Each month the Renderosity community votes on The Renderosity Artist Of The Month [AOM] ... May's AOM is Linda McCarthy [fractalinda]. We congratulate Linda for her outstanding work in the Fractal Gallery!

 

Who is 'fractalinda'?

Fractalinda is a fractal-fashioning fanatic who also works/plays in 3D digital media. More importantly, fractalinda is a daughter of God, wife to John, mother to Laura and John, grandmother to Dallas, JT, Dorothy and Emily. She has several online and offline friends who she loves dearly.

How long have you been rendering/doing computer graphics?

I received a fascinating fractal image from a friend in '96 that had been created using a KPT (Kai's Power Tools) fractal generator and filters. I surfed the net for days just browsing fractal galleries and images here, there and everywhere on the net, gathered all the info I could and downloaded a shareware...or was it freeware...fractal generator called Flarium. For weeks I played and made pretty pictures. From Flarium I progressed to KPT, then became a beta tester for XenoDream and ultimately found Ultra Fractal; it was an instant love connection!

While I was working in KPT, I happened upon Bryce..then MojoWorld and, finally Terragen. Now I play in most of the programs, but primarily in Ultra Fractal and Terragen. So.. I've been doing computer graphics since '96 or '97. Fractal art remain my first and enduring love.

 

"Homeward Bound"

 

Do you have traditional art experience?

None. I can almost draw a decent stick figure.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I've been experimenting with combining my fractal work with my landscape imagery. A couple of online friends suggested the concept. After some exploration, I've not yet accomplished an image worthy of posting..but I continue to work to realize a good result. I also have a website I've begun which remains, after a few months, still in the very beginning stages. I'm embarrassed to admit.

Recently I purchased the technical preview version of Terragen 2, which seems to have a steeper learning curve than The older version of Terragen; consequently, I'm in the throes of exciting exploration and trying to learn the program. Last night I opened XenoDream after at least a month of leaving it alone..and found myself doodling way past my already late bedtime. Besides the aforementioned activity, I'm in the process of printing, matting and framing a few of my better images to present to a local art art galleries for exihibition consideration. Digital Art, in general, and Fractal Art, specifically, seems to be slowly gaining acceptance in the larger traditional art arena.

What software/equipment do you use and why?

I use the programs I've already mentioned, along with Photoshop Elements for the usual post-render enhancement, including resizing, sharpening, level tweak and signature. I'm on a pc and have Windows XP, with what I initially thought was ample memory and speed. Needless to say, we will be upgrading again soon.

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

I consider "Night Stalkers" perhaps my best piece of fractal work because of the dynamic components of movement, texture and color. The image has an exciting sense of rhythm and a pleasing tonal balance.

 

"Night Stalkers"

 

Why do you like to work with Fractal software?

I've always been fascinated with the interplay of gradient, light and algorithmic movement. Fashioning fractal art yields such personal satisfaction, as I combine the various elements to effect the result I'm looking for. A few days ago, someone asked me if the result was more from randomly adding gradients and coloring algorithms to formulae, as opposed to being able to control the outcome. There are definitely the "happy accidents" and epiphanies that occur, but, after years of playing and becoming familiar with the different formulas and colorings, I can honestly say I have much more control over the outcome than than I initially did. In the beginning of my exploration, the result was primarily dependent upon randomizing the elements. Now, I can say with a fair amount of confidence, the opposite is true. Janet's classes have helped me immensely, as I see a positive progression in my fractal work and the end result because of what I've learned from her.

Another important thing to mention is that I still "don't do math"...and because I'm somewhat impaired mathematically, I rely completely upon formulas written by those wonderful formula writers/authors whose brilliant work allows me to manipulate and add to the base they've already established...and hopefully translate their equations into fractal art.

Who/what inspires you?

1. The Grand and Almighty Artist, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
2. Nature - God's grandeur.
3. My husband
4. My children and grandchildren.
5. The brilliant work of several traditional artists, as well as the awesome and beautiful digital art here at Renderosity and at deviantART.

How light is presented in an image draws me to it more than any single element. Both soft and hard light that puncuate design excite me!

I'm drawn to a picture that stirs my emotions and evokes feeling in me, no matter the subject. Color is important to me, as well, though my preferences are subject to change, based upon the image I'm viewing. A soft, complimentary palette appeals to me, as does the delicate detail ordinarily inherent in a work that uses such a palette. On the other hand, I like strong bold strokes and color combos with striking contrast. It just depends... About the only colors and color combos that assault my senses are harsh, neon combos that are randomly and wantonly presented as an afterthought.

I am inspired greatly by eternal spiritual truths and prinicples in which I deeply believe, and it is my fondest hope and prayer that what I believe is reflected in my work and- more importantly, in my life...because it makes up who I am.

In reference to who has inspired me in fractal art, there are so many whose beautiful work has and continues to inspire me in both communities; a few whose work inspired me initially to pursue my own interestfractal art, include Linda Allison, Cindy Meyer, Paul DeCelle, Kerry Mitchell, Maria Kinsey, Tina Oloyede, Janet Parke, Jock Cooper, Edward Perry, Bryan Smith and Mark Townsend. More recently I've been inspired by the fractal art of Joseph Presley, Dirk Monteney, Evelyn Berkman, Helen Grainge, Keith MacKay, Rick Spix, Lenora Clark, Denise Goldau and Silwenka. I'm afraid my brain goes to screensaver more often now, so I know I have omitted some whose great work I've been inspired by.

 

"The Textures of Life"

 

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

Everone knows I'm a gusher. I get real excited when I see an image that touches me- for whatever reason...so I am known to go slightly overboard with my complimentary comments; however, I've tried really hard to tone it down lately...and pretty much to no avail. I mean, staid comments and a simple "very nice" just aren't enough for me!

Having written the preceeding aside, I will admit that Renderosity, as a community of artists, has greatly enriched not only my artwork, but my life. Because of a couple of chronic illnesses- physical and emotional, I stay at home more than most. Renderosity and DA have enhanced my daily life by providing me with the ability to tour online art galleries on a daily basis and mingle with like spirits and minds...giving and receiving feedback that is not only valuable, but makes we feel warm and fuzzy and real good! I have made wonderful friends here who will remain forever friends.

Left to my own devices, I have a tendency to isolate myself from the *real* world (though, with medication, I've improved). My online experience, especially here and at DA, has enabled me to express myself- both in writing/sharing my thoughts and in imagery. I've learned a tremendous amount over the years from other artists here. So, yes, Renderosity has definitely enhanced my life.

Parting Comments / Advice to other Artists?

I don't know about "parting advice"...but, I would like to remind each of us, no matter our religious/spiritual differences that we ought to be thankful for any talent or abilty we've been given and have had the opportunity to develop in this community, as well as classes and other venues...and for the platform Renderosity gives us to share ourselves and our work with eachother.

I also wanted to acknowledge the tremendous talent that was represented in each of those who were nominated for AOM. I personally voted for someone else whose work certainly merits an AOM status more than mine does, in my opinion. Also, a heartfelt thank you to those who nominated me and to each of you who voted for me.

Finally, my thoughts go something like this: The main thing is to please God, our familes, then ourselves. If we inspire others along the way with our doodles, then that's icing on the proverbial cake.

 

"Working the Land"

 

Please have a further look at fractalinda's Gallery!

Be sure to visit the Renderosity Fractal Gallery, and also pay a visit to the Renderosity Fractal Forum!

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.