Whazzat

When one encounters something unknown they should be very cautious and

investigate thoroughly to avoid potentially disastrous consequences.

Beautiful creative work again, Dave!

This question is not to denigrate you but is this a photograph or a computer algorithm?

That you ask is interesting... now, it is not truly either a photo or an algorithm but is a 3-D rendering using a 'virtual camera'. 

The math behind the rendering is completely under my control and is not preordained or defined in a bit of software code.  The process is rather like genetic engineering in that each gene can be manipulated to many decimal places of precision, with often surprising results.

I know that this is only a partial answer, but a fairly complete explanation would require a book...

I thank you for your interest and hope that this, at least partly, answers your question.

I have a engineering background. That being said I'll except that it's a little bit of both. Photography and computer algorithm using the human factor as artist.

Best regards