Interview with Janet Parke

[18:02:26] <Platinus> Most of us know Janet Parke one way or another, either we've seen her incredibly impressive Ultra Fractal pieces about the net or her exhibitions in museums across europe, south america, or else where, she's taught how to create using UF through her course on the Visual Arts Academy site, or we just know of her as the UF help file writer
[18:02:49] <Platinus> Regardless of how you know Janet, she's still inspiring to us all as fractal artists in so many ways
[18:03:37] <Platinus> Personally, Janet is an idol, even though I'm an Apophysis user
[18:03:49] <infinite-art> <blushing>
[18:04:07] <Platinus> So, it is with great pleasure that I bring to you today, Miss Janet Parke
[18:04:21] <infinite-art> Hi everyone!
[18:04:25] <Phoenix-22>
[18:04:38] <trystianity>
[18:04:49] <DWALKER1047>
[18:05:11] <Platinus> I'm glad that everyone can make it today
[18:05:32] <TaraRoys>
[18:05:45] <banana-tree>
[18:05:45] <laurengary>
[18:07:09] <TaraRoys> infinite-art: When did you get started working with fractals?
[18:07:54] <Platinus> Alrighty, I'd actually like to ask a few questions first and then I'll hand it over to the panel and the Aces
[18:08:10] <infinite-art> I saw my first picture of a fractal in 1995 or 6, i think, and then when I first got internet access in late 96, one of the first searches I did was on "fractal" to find out what the heck they were
[18:08:44] <infinite-art> I quickly learned that the main software of that time was FractInt, so I downloaded and started to try to understand it
[18:09:00] <infinite-art> I joined a couple of mailing lists and just listened a lot
[18:09:56] <infinite-art> in FractInt at that time, for those who don't know, you made the images in a DOS shell, so I could either do that, or play around in other Windows programs or surf the net, not all things at the same time
[18:10:22] <infinite-art> and on my computer at that time, watching fractals render was often truly watching one pixel light up at a time
[18:10:59] <infinite-art> There were some Windows fractal programs, but for some reason I didn't pursue them
[18:11:37] <infinite-art> Basically my computer was too slow to do anything reasonable, so I spent a lot more time just reading the lists and forums and perusing folks' galleries than making my own images
[18:12:21] <infinite-art> I did enter a FractInt contest -- I think the first one that was art-oriented. And to my great surprise, I won.
[18:12:34] <infinite-art> If that hadn't happened, I might have drifted away.
[18:13:12] <infinite-art> I finally got a faster computer, but the video card wouldn't play nicely with FractInt, so I was still stuck without a good program.
[18:14:01] <infinite-art> I worked with Steve Ferguson's TieraZon2 program for awhile, and then happened to come across a quiet little request for beta-testers for a new program called Ultra Fractal 2
[18:14:56] <infinite-art> In the beginning, there were less than 10 of us -- for a couple of months, I think -- before others started finding the group. It was a truly magical time. We all learned the new program together and it was amazing!
[18:15:02] <Phoenix-22> If you don't mind me butting in here, what year was this, when you first got started with UF and Tierazon?
[18:15:50] <infinite-art> The FractInt contest was late 97, TieraZon was summer of 98, and then UF2 beta first came out in late summer/early fall of 98
[18:16:17] <Phoenix-22> Way before my foray into fractals, probably most of us here as well. Thanks!
[18:16:29] <Platinus> Yeah, long before mine
[18:16:31] <infinite-art> It was in beta until spring of 99, and anyone who was interested could participate
[18:17:32] <infinite-art> In the beginning, I knew nothing. NOTHING. But as I learned, I started helping others who joined the list -- first through emails, then through the original series of tutorials.
[18:17:39] <infinite-art> and the rest is history
[18:18:05] <Platinus> infinite-art: In the beginning, you say on your about page that you just "dabbled" for a while, how long before you decided to get serious with fractals?
[18:19:26] <infinite-art> There was the first cross-program Fractal Art contest in the Fall of 98, and then someone at my place of work in January of 99 saw some inkjet prints of my work hanging in my office and she offered me a solo gallery exhibition here in Memphis
[18:19:31] <infinite-art> I was stunned.
[18:20:16] <infinite-art> On the long list of professions, occupations, possible interests, etc. -- visual artist was never an option for me. I can't draw, paint, sculpt.
[18:20:21] <TaraRoys> infinite-art: Wow.
[18:20:38] <infinite-art> It was a long time before I could ever even think the words "Janet" and "artist" in the same thought
[18:21:35] <Platinus> And look at where you are now
[18:21:38] <infinite-art> That exhibition was late summer of 99
[18:22:32] <infinite-art> Yes. I've gone from thinking of myself as a Ballet Teacher who plays around with fractals to a Fractal Artist who also happens to teach ballet
[18:23:06] <Platinus> Well, teaching ballet in itself can be considered an art form
[18:23:41] <milleniumsentry> It's interesting how precise your interests are...
[18:23:41] <infinite-art> yes. but in my mind, performing arts were a long way from visual arts -- at least in how I perceived my abilities
[18:23:41] <Platinus> How big is the difference between expressing through other people and expressing through math?
[18:24:20] <infinite-art> The difference is that the only personality/temperament I have to deal with in fractal art is my own
[18:24:48] <infinite-art> I don't have to communicate my creative ideas to someone who may or may not understand, who may or may not be able to do what I ask
[18:25:09] <infinite-art> I can undo, redo, and try a thousand things without wearing out anyone's patience or body
[18:25:45] <Platinus> definitely very true
[18:25:45] <DWALKER1047> infinite-art: Please tell us more about your first exhibition, and what came about from it.
