Artwork by Steve Welsh
Larry Vallem - 05:59pm Apr 15, 1997 (#1 of 8)
Your solution to the problem is so interesting, and personal. I really like it. I can't imagine having to have worked with three, when two on a project was plenty. Great work.
Bobbie Guerra - 07:46pm Apr 15, 1997 (#2 of 8)
Art Teacher - Texas School for the Deaf
Steve Simply Gorgeous. I love the simplicity in your combination of images. The person stands majestically heads above the sky. It feels open and airy- quite different from Susan's and my solution. Thanks for your patience in all the crashes in our
RoundTable discussions.It's been fun and really pretty easy to work with three and a nice way to make new friends. Great Job Steve
":-)
Steve Welsh - 08:07pm Apr 15, 1997 (#3 of 8)
Since Bobbie upload all 3 versions for us, I'm adding my reflection of the project and my version HERE (although Reinhold might change it for me later)...
Bobbie, Susan and I began our project by deciding upon a theme of "nature" in the Darkroom area where we normally hold our weekly chats. We used this chat room at various times throughout the process to quickly discuss progress or changes. We also used e-mail between the 3 of us. At Reinhold's notice, we downloaded ForeFront's "RoundTable" software (3.5 meg. file, ugh!) and tested it at ForeFront's site. The software not only lets you chat, but uses voices and allows you to use Draw-mode tools on a white board above your chat text. Despite a few lockups, or disconnections at times, that software allowed another dimension of sharing our images quickly while we talked. A very cool collaborative teaching tool (now they just need to make a server version for the Mac!). We decided we would share photos of nature from the 3 of us, which reflected 2 states, Texas and Oregon. We transfered photos to each other as attachments to email (stuffed). However, instead of working for ONE final image, we chose to let the visions of each of us produce 3 variations on the theme. I thought it was cool to see Bobbie's version immediately in RoundTable (she finished first), but later thought... "Oh, rats, now the rest of my creation would be influenced by hers (which I liked)." But it didn't that much. I chose to use her "shadow" of the person signing the word "Tree" as the central image of my version --- and emphasized it by lowering and fading into the rest of the collage and letting the person literally stand out. What a great effort and enjoyable project it was. Sometimes the communication process was smooth, others times not... yet we felt we had developed a good system by the end.
Susan Komnandosky - 08:48am Apr 16, 1997 (#4 of 8)
Steve, this is impressive. I love the fact that you used the tree image as a dominant element when both Bobbie and I opted not to use it. Yours has a very airy feel and that is a nice contrast to our results. While I love springtime in Texas, that Oregon coast shot is spectacular. I did not find working with three people to be particularly difficult especially since we used the chat room several times. E-mail with carbon copies sent to both other partners made it all quite efficient. I enjoyed getting to know both you and Bobbie better and sharing ideas is always a wonderful way to learn.
Larry Cassis - 12:50pm Apr 16, 1997 (#5 of 8)
This image is a treat for the eyes! The combination of composition and effect synergize many different feelings towards the meaning(s) that might be evoked by this image. A great use of masking & blending! A different path taken out of a 3 way collaboration. Great efforts! :) larryC
Trish Lynch - 06:24pm Apr 16, 1997 (#6 of 8)
As I read each of your thoughts on this collaboration I continue to be amazed! Each of you have done an incredible job individually and collectively. Each composition is different yet the theme flows throughout each beautifully. I will take this example and share with the National CUE Conference participants next month. A great job!
Sandy McAuley - 08:24am Apr 25, 1997 (#7 of 8)
Although I like all three variations on the "Nature" theme, I particularly like the use of the human figure in this one. It emphasizes to me that humanity is part of nature, something we sometimes overlook. Great work, Steve!
Karelle Scharff - 04:02pm Apr 30, 1997 (#8 of 8)
I have looked at all three of the solutions to the design problem you 3 set yourselves and I am truly astounded at the variety and mastery that each of them shows. This one in particular appeals to me because of the figure and the composition.