The other day I was lamenting the sensual losses brought about by our making computers our primary tools for work and art. But as a great philosopher once said, something's lost when something's gained in living every day, and some things have been gained. Idyllopus commented on that post of mine, "Computer is just another medium for art, and just like anything done in paint, an image can take an afternoon or weeks to finish. Also like anything else it requires technique. It's impossible to go from canvas to computer without a long while in developing technique and style suitable to the medium.
"I don't miss noxious photo printing chemicals. I too gave up photography when it became too expensive, sold the darkroom equipment, and am glad to have photography back."
Here is a definite gain, one of Idyllopus's digital paintings. Cupid's Wedding Chapel, Las Vegas, 1991.
Thanks. I clicked over to see if there were any more cop commments and there was, whoa, Cupid. Which is actually one of my favorites. Strikes me as a building the entrance of which can only be gained at a very discreet crack in the sidewalk between waking and sleep.
Posted by: Idyllopus | Saturday, April 08, 2006 at 11:15 AM
Do you know about Olduvai George? He's an artist specializing in digital illustration. His last post is a tribute to his dog, and he hasn't posted since 3/5, but poke around to see amazing work.
Posted by: Linkmeister | Saturday, April 08, 2006 at 02:02 PM
This Idyllopus seems like a cool cat.
Some guy once told me art is in the mind. Or in a cave. In some place called Altamira. Or maybe it was a cave that was like a mine? Or a cave like mind. There were shadows on the cave wall. Or something.
Posted by: The Heretik | Saturday, April 08, 2006 at 05:15 PM
Idyllopus is a great place to go to when you need to just get away from it all. I love going there. She has beautiful posts about her trip west.
Posted by: Night Bird | Saturday, April 08, 2006 at 08:57 PM
"Cupid's Wedding Chapel" has to be one of the best examples of digital art I've ever seen. Bravo, Idyllopus! And bravo, Lance, for sharing it with us.
The computer has opened up new worlds for me, as a writer. While I do sometimes get a little nostalgic for the clack of the typewriter, which could be used without electricity as long as the ribbon (and my fingers!) held out, the computer allows my fingers to ALMOST keep up with my mind as I write. Images flow. And I love being able to research arcane details and facts without having to take a special trip to the library. I love libraries, don't get me wrong. But often, I couldn't find the information I needed -- and I always ended up bringing home an armload of books to read, which would pre-empt writing for some time after.
I like this new tool, even as I smile remembering the old one.
Posted by: Wren | Sunday, April 09, 2006 at 01:43 AM