Color Balance >>
John F. Simon, Jr.
An evolution in color value is created using Color Balance.
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Combinations >>
John F. Simon, Jr.
Combinations looks deep into the creative process of the mind and maps the
image as a whole.
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Every Icon >>
John F. Simon, Jr.
An inexhaustible 32x32 grid explores both the void and saturation of
iconographic imagery with Every Icon.
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||| HIAFF 3.0 | university of colorado | department of art and art history | digital arts area | in conjunction with alt-x | atlas | blurr
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> What is your educational and artistic background?
1985 BS - Geology - Brown University, Providence, RI BA - Studio Art - Brown
University, Providence, RI
1987 MA - Geology - Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
1989 MFA - Computer Art - School of Visual Arts - New York, NY
> Why do you use the computer to make art? Why not just draw?
Its the best medium to activate and visualize my writing and ideas. I draw and
paint every day. It is an important practice. Drawing is very immediate but the
ground is static. My drawing tools are defined by materials. My computer drawing
tools are defined by my ideas ö e.g. what kind of line does a tool that spins
make when I gesture with it? How many ways can it spin?
Drawing is great for many reasons. Drawing is more immediate than digital
systems (at present time) for me to visualize my thoughts. The drawing media
(pencil, gouache) still have the capacity to inform and surprise. In drawing I
can combine emotion and idea simply and quickly.
I draw on the computer and on paper and each offers something different. The
practice of visualizing and rendering is important to the creative process. Most
of the larger ideas I have for software start with sketches.
>I see that your site (numeral) is relatively sparse, lacking the visually
overpowering characteristics common among other artists sites. Also your writing
is minimal. Why is that?
My design sensibility is informed by Edward Tufte.
I try to convey information as clearly as possible in my visual design and
writing. I really donât think decoration works well in an information driven
medium. It usually clogs the pipes
>I believe that every concept has a medium to which it is best suited. What
types of ideas are best suited for the digital medium?
Ideas that require computing to be understood are suited for the digital medium.
Ideas that can be expressed algorithmically go well with computers. Concepts
that accumulate information and change over time based on that information
should be expressed in code.
> Where does your interest in iterations of some dataset arise from?
Long story·
> Do you think that artistic success (success in the art industry, and
specifically in this case with respect to your digital stuff) has changed your
work?
Yes - I have the resources to realize much more ambitious pieces. I can explore
concepts to a greater depth and produce them in nicer materials and with better
computers.
> Do you think that a net artist could or ever will be able to support
themselves making art online (and making it of their own volition, not for some
company)?
I think Valery Grancher does a pretty good job of supporting himself with online
projects. Mark Napier also makes money that way.
But why would one, except for idealistic reasons, limit one's production to
online? A good business will diversify their product line and try to find new
markets. Would it make sense to only work online?
Mark Kostabi sells many paintings through eBay and more through galleries.
Let's face it, it's hard to support yourself doing your own artwork - online,
offline, anyway you can.
>Do you subsist on the proceeds from your art?
Yes.
John F Simon Jr. updated his site shortly after this interview was recorded
http://www.numeral.com/
wade (the interviewer) can be contacted at: wade@aproximation.org |
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