Each month the Renderosity community votes on The Renderosity Artist Of The Month [AOM] ... June's AOM is

Who is "plassgard"?

I´m a 42 year young Dude by the name of Anders Plassgard from Stockholm, Sweden. I work as IT-Coordinator for a large construction company and spend a lot of my sparetime with my 3 major interests in life: Digital Art, Photography and music. I´ve been a member to this community since 2001. First I posted pics using the nick "Placebo" but I got tired of it and wanted to use my real name. I live in a small house with my girlfriend and our two cats.

My girlfriend used to call my creative room "The Dark Cave" because I used sit there and make art or music with the curtains down 24/7, but I actually spend a lot more time outside since we moved from a flat to our house, and I discovered that gardening is also some kinda art and good meditation for the soul.

How long have you been rendering/doing computer graphics?

I can´t remember exactly, but it all started with Amiga computers sometime in the '90s and some 2D paint program. But I really got into the 3D part when I discovered Poser somewhere around 1999 -2000.

 
Trust

Do you have traditional art experience?

Well, not really more than drawing/painting a lot as a kid and teenager. At the same time I played piano and drums, so for a lot of years the music side of me took over and I let the creativity out that way.

What are you currently working on?

A lot of things as always (my biggest problem is that I have too many ideas and too little time and I find it hard to focus on one thing and start new projects all the time).

But one thing that I am working on and have been working on now and then for a long time is a Website that is based on my music, with artwork for every song. But I can't say when this project will be finished because it changes direction all the time. But I will put it on www.mindwrench.com when it's ready.

I also work on my modeling skills in C4D and Rhino. I've learned to model by trial and error, but it feels like I can't get much further without some books and proper training. So I really try… But it's hard because I tend to start to create art instead of focusing on the modeling.

 
Highpriestess

What software/equipment do you use and why?

I use Poser because it's fast and easy to set up human figures. I often import the Poser scenes to Vue or C4D which has far better render quality, materials and light IMHO. I model in C4D, Z-brush and a little bit in Rhino, but I don't see myself as much of a modeler. I might have a lot of imagination, but there's still a lot to learn from a modeling perspective. I use my camera a lot for textures and patterns. Finally, I use Photoshop and a Wacom tablet to mix it all into something.

What do you think your best piece of work is and why?

Oh that's a hard one. I let the pics out of my brain and tend to forget most of them. And when I go back and see old work I think a lot of them suck (not all of them, but quite a few). That´s why I deleted my old "Placebo" gallery. But if I should pick one, I choose "Blind Engel"

 
Blind Engel

I like the mood I created here and the headpiece I modeled. I have a weakness for strange headpieces : )

Why do you like to work with 3D software?

Because it's so fun! And there are no other limits than the imagination. I can get lost for hours just sculpting on a little blob in, for example, Z-brush. I can create stuff that there's no way I could do without 3D.

Who/what inspires you?

I get a lot of inspiration from music. I'm a fan of all kinds of music. Everything between Classical, to Electronica, to Death Metal. (Some of my electronica can be heard at http://www.myspace.com/aliensoulconnected ) I also get a lot of inspiration from Urban Exploration. I love to search the web for abandoned places, old factories, etc., and go there with my camera. Also, movies like Matrix, Animatrix, Bladerunner, etc. I'm a sucker for Sci-fi and Cyberstuff and love androids and robots. Of course other Artists, both digital artists here at Renderosity and traditional artists like Hans Arnold.

 
Crying Mother Earth

How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning?

Well, in many ways really. I've found a couple of friends for life to collaborate with that I wouldn't have found without Ren. Also, some people who have taught me a lot when it comes to 3D and modeling, and a lot of inspiring work in the galleries. I must admit that I am pretty lousy in following the forums on a daily basis, but I have always found a lot of good help and tutorials there when I've been looking for something. So it has definitely helped me when it comes to learning.

Parting Comments / Advice to other Artists?

Well the only advice I can give is be curious. Do what you want without looking too much on what others do and let the imagination run free. If you look with open eyes, there's art in everything. I often fall in love with cracked paint and rusty patterns and take a lot of photos of stuff like that and use them in my art.

A big thanks to all that voted for me. It makes me happy that you like my works!

Peace
Anders

Please have a further look at plassgard's Renderosity Gallery!

Additional links:

www.mindwrench.com
www.myspace.com/aliensoulconnected
www.myspace.com/andersplassgard
www.moonsilence.se
www.plassgard.deviantart.com

Be sure to visit the Renderosity Mixed Medium Gallery!

Artist of the Month is highlighting a talented Renderosity artist that has been nominated by mods and admins, and voted by the community. Recognition is given to this member for their collection of works for that year.

Since we only select one AOM per month, it is not about their works for that particular month. Instead, it is about highlighting a talented artist's works for that year, and they are recognized during that month.

To learn more about Renderosity's Artist Of The Month [AOM] award, and to view our past AOM's, please visit the AOM 2007 page, which can also be found on the sidebar under Highlights.