milleniumsentry In reply to ??? [2009-10-29 19:39:41 +0000 UTC]

Thanks Mary. It is pretty exciting. The selected pieces are displayed at the International Congress of Mathemeticians, so it's precisely the place you want your work shown off.

I will definitely keep you up to date with any contests I hear about. Glad you are lurking again.

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liazrdqueen In reply to milleniumsentry [2009-10-30 17:12:55 +0000 UTC]

...."lurking" is the proper word right now....... After looking at your recent pieces, I'm tempted to go back to UF. I'll have to re-learn some stuff, but I'm thinking the long dry spell might be just about over.

I'm glad that you're finally getting some outside recognition for your work. It deserves it. I just wish that the fine arts community would recognize what we do as art -- because it is! Here's hoping that you pick up a commission or two for the exposure.

I'll be around......

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milleniumsentry In reply to liazrdqueen [2009-10-30 21:32:44 +0000 UTC]

I think one of the things that has discouraged me most, but also driven me the hardest, is how the art community views fractal and generative art.

Since joining DA I have come across a great many insulting journals and comments, some of which have been downright baseless and cruel.

I have made a point of making hd/tv wallpapers to see how it competes along side more traditional works. What I find interesting is how well it's doing, despite the already existing fan base in place for other genres.

If I do anything before putting fractal art on the shelf, it will be to prove those bastards wrong. I just have to be patient, and show that despite what they believe, anything can be done artfully, and that to dismiss one artform, is to dismiss their own.

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liazrdqueen In reply to milleniumsentry [2009-11-06 17:27:52 +0000 UTC]

Ya know, I was talking about this this morning in a letter to a friend.

The main problem that I see with fractal and generative art is that most of the people who produce it are not trained artists. (Of course, art as it is taught currently does not involve any sort of classical training either, being mostly a matter of learning how to splash paint on canvas and create a load of BS to justify the artist's lack of skill and sell a "conceptual" work.......) The community of fractal artists are viewed as computer geeks, not "artists," I think, and herein lies the problem.

Now, some of all of this is changing. If you will visit the Art Renewal Center or ARC, and read their manifesto, you'll come to realize that there is a movement against Post Modernism and Abstract Expressionism -- which is fantastic! Skillful art making is beginning to be taught again. And, along with that, the basic skill of art making -- color theory, composition, high levels of craftsmanship, taste -- is being taught again, too. And, if one looks at Ciro Marchetti's work, one will realize that there are some digital mediums that are being accepted as "art."

As much as some fractal artists will deny it, fractal art work is subject to the same set of rules that any other art form is: sophisticated color and composition, effective vision. All abstract art no matter what the medium is assessed by the same rules, and most fractal art falls into the abstract category. So, if we want to be taken seriously as artists, we need to be held to the same standard as any other traditional artist. Our work needs to be GOOD. It needs to stand up to rigorous art criticism just like any other work done in a traditional medium. And we learn how to do this by learning how to look first at all the art from all the ages that has preceded us and absorb the principles of making great art.

I know that this is not a popular stance to take. But I also know that most of the prominent fractal artists practicing out there have no formal art training -- and it shows. Yes, there is some effective and even brilliant work being done, but most of it falls far short of the standards for great art established through the ages.

If we want to be taken seriously as artists working in a new medium, we need to be humble before the greats that came before and learn from them. And, we need to show the art establishment that we can create a very high level of art -- not just a curiosity based on math by a bunch of computer geeks. And that takes work and more work.

Your work is excellent. You have a natural understanding of composition -- absolutely essential for making art. Your color eye is good, too. And, you have an innate understanding of the medium itself. If I were to give you advice, I would suggest taking an art history course somewhere and paying lots and lots of attention. It will only improve your understanding of your own work.

And, at the risk of alienating a friend, that's my opinion about that. If anyone stands a chance of becoming a standard bearer for fractal art, it's you. You just have to know where to push.

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milleniumsentry In reply to liazrdqueen [2009-11-06 20:03:50 +0000 UTC]

You never have to worry about alienating me. XD I'm alien enough. I have always held your opinion in high regard, so always feel free to be honest with me. It would be the last thing I am ever offended by.

