I like to make pretty pictures. It's that simple.
When I got my first computer about a decade ago, I had it made by a 15-year-old whiz kid, who showed me a program he had, called Bryce 2. He asked me if I'd like it installed on my machine. I said, yeah, cool. I later learned it was a cracked program, so I made that right, and then bought Rhinoceros, because I wanted fancier models than Bryce could allow. Terragen and eventually Nendo/Wings followed. Then I needed better renderings, so I got into Renderman-compliant programs BMRT, Entropy, and now AIR, though I still use Bryce for renderings, too.
Then there was Photoshop to do postwork, Dreamweaver and raw HTML coding to show works to other artists, a bit of this, a bit of that, some other non-related computing (Finale for my music, MediaShout, a bit of Python, Linux, InDesign for my brochures, and on and on), and now I actually help others to learn this stuff. Not where I expected to be, but enjoying the ride all the same.
Now, I've started using my skills, which I never thought were all that great, for advertising and for publications of all sorts. I've even begun selling models to people who have approached me. I still work for a living as a music minister and as a marketing director for a non-profit hospital district. Now, because I only started out wanting to make pretty pictures and had to learn everything from C++ to shader writing, I often am the geekiest person in the office, wherever that may be ... and it's all fun.
I always have liked to do art with traditional media, but computer has allowed me to create a whole other dimension of objects. Many of my models are simple, but they serve me well in marketing and publications. Who knew? Some of those who know me have started seeing my username pop up in the photography forum lately, too. I was bereft of camera for about four years, which was a long story and not all that interesting. Suffice it to say, I'm excited to be back. I have an Olympus in hand again and have been annoying people with my photos from time to time.
Recently, after having picked up the guitar several years ago, I began playing accordion. Life is just more and more fun, isn't it? I'm actually getting better at accordion. I just said to myself, "Self, who cares what people might think; I like the accordion. And that, as they say, is that. :�)
Comments (26)
TwistedBolt
very cool...did you see the show on PBS called "Chaco valley"? It had some super impressive southern architecture, all based around sun&moon cycles.It may be of interest to you.
susanmoses
Now the Katsina Doll has a place to live... I think the cliff dwelling would be great in shades of grey like 'Mannequin' and the Katsina Doll in colours... but play around... you are sure to find the right tones... lovely work John!
LFNForever
Beautiful, and awesome lighting!!! :)
lgp692000
Wonderful setting for such a cool model. Excellent work on the cliff dewellings, the whole thing looks fantastic.
estevez
Its work of modeling of terrains and use of textures excellent and is very well executed. It seems an architecture of old civilizations. Great concept. Congratulations !
moonfish
You've touched off fond memories of the cliff dwellings we hiked to in Canyon de Chelly and other's viewed from a jeep on a Navajo lead tour a few years back. The Katsina seems like a benevolent spirit hovering near the People....wonderful stuff, John!
potrastoned
Nice place... to put the Katsina Doll. and most important this is your vision of where and how it should be.. that is always very important... loVE THe way it seems as if it where an ilusion the people from this place have... it look great!! Mis felicitaciones.. xoxo Val'
lunaris
What a perfect setting for the character. The trasparent layering gives a spiritual feeling to this scene. Wonderful job! EXCELLENT!
Kemal
Excellent background, I like it a lot, it realy looks like a very old and ancient place !!! :) Nice texturing as well ! :)
Ethesis
Reminded me of my visits to mesa verde.
orbital
Thats a cool model in the background, wouldn't mind one of those myself!
danamo
I think this is a wonderful pic, and I can't think of a better setting for your Sun Katsina figure. I like the artful transparent overlay and the symbolic juxtaposition to the sun, like a spiritual vision a Hopi Shaman might see.
arata
The architecture is so fantastic and looks very real, too! Great work. I like it.
melevos
Excellent and beautiful background!!
MoonGoat
Is that a morroca? Oh, yeah awesome work!
BazC
Great work Waldomac! Love the background too! :o)
soffy
John this is really a most excellent background for your wonderful Sun Katsina-a great spiritual sceneexcellent piece of work**
jasonmit
I love the transparent overlay of the kachina. It gives it a spirit-like feel.
Li-An
Awesome background! Those constructions realy have a north-african style.
cynlee
creating the perfect backdrop & mood! :]
zakalwe
well done
ralphwarnick
An interesting and delightful image that captures the magic of the western moment. One can almost feel the heat of the sun.
clbsmiley
Very nice!! I like this better.
shadowdragonlord
Aye, the cliff dwelling model is top-notch, I really like the rounded edges and the texturing.
jocko500
cool work
Sans2012
Very well done! Just started using wings myself, hope I can produce some cracking stuff like this. Excellent work there.