would you be willing to share any plans for upcoming projects?

Local Machine: I’m working on a project that utilises live data to create an evolving, real-time piece.

How do you enjoy the NFT Art you have collected? Do you have a way to display it, for example, at home?

Local Machine: One of the NFTs I collected came with a physical print. For that piece, I’m able to display it in my home amongst other traditional works. The digital-only NFTs I’ve collected, I enjoy in digital spaces, but not in my home. For example, sometimes, I’ll rotate a piece as my profile picture on Twitter or add my pieces to a digital gallery.

What does a typical day for you look like, and what do you like to do when you’re not busy with NFT Art?

Local Machine: A typical day for me includes a lot of snuggling on the couch with my cat, Snowball. When I get the opportunity, I love to get outside and hike.

Is there something aside from art or NFTs you collect?

Local Machine: I love drinking scotch and tea (sometimes together) and have developed a large collection of both!

  • Full Name: Laura Elsener
  • Date of Birth: May, 17th
  • Current hometown: New York City, USA
  • Languages she speaks: Spanish, English
  • What did you want to be when you were a child:  Paleontologist
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • First Job: Social Impact Investing