Jerry N. Uelsmann

Jerry N. Uelsmann

This image has been digitally transformed by a digital artist that goes by the name of "Jerry N. Uelsmann". This image to me represents inspirations and passions. The things in life that keep you going. The image is of a little row boat isolated in the ocean and a pair of hands cupping the ocean. It is as if this is the most important thing in the world as he is grasping it in his bare hands. Doesn't want to let go of his passions. Maybe it is signifying a jump in his life where he has had to sacrafice something he loves for something like... work or children. On the other hand it could just be an inspiration that he holds close to get him through life... always looking back at his row boat to be reassured. The colours in this image are quite dull being all different shades of grey. It gives a real sence of depth and emotion through the image. The contrasting negative space really illuminates the ocean and the clouds because the colours are so contrasting; Black and white. This creates a strong focal point of the image: the row boat. This image really gets you thinking about the things in life that motivate you and mean the most to you. I think to thi artist this atmosphere and scene is a real place to just get away and relax, forget about all the problems in life and just enjoy the relaxing sounds of the waves and the chiming sea birds.

Check this site out :)
He is an amazing digital artist, His works all have strong depth and emotion...
http://www.uelsmann.net/

FreedomGrowls

This is my third avatar and I have decided to call it “FreedomGrowls”. This image is exploring my free spirit. I like to live the way I want; like the things I want and I don’t let other influences affect that in a negative way. I have photo shopped a few different images together to create this image and each have a symbolic meaning. I have chosen to include a white, snow tiger as a visual representation of myself because a tiger is strong and has a strong sense of self, which I like to think I do as well. The tiger is strong on the inside but a calming, gentle, soft white exterior hides that. It is also delicately leaning down with its front paws in the fractal-layered lake just dipping in to the intensity that lies beneath. The balloons floating in the background are there for the tiger to look up too when it is ready to step away from the intensity. It is a constant reminder that when the hard stuff is all over you can just float away peacefully. The colours in this image are all soft and quite placid to give create a relaxing atmosphere until you look down and see the fractal-layered lake where all the intensity lies in life. The lake is a representation oh school and work in my life and the balloons above are carrying my dreams and aspirations, always flying overhead reminding me of what is ahead. This avatar is just a visual representation of my dreams and passions and the freedom of like that I enjoy.

Cyborgatorium

This is my second final Avatar. I have decided to call this piece “Cyborgatorium”. This piece is representing my imagination. I have used various fantasy images to bring this image to life. They have been lightly blended together to create a whole new world… my utopia. On the left hand side is a digital representation of me, as I would imagine myself to look in another world. I have the same facial features but my hair is long and dark, I have scales protruding down my forehead and luminous veins slowly moving up from my chin to my cheek. I am also wearing an outfit that reminds me of a medieval warrior, scales and all. My head is taking on the form of a dinosaur that is linking this image of the future with the past: the Jurassic period, which is actually one of my favourite periods of time. On the right hand side is a flying unicorn/bird/dragon, which is very mystical all on it’s own. My eyes are directed looking at the flying creature, which creates a strong linked focal point, firstly you look at the cyborg and then her eyes direct you toward what is flying toward her. The cyborg (me) is quite out of proportion to give the viewer the impression that she is looking down upon her thoughts, dreams and imagination inspired land. It is my mind exploring and opening up to the world. The places I’ve visited the things I’ve experienced and my inner thoughts and interests are all flaunted sparingly throughout this utopia. The colours are bold and in some areas lit up, this is enhancing the magical, futuristic and surreal atmosphere. There aren’t really any specific symbols in this image; everything just blends together to give a representation of my mind and me.

Black Determination

This is my first final Avatar. I have decided to give this the title “Black Determination” because it is a representation of a certain aspect of myself. This one is focusing on my individuality and determination. The focal point of the work is definitely the image of me morphed with a black panther. This really is the point in the work that all the meaning branch out from. Black Panthers to me have always been very self aware, determined and I can image that whatever they set there mind to… whether it be the kill for lunch or sitting back and sleeping… you cant stop them once they have made the decision. To be honest I am much like this too. From when I was five years old to now my parents have always said that I have always been very determined once I set my mind to something… I wont back down. I have included particular symbols to represent other aspects in my life. The moon in the bottom left corner is a symbol for my passions and dreams. I always have them in the back of my mind for motivation. I have placed the moon half hiding behind a cloud showing how close they are but I still have to work hard to get there. Another symbol in my piece is the abstract fractal pattern shining through along the bottom half. This pattern shows intricate and delicate thought. I tend to think things through a lot and sometimes too much, I look at things very closely and analyse the quite deeply. I thought that the fractal image demonstrated these qualities perfectly. It’s a gentle image but you can see all the detail and precision. To really bring this piece to life I have used many of the elements of art to give it deep expression. Colour is the main element I really focused on that almost dominates the image. I have used a background image of space that is made of different vibrant shades of purple and blue. I chose the colour purple to really take hold of the image not just because it’s my absolute favourite colour but also because it is a colour that portrays royalty and power. It’s a colour that really motivated me to strive and take hold of what I want and this is exactly what this piece means to me. The line in this piece is really quite flowing and organic as much of it looks like it has just been splashed and splattered on the background. The line flicking my hair was really important to create unity in the piece to match with the free-flowing colours and shapes. This image is one of my favourite I have created so far because it really explores a deeper side of my personality and I think that through the symbols and the representation of me it gives a strong and affective voice to the image.

