LookingOutwards-05 – Page 6 – [OLD FALL 2020] 15-104 • Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice

Looking Outwards 5

After further researching Andy Lomas to get a better picture of 3d computer graphics, I came across his project “Cellular Forms”, created around 6 years ago. This project aims to mimic and simulate the visuals of cellular growth through algorithms which act as a rule set for the cell production. For example, one of the parameters that Lomas sets on his simulation is the nutrient level, which triggers production of splitting cells.

While this could be taken very literally as the visuality of how cells are produced, what interested me about this project was the capacity it had to be further applied onto other projects. Since the project leaves the production of cells up to the simulation and parameter set, there is hypothetically an extremely large number of different outputs that can be produced: each in which can be related to other organic forms, such as coral, algae, or organs.

Looking Outwards 05: 3D Computer Graphics

Melting memories by Refik Anadol

This project combines data paintings, light projections, and augmented data sculptures to visibly demonstrate how the brain recalls memories.To generate the data, the artist conducted experiments at the Neuroscape Laboratory at the University of California, San Francisco.

“Anadol gathers data on the neural mechanisms of cognitive control from an EEG (electroencephalogram) that measures changes in brain wave activity and provides evidence of how the brain functions over time. These data sets constitute the building blocks for the unique algorithms that the artist needs for the multi-dimensional visual structures on display.”

I really enjoy this art because the artist explores the intersection of physical and digital reality, neuroscience, and art. In the work, the digital data he collects is reflected in different 3D shapes like swirls move across the work’s surface, resembling cresting ocean waves, blossoming flowers, and shifting sand.

LO-05

David Pyatt is a small artist that has been completing art since the age of 7, he focuses on landscapes and 3D digital art. This piece is called “3D Dimensional Art”. I admire this piece because it is made by a small artist for fun and has a very personal and cool feel to it. I am unsure of how this art was generated as Pyatt is a small artist so not much is known on his mediums or style. From looking at the piece I supposed he made it by looping squares and rectangles on top of each other. Another thing I admire about this piece is that it reminds me of the ocean. The colors resemble the bottom of the sea, and the abstract 3D nature of this piece make it feel as is I am under water with my eyes open.

https://pixels.com/featured/3d-dimensional-art-david-pyatt.html

LO5: Computer Graphics

Apples by Aleksandr Kuskov is a 3D render that exaggerates the reality of cutting fruits. In his work, Kuskov uses Autodesk Maya and Keyshot to achieve these hyper-realistic effects. I really enjoy this work because as I look at it– the sliced apples flying elegantly left and right, the fresh berries, smooth-textured peaches, and the splashing of apple juice–makes me thirsty. I couldn’t resist but think about how fulfilling it would be to have a taste of that sweet and refreshing juice. Through his 3D render work, Kuskov turns typical household fruits and the mundane process of cutting them up into something elegant and dynamic while provoking a sense of desire as it responds to the basic human need of eating.

Link: https://alekscg.pro/fruit

Title: Apples

Creater: Aleksandr Kuskov

Year: 2020

LO: 3D Computer Graphics

Edward Mcevenue is a 3D & motion graphics freelancer who created this art piece called “Wires & Splines.” These art pieces evoke the tornado/wind feelings as those colorful lines are rendered like a pattern. I admire how the configuration of those beautiful colors creates these harmonies patterns. Most of his works are created with the idea of repetitive geometric patterns. It is also interesting to see how he explores different abstract landscapes and geometric designs using 3ds Max, TyFlow & Redshift. He also illustrates by playing with dramatic lighting & atmosphere. He usually works with this type of imaginary spaces more than realistic aspects so that he could explore/create as he wants.

LO-05

Material Exploration

Vincent Schwenk & Vitaly Grossmann

Vincent Schwenk and Vitaly Grossman teamed up with a group of designers from all over the world to create an up-close exploration of material qualities represented through 3D renderings. Their animation brings viewers into an abstract and playful world of textures ranging from soft, yarn-like hairballs to sleek and polished industrial parts. One key aspect that I find intriguing is that the materials shown in the video are not real-life objects; rather, they take on ever-changing, organic forms that bend, shift, and meld into one another, keeping viewers continuously engaged with the sequence. The extensive rendering and computation for this project were done in Cinema 4D, as shown in a process video that is equally as engaging and vibrant.

Looking Outwards 05: 3D Computer Graphics

Mike Winkelmann, otherwise known as Beeple, is a 3D artist who has created videos and images everyday nonstop for the past few years. All his renders are eye captivating and realistic in detail. There is also a wide variety of designs he does, some political, some gruesome, and some tame. He has done collaborations with major brands such as LV. He uses a combination of different programs to fuel his work. He works in both 2D and 3D, but the way each image or model is generated is through 2D calculations of meshes. By deciding how detailed, smooth, or consistent his models will be, the properties of each mesh have to be specific. Beeple also chooses specific angles or frames when rendering his work which shows an intention behind how he wants to depict certain aspects or highlight specific objects. In modeling programs, meshes and curves and the base foundation of a surface of an object. By using that to his advantage, he is able to manipulate, shadow, scale, and proportions to have models work in his favor. In addition, there is the artistic idea of having a foreground, midground, and background.

LO 5 – 3D Computer Graphics

“So Long, Farewell” by Ferdinand Vazquez

“So Long, Farewell” is a 3-dimensional graphic piece by Ferdinand Vazquez, Lighting Generalist at Digital Domain.

Described as a “still life rendering using Maya and Mental Ray”, this project depicts a realistic bird’s-eye view of assumably a dining table and a variety of different accessories. By the multiple sketches that the artist presents at the bottom of the project, Vazquez shows the process that he followed and the applications that he used to create such piece. These applications include Autodesk Maya (Maya), a 3-dimensional computer animation software with powerful modeling, rendering, simulation, texturing, and tools, as well as Mental Ray, a production-quality ray tracing application for 3-dimensional rendering.

As portrayed in the piece, Vazquez’s artistic abilities are completely evident, from the appropriate shading and lighting to the intricate details of every aspect of the picture. All of these qualities contribute to the graphic piece’s overall success in achieving realism and imitation of a real-life perspective.

Looking Outwards 05: 3D Computer Graphics

I decided to look at “Portrait of Hope” by Leticia Gillett. I admire it because the skin looks so realistic yet stylized at the same time. It can be hard to portray mature skin because there are more details to worry about but Gillett did a great job. I don’t know a lot about the algorithms that generated and/or rendered the work but she works at Walt Disney animation and mentions LookDev. Gillett’s piece resembles a lot of the animation styles you see in modern Disney movies, and it is meant to be a portrait of her personal hero Jane Goodall. You can tell that she really admires the person she’s portraying with the soft light and dignified appearance of the person.

Looking Outwards – 05 – 3D Computer Graphics

Jennifer Steinkamp creates digital animations to explore the ideas of space, perception, and motion. Her piece called “Womb” was featured at Talley Dunn Gallery in August 23, 2019.

“Womb” – Talley Dunn Gallery – August 23, 2019

“Womb” joins art, design, and spatial experience into one. Viewers can walk up to an interactive wall of fruit. The fruits follow the movement of the people and continues to move on its own even after people stop moving. I admire how eccentric and lively the piece is. The vibrant colors, coupled with movement and wind sound effects, results in a transformative experience. Steinkamp uses 3D modeling software and Photoshop in order to generate “Womb”. She uses careful calibration to the dimensions of the physical space. All of her work is centered around femininity. Her artistic sensibilities manifest in “Womb” because the piece is all about taking up space. Similar to a womb that takes up space within the body in order to generate life, her artpiece generates transformation, movement, and life as well.