I will be the first to say that there are HUGE gaps in my knowledge. It actually disconcerts me a bit that so many people assume I am some sort of expert, when really, I am playing it by ear. I have a fairly good skill set, my gallery can attest to that... but my learning curve is also quite apparent.

I would be trepadatious about taking an art course, but I do have some fairly good reasons. I have a lot of trouble with teaching's that involve logical fallacy or conjecture and unfortunately, it is a hairy beast of a thing when it comes to art. Even my views on metaphor and creativity vastly differ from the mainstream. I'd be more interested in reading a number of books that offered a variety of perspectives and find my way through the averages. I had a lot of trouble in school, with things like shakespeare or other fine lit., (and even art) as what I see, is often very, very different than what others do. I am a very open ended, fluid thinker. I have trouble accepting one interpretation when there could be many, and often run into troubles because I define things so open endedly.

I recently started a blog with Platinus, Banana-tree and Fardareismai. It's primary purpose is to explore what fractals are in relation to traditional art. I think it's a much better place to 'ush' than DA is and hopefully, we will make our way. The thinking is to approach things from a 'we know a lot about fractals, but the artform is still in it's infancy" mentality... and with luck, it will serve as a good place for people to challenge what we think, and vice versa.

In the end, I would probably say my weakest area lays in art theory. I have a good general knowlege, but specifics I have to look up and research as I come across them. I think art history would literally bore me to death, or frustrate me, for the reasons aformentioned.

If you ever have any books or articles/sites you think would help, ALWAYS feel free to link them or tell me about them. I read more than I breathe, and I always trust you would point me in the right direction.

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liazrdqueen In reply to milleniumsentry [2009-11-06 21:32:40 +0000 UTC]

Hmmmmm.

Well, all of that being said, that makes it tough. I will say this: most good art history classes involve looking at art and discussing it. The prof will point out how a work is composed, identifying masses, how they relate to each other, and how a painting or drawing sets up a dynamic flow. This is not largely a matter or interpretation -- the basic elements of any piece are there to be identified. Of course, art history also takes into account historical and biographical facts and attempts to place a work in its historical context. Where you get into speculation is interpretation of meaning -- and that can get silly. I got into an argument with one of my profs in a summer class about American art when we were talking about Eakins and his apparent homoerotic content and the unflattering way that he portrayed women. It was patently obvious to me, but the "authorities" were not of my mind. The prof took it very well, and pointed out that there is a school of feminist art that agreed with my point of view, so with a good prof, differing points of view can lead to vast amounts of insight.

Barring attending or auditing a class, I would suggest looking up the book lists for art history classes at colleges. I have a rather extensive library of art now, because I kept all of my books. And, since Amazon and Barnes and Noble are now handling textbooks, here's a place to start:

[link]

Here is the book that is being used at Winona State University for Art History I, an overview of the history of Western art:

[link]

I learned from the Jansen book -- and still have it -- but this one would do well. Of particular interest is the introductory chapter in which the author gives a brief discussion of the language that artists use to discuss and evaluate work. That is essential for making and understanding fine art.

These books aren't cheap, by any means, and can probably be accessed at a public library.

Also, I really don't recommend any of the art instruction books out there right now. They are too specific and don't cover the basics of line, mass, composition and color. The basic information that any artist needs is usually contained in art history books and classes since those classes teach analysis. I do own one book that was a very good overview for learning the language. It's still in print with a new author and available used because it is a textbook:

[link]

I have the third edition, written by Rita Gilbert.

As to sites, here are my favorites:

[link]

[link]

[link]

[link]

[link] (I also do Tarot and practice astrology)

[link]

If you poke around and look -- really look! -- at the works shown, you will absorb a great deal. And, if you have a book or mentor to show you how a work is broken down into its component parts, that will give you a set of tools with which to make your art even better. Remember, we're not talking about interpretation here, we're talking about the very real methods for making a work effective -- and they apply across the entire spectrum of artistic mediums. They are real and finite and well established -- not unlike the rules that govern how a computer program works. Now what you DO with them is entirely open ended!