Artist: Benedict Campbell

Benedict Campbell

The image he has used is the album cover for Pink Floyd's 1973 "The Dark Side of the Moon". The album was released containing lyrics relating and speaking up about conflict, greed, the passage of time and mental illness.

Campbell has used a contrasting colour scheme to enhance the focal point, obviously being the rainbow racetrack coming towards you. The image is suspended in a solid black background which gives the impression that it is floating; thus creating the impression that time has stopped and everything is suspended in air. The colours enhance this as the bright colours of the rainbow are flowing gently around the empty space. This creates a happy, free, and exciting mood. There is a contrast in line where the triangle is very geometric and the rainbow flowing from it is extremely organic, this demonstrated the idea of there being something exciting at the end of every hard trip. The geometric triangle is a very dull, grey/blue colour which isn't very interesting. Then the flowing colours and ko-carts racing down the track are very happy and exciting. The meaning behind this Digital piece seems to reflect on the original meaning behind the Pink Floyd album incorporated in it. The Triangle is referring to the not-so-happy things in life, for instance mental illness, greed and conflict as mentioned earlier. It is then leading out to the rainbow racetrack for go-karts showing that there is a good side to everything bad. The idea of the Passage of time is flaunted through the airy portrayal of the images and the go-karts are contrasting this giving the impression that time is driving away... fast. This image is an interpretation of the Pink Floyd album using visual language, humour and creativity to take the original image beyond mimetic representation.

'I am passionate about the image and therefore I will use every means available to me to create the image...’ – Benedict Campbell

To read more about Benedict Campbell...

http://www.benedict1.com/biography.html

Avatar III: Individuality and Freedom

DeviantArt

Deviant Art is a virtual website where you have an Avatar of yourself. You have a "Blog" and you post up all your artwork. People can look at it and comment on it. It's a place where people can be who they want to be through their imagination; what they put to paper. It's a place to free your imagination and let others see things the way you do. You are essentially what your art says about you. The virtual society Deviant Art is really interesting to be involved. You see the ways different people portray certain things. You can also receive comments about your art to get to know people that may see things quite similarly to you. It really is a great way to open your mind to exciting, new and bizarre creatures or environments that other people create. This website links in with our topic this term very well because its all about the visual representation of yourself. The things behind the exterior, beliefs, values, passions. It's your mind in colour and shape and form.

It's about how you feel and how you would portray yourself.

Avatar II; My Determination

Avatar I; My Environment

Avatar Landscapes

The Environment

I really like both of these images and when creating my Avatar I want to be able to express both of these. The natural world filled with technology. I want to create an environment that creates a balance between both of these worlds for the better. A world of land and mind where technology is used positively upon the land. "The Natural Space Ages" (thats what i'm going to call it :P)

Dragon Wings II

I think this dragon is defiantly a bit to dark for me but isn't it amazing!

Dragon Wings

For my avatar... I have been researching a lot of dragons and I wanted to incorporate some technology into the wings. I really like this image as a base for the wings but I would like to work into it a bit, add some detail and give it some more intricate line. I would like to make them look more like a machine and less like typical dragons wings.

Artificial Intelligence II

What are the dangers of the creation of artificial intelligence or models like David?

Jealousy is a big problem as well as other human emotions that can interfere with the decisions we make. A lot of moral questions are raised when discussing the development of artificial intelligence in terms of how they are programmed to know right from wrong.
There are some specific dangers to do with immortality and robots taking over. People loosing their jobs and, what happens if someone hacks into the control system of all the robots. There could be all sorts of insane chaos.

What are some of the positives of having artificial intelligence?

Some people might be able to use it in terms of filling a void. Using technology to have something again that you previously have lost; a child?
Artificial intelligence will defiantly help us to discover cures for diseases therefore creating immortality. This also can't always be a positive.

Steven Spielberg created a dark look a this subject, how could he have changed the film to be more positive?

