ABOUT THE COVER Computer Art Comes of Age Hans Westman Computer Graphics Cover Editor It is apparent that art created using computers has become more than an expression of technology. Yet there is content that, in some instances, clearly could not be easily produced by any other means than through technology, giving voice to the spontaneous will, no longer limited to the confines of the singular image. Movement defined as animation is often a part of the piece, the electronic performance or personal statement. Computers and software have become a common part of process in art education, bringing artistic concept back into perspective as the contemplative roadmap to cultural development. It is evident that people have common concerns yet may see things differently. By virtue of artistic expression, we see and hear the visual and audio language explaining process and point of view, revealing similar strains of like minds. In preparing for this issue I have had the opportunity to view some of the pieces and commentaries submitted by the artists for this year ™s SIGGRAPH galler y show. Computer art has really come into its own, no longer separate from what is culturally correct. This statement is intuitive and subjective “ nonetheless, it is clear that the base on which computer art is being built is broadening. I picked the two pieces for the covers of this May issue because I felt they strongly represent the direction in which computer art is taking, not necessarily in as much esthetically speaking but to what depths of expression the artist can go. Lise-Hélène Larin ™s Painting by Numbers (see front cover) and Stephen Larson ™s Duality (Balance) (see back cover) are very different visually, yet in other ways they are similar, showing community. Both images represent stills from pieces that are (also) animated. Artists have always been in a process, trying to explain the unexplainable, whether the subject matter is universal truth or an attempt to understand personal emotion. We want to learn something new and art is the vehicle. The line that has been drawn between the technology skeptic and the digital believer becomes less and less defined. Soon it will erode altogether, as is well illustrated by Peter Leighton ™s One Hand Clapping on this page. I wish I could tell you about all the great art that will be seen at the SIGGRAPH gallery in San Diego this July 27th through the 31st. But I can ™t. If I did, I ™d be giving it all away. Make the trip this summer and see for yourself. About the Interim Cover Editor Hans Westman has been active as an artist and educator in both Sweden and the U.S. since 1976. He discovered animation as an art form in the late ˜70s, which resulted in an experimental film entitled Unitism. In 1987 he was exposed to computer manipulated imagery and has been working professionally with the medium ever since. He is currently the Academic Department Director for Media Arts & Animation at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Hans Westman Academic Department Director Media Arts & Animation The Art Institute of Pittsburgh 420 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1328 Tel: +1-412-291-6409 Email: hans.westman@gte.net May 2003

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