VIRTUALITY PRESS Interview with COMPUTER GRAPHICS WORLD MAGAZINE --How long have you been producing computer art? I've been producing digital art for almost 4 years now.   --What do you like most about the medium? For me, as an artist and musician, contemporary digital art and modern electronic music serve a variety of complimentary functions. I can define and express myself in both forms equally well. There is an interesting synthesis that is inclusive of my personal ideology within the convergence of the two mediums, and though I am a musician first, I definitely find satisfaction in the creative aspects of both. I admit there is sometimes a 'yin-yang' paradigm occuring with art and music, but for me, I find that more often than not, one reflects subversive and subconscious elements of the other, beyond the obvious.   --What does computer art allow you to do that you can't do through traditional methods? I come from a contemporary computer-based graphic design background as opposed to a fine arts/illustration background. My approach is dependent more upon the computer as a tool and the canvas for ideas and self-expression. That being said, I do take the perspective of a graphic artist with an interest in modern forms of various art mediums. As such, I term my own personal style neo-impressionist conceptualism. I tend to focus on concepts with a sometimes subtle use of symbolism and surrealism. The abstraction of the two forms the basis for my 'style'. And toss in some quasi-hostile political and social overtones, and a healthy amount of Dr. Pepper, and I think that sums it all up.   --What hardware/software do you use, and for what specific purposes while creating the art? I exclusively use a MacIntosh computer(s). I do spend alot of time in Photoshop, Bryce 3D, Illustrator, QuarkXpress, Pagemill and Adobe Dimensions (something like version -2, or another archiac version of that program).   --What makes your art unique, technically and personally? Ultimately whether my art is unique, is a matter of subjective opinion. In and of itself, it is unique to me as I created it. The techniques involved are not so much part of my concern, at least consciously, unless I am being asked to specifically analyze. Like I mentioned, I often create a piece with a specific agenda or concept in mind, and when I am working on a piece for both the art and music mediums, it's not so much a process as it is a reflection of thoughts and/or perspectives.   --What are you trying to achieve in creating your images? A symmetry between a vision and a theme. I admit to using political viewpoints and sociological opinions as much as personal experiences and emotional states of mind. To me they are all interwoven and inter-react anyhow. Whether or not the viewer ascertains my perspective is somewhat irrelevent. That they get some kind of emotion from it, or atleast the atmosphere, is atleast as important.   --Do you create art professionally or as a hobby? Haha! Actually, both. Much of my design work is done as an employee and a freelancer, but... I also have my musical recording career, which often consists of creating art that works in conjunction with the music. So, it seems I am not only an employee but an employER of myself. If this sounds slightly schizophrenic, believe me, it's unintentional.   --Where do you live (city, state)? Currently I reside, temporarilly, in Raleigh, North Carolina, but in the near future I will be either relocating to back to NY, or even San Francisco.   --Where do you get your inspiration? How does that impact your work? It truly varies. I try to allow my mind to act as a sponge, to soak up as much information and knowledge as I can. I find observation as inspiring as contemplation. Conversely, the most mundane facets of life can provide as much inspiration as a deep philosophical conversation on the sub-atomic biocellular halflives of a crumb of a jelly donut! I truly follow a lifestyle of tolerance and diversity, except for my soft drink consumption. Then I discriminate, but only against Pepsi products!   --Any other information about you as an artist or your work. If anyone is interested, I have a new CD of ambient neo-progressive rock music, which includes 72-minutes of vocal & instrumental music AND a 16-page booklet of personal philosophy and my own digital artwork. It's entitled VIRTUALITY and is a non-linear concept CD based upon personal ideology (see the link below). Also, I am always looking to do design work such as CD covers, websites and the like for independent artists, perhaps moreso than for large corporations. I have plenty of my work posted on my website. To sum it all up: I am affordable, expedient, and I don't bite. Contact me. Karen Moltenbrey - Computer Graphics World 98 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03062 phone: 603-891-9449 * fax: 603-891-0539