I think Spielberg was really trying to put forward the negatives and play on those to, in a way, scare people from letting technology take over. I think in this movie, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong and I'd say that this was exactly what Spielberg was trying to put out there. Raising the question because what if everything did go wrong? What if someone used technology to take over the world, to kill people; or control them? People like HITLER!
He could have made the movie more positive by maybe showing how we can help the situation if the world became like that... how would we prevent disaster?

Can we trust computers as much as humans?

Sometimes i don't think we really can trust either. Humans have a level of emotion that can become unstable under certain circumstances. Things like jealousy, anger, frustration, attention... these can all lead to huge problems.
Robots on the other hand will only know what they have been programmed to. This then brings up huge moral questions. They will know what they have been programmed to think is right and wrong but in certain situations it's human nature and morals that help you make the "right" decision.

How far do you think technology can go before we need to put our foot down?

I think when this does happen there will be huge disputes because everyone wants different things. People that are power crazy are going to want to take control of peoples minds. People that are selfish are definitely going to want immortality and people for the land are going to be against it all... there are too many different possibilities to consider, but personally, i think once these robots start making decisions for us and interrupting daily life significantly, it's time to stop... and think.

Are we already "Transhumanist" in that we have technology extensions off our bodies?

I think we have begun the process but are not quite there yet.People are using technology to help cheat death and wheelchairs by using robotic limbs and body parts. I don't think this is taking it too far yet but when these extensions start to control our minds... then we could be in trouble.

What are some extension that you think may be more common in the future?

To be honest, nothing would surprise me but i think people will be using these extensions for their own advantage in all sorts of areas. People will be using robotic legs so that they can run faster, people will have robotic eyes so they can see through walls and have all sorts of "powers". People will be able to create and have whatever they want... it wont be about your human ability anymore, it will be about what you have on you enhancing your human ability!

Do you see this as a positive for human kind?

I think this is really too hard to answer... there are so many "buts" and exceptions that i think things will defiantly get out of hand... Positively and Negatively.

TransHumanism...

What is TRANSHUMANISM?

~ The super hightech dream of the scientists, philosophers and neuroscientists.

~ Alter the mind and human experience as we know it today.

~ Uploading individual consciousness to a virtual reality.

" Who will be behind the HUMAN KEYBOARD?" Mrs. Makin

Artificial Intelligence

What did Monica struggle with?

Her only son was dying and she didn't want to replace him with a piece of technology.

What was the professors proposal for the creation of a new robot?

The professors proposal was to create a robot at the same emotional level as a human being. A robot that can love and dream.

Do you think you can trust a robot?

I think sometimes you could trust a robot more than a human because they don't have the same level of emotion we have. At the same time... they can't always know what is morally right; just what they are programmed to think is right.

What would happen if the robots out-lived us?

I think eventually they would take over and start creating more and more intelligent robots for themselves; they have eternal life.

CyberSpace

- These capabilities generate a virtual interactive experience which can be accessed for the purpose of communication regardless of geographic location.

- While cyberspace should not be confused with the real internet, the term refers to objects and identifies which exist within the communication network itself.

The Sci-Fi Side

The Wookiees, whose name for themselves translated to the People of the Trees, were a species of hairy bipedal humanoids that were inhabitants of the planet Kashyyyk. One of the most noteworthy members of the species was Chewbacca, Han Solo's best friend and co-pilot, who played a vital role in the Galactic Civil War and afterwards.

Thinking About My Cyber-Representation

For my Avatar I'm thinking about using this image and incorporating a Sci-Fi theme with some clone troopers.... maybe a Wookiee here and there and some good old "Fifth Element" hover cars. I am also thinking about morphing me with a dragon as the representation of myself. A really bright, magistic, fire-breathing DRAGON.

CyberSpace

- These capabilities generate a virtual interactive experience which can be accessed for the purpose of communication regardless of geographic location.


- While cyberspace should not be confused with the real Internet, the term refers to objects and identifies which exist within the communication network itself.

Exploring Cyberspace

Wikipedia Definition

Cyberspace is the global domain of electromagnets as accessed and exploited through electronic technology and the modulation of electromagnetic energy to achieve a wide range of communication and control system capabilities.

Cyberspace is the Virtual World of the Unknown...

I chose this image because when i think of cyberspace i think of a big chaotic city of technology with messages flying around.

Animorph II Practice

This is a BEARDED-LION (Bearded Dragon/Lion)

Photoshop Animorph

Yesterday we used photo shop to practice morphing two animals together before we jump to our final ANIMORPH!

I'm not very experienced with photo shop but i did get the hang of it really quickly. To start off we opened twp images. We had to choose which would be the background image to then cut out the other. I decided i was going to morph an Emu with a Kookaburra and the Kookaburra was going to be the background.

The first tool we used was the Magnetic Lasso to cut our our image to move onto the background. This tool magnetically cropped around the image to then cut and move. For this we used the Move tool.

