Well said, Garth. I agree that the term "fractal" is sort of a turn-off for people who don't understand or make them. It's maybe what gives the connotation of "computer generated imagery". Probably would be a good idea to not even use the term "digital art" as all these labels give the impression that it's some randomly generated image made by a really "smart", chess playing software program which we, as the folks who do this stuff, know is not remotely true.

I do agree with Keith about images like my Silmarillion maybe not being something that would make a good "wall hanger". Maybe add some text and it could be a poster for some new Conan type flick - "Quest for the Marble in a Cup" - lol. (And of course I'm still talking to you, my friend - because you were RIGHT and your advice is always constructive and helpful!). The whole idea behind that one was to create as good a 3d look as I could. As far as color, composition and emotion, I've got a LONG way to go and will need a good bit more experience with UF and art in general to be able to convey a "feeling" rather than seeing how well I can tweak all the bells and whistles. Some of the most aesthetically pleasing images here are only 1-8 layers max and I need to learn how to create ART rather than just complicated stuff. How to work with color rather than shapes. That's why this site is such good inspiraltion. (wow! is there a such thing as a "Freudian typo"? lol - think I'll leave it:?))I do, however, disagree about Keith's "Reef" images - I think they'd be great prints. Great colors and interesting stuff to look at. Present it like you see lots of prints at places of business with a white band at the bottom with the title and the artist's name and a nice chrome frame.

Anyhow - got off on a tangent - like Garth said, lose the label and find some way to get fractals, ooops, "Virtual Abstract Surrealism"(?) out where a lot of people see it. Actually, Rendo is probably the best ad for our artform there is. The numbers of people logged on have more than doubled in the last year - from around 800-1000 before to as high as 2200 during weekdays these days. I reckon this is the biggest venue to display our art in the world and anyone wanting to see if they could make a go of making fractals a second job would probably do well to cultivate their presence here. But, its probably still mostly "preaching to the choir" since most are probably digital artists themselves. In time, I reckon it'll get around by "word of mouth" as more and more of the images from here appear as snagged wallpapers on folks' PC's at work and home and their friends ask where they got it.
C-ya!
Rick

Message edited on: 12/31/2004 13:04