I hope that this small list gives you a starting place. Looking at and enjoying art is an end in and of itself. It speaks to us through ages of human creativity and skill. I couldn't have a day go by without having some sort of art around me, and I have lots -- hanging on my walls or sitting on shelves. In my TV room alone, I have a Rossetti reproduction, a Mucha reproduction, an Underground travel poster reproduction, and a sheet of antique Art Nouveau postcards, all framed and all hanging where I can see them readily. In my bedroom, I have two antique travel poster reproductions, and oil painting and an oil pastel, both done by my daughter, a Mucha reproduction and one of Light's Apo fractals is in my bathroom. And my office, here, is full of visual stimulation with photos, books, my daughter's early work, a calendar by Rob Gonsolves, another travel poster and myriad owls and wizards and dragons. I can't live without this stuff.

So, good luck and let me know if you want more advice or support. I wish you well with your blog, but I recommend that you all learn the language of fine art. It can't hurt and, believe me, it will help to attract more mainstream artists to the cause.

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milleniumsentry In reply to liazrdqueen [2009-11-06 23:50:52 +0000 UTC]

Alrighty. That's a pretty big bulk of information to go through.

I will start this weekend.

Michael Parkes stuff is great. Although there is a trend I have noticed with a lot of art that mimics style of the ren. and it's like a lot of them have never seen a naked woman before.

I know classically, they did often use male models, but to reproduce the errors in a modern context seems .. strange to me.

I will keep you posted as I make my way through. Thank you for sending me the links.

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liazrdqueen In reply to milleniumsentry [2009-11-07 04:59:46 +0000 UTC]

Yeah.....I tend to throw it all out there. I hope you enjoy the journey.

Michael Parkes' work references the Art Deco movement as well as Michaelangelo, who, I believe, was about the only Renaissance painter to paint the female form that way. (Well, he was into men. What can I say? If a painter needed a female model, there was always a hooker or two around to be hired to sit.....and they did.... Look at Caravaggio sometime. Of course, he was into guys, too.) For the Deco look, check out Erte, who designed fashion as well as costumes for the Ballets Russe:

[link]

As you look at more and more art, you begin to see the influences that artists draw from -- and there are many! We all stand on the shoulders of giants, even though it left Michael Stipe cold.

Have fun! And, if it ain't fun, don't do it!

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laurengary In reply to ??? [2009-10-24 04:24:56 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for the on Ghostly Triad!

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milleniumsentry In reply to laurengary [2009-10-24 05:27:47 +0000 UTC]

No need to thank. It was my pleasure.

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coby01 In reply to ??? [2009-10-21 12:24:41 +0000 UTC]

hi hi
I have add you to my watchlist,because you make great work,and you have a beautiful gallery

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milleniumsentry In reply to coby01 [2009-10-21 20:51:54 +0000 UTC]

Thanks Coby. I am glad you enjoyed it.

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HBKerr In reply to ??? [2009-10-20 22:04:00 +0000 UTC]

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milleniumsentry In reply to HBKerr [2009-10-23 22:41:22 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure. XD

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Leif-Oo In reply to ??? [2009-10-19 22:41:59 +0000 UTC]

you have a amazing gallery

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milleniumsentry In reply to Leif-Oo [2009-10-20 00:11:55 +0000 UTC]

Thanks Leif.

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milleniumsentry In reply to kayandjay100 [2009-10-13 05:30:44 +0000 UTC]

Absolutely my pleasure. Don't know how I missed it.

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kayandjay100 In reply to milleniumsentry [2009-10-13 08:02:21 +0000 UTC]

!!!

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MakinMagic In reply to ??? [2009-10-05 22:12:06 +0000 UTC]

On "The Pilgrimage".

[link]

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J4K0644061x In reply to ??? [2009-09-26 09:00:10 +0000 UTC]

yay :> thanks for favs and watch !
highly appreciated.

best wishes
jakob

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milleniumsentry In reply to J4K0644061x [2009-09-26 14:27:49 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure. Your surreal pieces are quite awesome. I especially like your melting face stuff. I'd love to do a fractal with something like them, like you did with your DevID. Would be truly creep-erific.

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J4K0644061x In reply to milleniumsentry [2009-09-26 15:18:03 +0000 UTC]

thanks we could try a mixed media collab if you like ?

ez
jk

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milleniumsentry In reply to J4K0644061x [2009-09-27 15:38:57 +0000 UTC]

I would really like that.