We then used a soft edged rubber to soften and neatened the perimeter line of the shape. After we were happy with the positioning of the two imaged, we used a new tool; the Clone tool. This tool is used to "clone" or copy a certain area of the background image onto the second layer image. This enhanced the realism of my final image.

Animorph Practice

This is an Emu cross with a Kookoburra

Animal Quiz

I have two pet Bearded Dragons "Iggy" Female and "Coby" Male.

Animal Psychology Bizzarratorium

What is your favourite animal?
Bearded Dragon

Personality traits of the animal.
Quirky, Agile, Lazy

What is your second favourite animal?
Chameleon

Personality traits of the animal.
Mysterious, Unique

What is your third favourite animal?
Lion

Personality traits of the animal.
Strong

If I Were A Flower

When choosing a flower i was a bit stuck because I'm really not that educated in the world of flowers so i decided to ask Mrs. Makin. When i first asked her what flower she saw me as the first thing she said was a Purple Tulip which is bizarre because i am kind of obsessed with the colour purple... i love it! So i thought it was interesting that she specified that colour. I have been thinking about why she sees me as this flower and i think she referred to the tulip to show that i am quite a confusing or intricate person. Soft and "smells good" :S. I'm really not too sure about this one but when i pulled a a picture of this flower i straight away knew this was the one... there must be something there but IBM still interpreting this one.

If I Were A Pair Of Glasses

These are my glasses. I'm not blind but my eyes have trouble focusing and what not... really these glasses are purely for reading. I decided that if i were a pair of glasses these would be the pair that i would choose to be. I would have to say books are one of the most important things to me. If I'm having a bad day or just want to forget about whats happening in reality for a few hours I will just sit and read. It's the best to just sit back with a fantasy book and imagine living in a world with dragons and cross animals and giant toads :P honestly i couldn't imagine a more interesting and entertaining world. Could you imagine flying a dragon to school everyday when your school is up on the highest castles roof then spending the weekend fighting giant toads and running from over sized lady beetles trying to scoop you up like an eagle with a mouse. It would be incredible. So, if i was to be a pair of glasses i would defiantly be mine to have experienced some of the adventures that i have.

If I Were A Chair

I chose this chair because when you look at it, it appears to be hard and quite uncomfortable. It is a bean bag where the bag looks like lots of metal (almost) scales, joined together. In a way this reminds me of a lizard which is relevant because i have two pet Bearded Dragons, Iggy (female) and Coby (male). So many people have always told me that to them i appear quite strong and confident in myself where if you asked me i would say there is no one else more self conscious. I thought this chair was appropriate to represent this part of me. It appears to be strong and bold on the outside but being a bean bag... we all know they are soft and easily squashed.

If I Were A Car

Yes, this is the famous Delorian from Back To The Future. I'm not really sure what it is but when i was thinking about what car i would be my first thought was this. It really draws me in, i don't know whether it's the look of it or whether it's the fact that if i were this car i would be an amazing time traveller and wouldn't that just be too cool. Now thinking about it i think it is probably both of these things. Growing up i have lived in 14 different houses and 3 different states over Australia and 4 different cities... the out come of this has been both negative and positive. I grew up always trying new things and moving a lot sort of forced me to mature a lot faster that i probably would have, because of this i have always been mentally more mature than majority of people my age that i come across at school or outside school. This car can jump years of time and i think this really represents how i have grown as a person. Always chopping and changing places, adapting to different lifestyles and always feeling mentally more cultural and mature than people around me.

If I Were A Shoe

To me this shoe reminds me more of a piece of art. The smooth suede texture and the big vibrant beads. This shoe really is me. I actually do have this pair of shoes. My mum, sisters and i were out shopping and i picked up this pair of shoes, the both of them straight away just said "that shoe is SO you" and until i really thought about it i just kind of dismissed that comment. This shoe really does have a lot of similarities toward my personality. I am quite a soft person, i will always help other and try to be friendly. this shoe is quite closed up which is how i am; quite introverted. the big, vibrant beads on the outside are like my outside appearance. i wear what i like and don't care if anyone else likes it or whether its in fashion. These beads are what people see from the outside until they take the time to unwind the "strapping".

If I Were A Tree

This tree represents my personality in various different and unique ways. I'm unsure of the type of tree it is but i find it to be very mysterious and enchanted. I'm the type of person that doesn't really open up to people until i know them. I think this tree is appropriate toward that side of my personality because the trees and leaves of this tree are up quite high. I imagine this to be representing how people have to make the effort to get to know me before they can reach my "leaves" or see what I'm really about. The trunk of this tree is very intricate and spread quite wide. I'm have used this to demonstrate how I am a very open person, i will accept nearly anything thats thrown at me and don't judge.