|
A change of expression
He's exhibiting in a new medium. And the reasons local artist Jack Breit moved from photography to digital art actually answer many questions raised about electronic creativity.
By BRANDY STARK
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 29, 2001
Fotografitti by Jack Breit
|
ST. PETERSBURG -- Local photographer-turned-digital artist Jack Breit is curating "Digital Fusions," an all-digital art show, at the Arts Center in downtown St. Petersburg. Breit also teaches digital art classes through the Arts Center's new digital studio, located on the second floor of the building. He recently talked with the St. Petersburg Times about his work.
Question: How did you get into digital art?
Answer: It was rather ironic, actually. I think it was late 1996 or early 1997 that I learned my eyes were going bad. This meant that I, as a photographer, was preparing to see the end of my photography career . . . My wife, Lisa Glaser, and I took a trip to Italy, which helped revive my spirits and inspired us both for more art. When we got back to the States, a friend of mine, Scott Kelby, asked me to go with him to a Photoshop workshop (an Adobe software program) . . . I saw people doing things on computers that would take me days or weeks to do in a darkroom. This changed my life.
Shortly after the workshop, I met local digital artist pioneer, Steve Carlisle, owner of Thunderbird Editions in Clearwater . . . He took me under his wing and helped me learn more about digital art, even giving me access to his computers and an assistant to help me.
Question: How is digital art affecting the art world?
Answer: It is really starting to mushroom. The computer is to the point where it is like the telephone: Everyone has one . . . Economically, you spend less on materials, aesthetically you have an unlimited palette out there in colors and techniques. Digital art has a low impact on the environment as there are no dangerous chemicals being used and disposed.
Question: How did you select the works for the "Digital Fusion" show?
Answer: My initial plan was to try to show the general public the diversity of digital art, so I really tried to select artists from different types of art backgrounds that in some way used the computer to make their artwork. Digital art covers a wide spectrum of uses, anywhere from digital cameras to copiers, to digital printers, ink-jet printers and the computer. So there is a lot to choose from.
Question: How is this show different from other art shows?
Answer: It is comprised entirely of digital works. These are the digital works of artists who are established in other art mediums, such as photography or painting.
Question: How is digital art being accepted by the local art community?
Answer: It still has certain negative connotations, which is the sad part. People think when you say digital that means the computer did the work. A lot of artists tend to shy away because they don't understand that the computer is just a tool, like a paintbrush. Give a paintbrush to one person, they will make a sign. Another will paint a house, while still another might paint a portrait. It's not the tool; it's how it is used.
PREVIEW
"Digital Fusions" at the Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Runs through April 23. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Call (727) 822-7872.
Back to Weekend
© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111
|
