I have alluded to this topic before in other columns and others
have also given opinions about it. The topic is: How do we explain
what we do on the computer. This problem seems to be relatively if
not absolutely universal since different readers have expressed how
they handle it in reference to other columns. However, I have never
devoted a full column to it and I decided it was necessary. I'll
start by using my own work as an example. I was a professional
photographer before I started to use the computer. While I have
done work that was more symbolic in nature, recently I have enjoyed
creating beautiful and tranquil scenery. I use tiny pieces of my
photographs and combine them. Then I apply software, filter, etc.
to these pictures. I use a lot of masks, selections, and layers. I,
also, will make a bird, for example, larger than life or a color
very different than one would find it in real life. I am not trying
to reproduce nature but to use nature, so to speak. But when people
see my work, they invariably ask "Where did you take this picture?"
When I try to explain what I do, they ask, "What kind of software
do you use to create it?" As if the software without my know-how
can build this image. Even non-digital artists, seem to have the
same confusion about our work. In Renderosity, many of you will not
have this exact problem because of the type of work you do.
However, I am sure you will experience others. Many of you, I am
sure, have created scenes in Bryce or Vue d'Esprit and have had the
same or a similar question asked. The same is true of Poser figures
and characters an objects rendered in 3D programs. From experience,
it seems to me, the majority of people want to believe that the
individual artist has not created the material. Well, who did then?
It didn't happen on its own, and it certainly, can't spring to life
when you install a software program. It all comes back to the
question? How do we educate the public to what we do? How do we
enter basic shows that accept all media without people misjudging
our work? How do we differentiate for the public well printed
photographs from fine art digital creations? I have tried by
putting a small movie on my website on each gallery page. I doubt
people look at it. I have explanations in my portfolio and try to
have a sheet that describes my work when I have a show.
Unfortunately, it seems to make little difference. If it is not a
photograph, people can't understand it. The only way I have found
to educate people is to demonstrate technique on the computer. But
that isn't always feasible. Now I know many of you have excellent
ideas for I have read them when you have shared your ideas in other
columns that I have written. Please share them with others. Maybe
we all can help clarify this problem and, thus, make it easier for
us to not only sell but to have others appreciate the type of work
we all do. Also, if any of you have stories about "misunderstood
work" and would like to share them, please do.
- The Paula Sanders Report is a regular Renderosity
Front Page featured column, where Paula investigates and comments
on graphic software, techniques, and other relevant material
through her reviews, tutorials, and general articles.
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