CONTRIBUTIONS Computer Graphics Research in the Humanities at the Center for Electronic Communication Francis X. McAfee Florida Atlantic University A long time ago, back in 1990, The Florida Center for Electronic Communication (CEC) opened its doors in a converted television studio sitting on the top floors of a slightly abused tower in downtown Fort Lauderdale. An impressive two story cavern, its ceiling hung heavy with a hundred scoops and spotlights. The vinyl floors shined brightly beneath the grid and the vast expanse looked empty except for some old tube cameras already out of date. Its creator, the state s poet laureate Dr. Edmund Skellings, wanted to transform his art from the printed black and white page to panoramic color fields and surround sound performances. To start this humanities-based computing research, he looked for a traditionally trained visual artist. He wanted someone with talent and tenacity to learn new 3D animation technology rather than a seasoned computer programmer. He said, You can teach an artist how to use technology.You can t teach a programmer how to be an artist. Looking a little like George C. Scott in a scene from the old movie Patton, Skellings stood in the
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