I will tinker with some stuff over the next week and see how that sort of image plays on a fractal.

Thanks.

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J4K0644061x In reply to milleniumsentry [2009-09-27 17:31:32 +0000 UTC]

cool! if you need a hi-res image let me know

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Nahte27 In reply to ??? [2009-09-13 05:19:11 +0000 UTC]

Hey, I'm not normally a big fan of fractals, but I absolutely love your gallery! I think your technical style is totally awesome! Keep up the good work!

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milleniumsentry In reply to Nahte27 [2009-10-14 20:18:00 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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milleniumsentry In reply to Nahte27 [2009-09-16 16:22:36 +0000 UTC]

Comments like this make my day Nahte27. It's always fantastic to hear when I've managed to step outside of my target audience.

Many thanks.

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dmcconne In reply to ??? [2009-09-11 18:52:08 +0000 UTC]

Flagged as Spam

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milleniumsentry In reply to dmcconne [2009-09-16 16:19:28 +0000 UTC]

Thats dm. Glad you enjoyed.

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RedandWhiteIgnite In reply to ??? [2009-09-02 13:03:24 +0000 UTC]

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BGWorX In reply to ??? [2009-08-16 09:11:29 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for the my incredible friend!
Love your gallery btw!

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milleniumsentry In reply to BGWorX [2009-08-16 14:03:51 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure. And right back atcha. I love your colored works, and you have a very cool and unique style.

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theslider In reply to ??? [2009-07-21 14:02:35 +0000 UTC]

Congratulations, you have Wonderfully Peculiar Fractals in your Gallery
--
Leonardo

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milleniumsentry In reply to theslider [2009-07-22 18:06:23 +0000 UTC]

Thanks Leo... I have a strange attraction to all things weird and different.

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Fiery-Fire In reply to ??? [2009-07-17 07:09:58 +0000 UTC]

I'm fully packed, just in case of 'bad fractal reaction' to the journal and The News !!!
You have been featured in all your glory in my Journal >> [link]
and in the News article >> [link]

Keep a smile on

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milleniumsentry In reply to Fiery-Fire [2009-07-17 22:49:35 +0000 UTC]

No worries Iwona. My ego can handle it.

Hilarious feature.

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Fiery-Fire In reply to milleniumsentry [2009-07-17 22:52:26 +0000 UTC]

Thanks Chris sss

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Jimpan1973 In reply to ??? [2009-07-12 11:09:59 +0000 UTC]

Your art has been featured here[link]
Just let me know if you disaprove.

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milleniumsentry In reply to Jimpan1973 [2009-07-12 15:29:42 +0000 UTC]

Thanks Jimmie! Great feature!

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zungzwang In reply to ??? [2009-07-04 15:00:02 +0000 UTC]

Hello, random deviant!

Found your page through the random deviant tool! Have a nice day!

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milleniumsentry In reply to zungzwang [2009-07-04 15:41:03 +0000 UTC]

How random!

Have a nice day too!

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BiscuitBase In reply to ??? [2009-07-03 22:19:03 +0000 UTC]

Hey!! Im a new comer but i love your work. Really cool.

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milleniumsentry In reply to BiscuitBase [2009-07-04 02:02:28 +0000 UTC]

Thanks Paul! Welcome to the .. party...

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photonig In reply to ??? [2009-07-03 21:00:24 +0000 UTC]

Now...I...feel...eyes...too.

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milleniumsentry In reply to photonig [2009-07-04 02:02:40 +0000 UTC]

Kinda squishy no?

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photonig In reply to milleniumsentry [2009-07-04 05:48:29 +0000 UTC]

Looking at your avatar gives me the same feeling I experienced a lot during the 70s......If you know what I mean.

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milleniumsentry In reply to photonig [2009-07-04 06:28:11 +0000 UTC]

What ever do you mean good sir?

[link] [link]

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liazrdqueen In reply to ??? [2009-07-02 03:53:55 +0000 UTC]

Hey, Chris, I'm sorry I missed the workshop today. (See my journal for details.) Any idea when the transcript will be up? Thanks, and I'm really sorry I missed it!

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