[18:26:53] <infinite-art> It was in the foyer of a small local theatre -- a very elegant setting. I had 15 framed pieces -- the largest were about 30" x 30" prints, I think -- plus white mat and black frame
[18:27:16] <infinite-art> The exhibition was up for about a month and I ultimately sold 3 pieces, I think
[18:27:59] <infinite-art> Damien Jones came to Memphis for the opening reception and we had an informal question and answer session with interested people that was only partially successful
[18:28:31] <TaraRoys> infinite-art: Do you consider that the start of your career as a professional fractal artist?
[18:29:09] <infinite-art> If you can too easily demonstrate how a great image is made, people don't get how difficult it is and how much the artist puts into it. If you demonstrate how slow and frustrating a process it truly is, you look like you don't know what you're doing
[18:29:56] <infinite-art> TaraRoys: I guess so. I started selling my work at art festivals the following year, and that's when I started thinking of this as a profession.
[18:30:05] <Platinus> I've actually come to that conclusion myself...
[18:30:22] <DWALKER1047> infinite-art: So when did your work begin to bring attention?
[18:31:24] <infinite-art> That's tough to answer. I'm not sure if I think it really has outside the fractal community
[18:32:47] <Platinus> It is a tough thing to really gauge, I know from personal experience from art and street festivals I've been in
[18:32:48] <milleniumsentry> I wouldn't say that. When I looked up fractal art, your images were the first I saw... Until that point, my knowledge of them was of simple one layer fractals. Not very artistic.
[18:33:07] <milleniumsentry> I found them first in an art context...
[18:33:13] <infinite-art> When I first started doing art shows in 2000, I had to explain the word FRACTAL to everyone. In the last ones I did this year, close to half the folks have at least heard of them.
[18:33:21] <Platinus> infinite-art: when approched by someone at a festival about your pieces, what do you generally tell them?
[18:33:41] <infinite-art> Here's my standard explanations:
[18:35:14] <infinite-art> Everything about my work -- the shapes, the textures, the colors, the lighting -- is controlled by mathematical formulas, and I, in turn, control those formulas by manipulating their parameters. Each work is made up of many different layers that are merged together to create the final effect, and then the image is printed on photographic paper (or canvas, or watercolor paper).
[18:35:48] <infinite-art> That satisfies most folks -- either their eyes glaze over and they realize they don't want to know more -- or a few ask more questions.
[18:35:55] <Platinus> Now see, I say something to that effect and I get a kind of response
[18:36:09] <TaraRoys> infinite-art: How much of the math behind fractals do you know?
[18:36:20] <infinite-art> TaraRoys: not enough!
[18:36:31] <Platinus>
[18:36:59] <infinite-art> I know conceptually how it works, but I just haven't yet wrapped my brain around the actual math. Kerry and Damien have tried, but....
[18:37:15] <Platinus> that's always a good thing to hear for beginners to the fractal art scene
[18:37:29] <Platinus> "I'm not gunna have to learn more math, am I?"
[18:37:30] <TaraRoys> infinite-art: Can you explain, conceptually, how an UF fractal works?
[18:37:51] <infinite-art> <cough> -- is it time to quit yet?
[18:37:58] <infinite-art> Yes. I'll try
[18:38:03] <Platinus>
[18:38:05] <trystianity>
[18:38:05] <milleniumsentry> You cant escape yet. lol
[18:38:06] <TaraRoys> infinite-art: Hehe. Sorry for the tought questions.
[18:38:08] <SethraLavode> lol
[18:38:34] <milleniumsentry> I've got notes dernit. XD
[18:39:49] <infinite-art> For each pixel on the screen, the fractal formula is iterated a given number of times (determined by the bailout). Once the formula bails out and a result is obtained, that result corresponds to a certain place on that layer's gradient and the pixel is colored that color. Then UF proceeds to the next pixel and calculates its color.
[18:40:34] <infinite-art> There are, at minimum, two formulas in play for each pixel. One determines the fractal structure, the other the way the structure is colored
[18:40:50] <Platinus>
[18:41:04] <infinite-art> I go into this a bit more fully and hopefully eloquently in the first couple of lessons in my course.
[18:41:20] <Platinus> which I am eagerly looking forward to
[18:41:57] <SethraLavode> infinite-art: speaking of your course, what was the experience like in your first teaching endeavours?
[18:42:08] <TaraRoys> infinite-art: It sounds like UF fractals are created exactly like Apophysis fractals- just with a different interface.
[18:42:11] <infinite-art> And for those few people at art shows who are interested in a more in depth explanation of the process, I have sort of a story-board thing worked out that shows how shapes (like point traps) can be applied to the base fractal structure.
[18:43:02] <milleniumsentry> Doodling with traps is good fun.
[18:43:14] <infinite-art> SethraLavode: Teaching is pretty easy for me -- as I do it in my non-fractal life. Writing the text was the challenging part. The three courses add up to over 600 printed pages of text and over 900 illustrations, I think
[18:43:31] <SethraLavode> O_o wow
[18:43:35] <infinite-art> There's nothing like having to explain how something works to teach you whether you understand it or not
[18:43:38] <Platinus> that constitutes a book
[18:44:23] <DWALKER1047> infinite-art: What is the best advice you can give to someone new to UF?
[18:44:36] <Platinus> Now, Janet, I'm gunna start pulling out the hard hitters soon
[18:44:40] <infinite-art> I definitely called on Kerry for his technical help with the first course, and Damien for his help with creating a new clipping formula for the 2nd course. Those two man have been the most generous teachers a student could ever ask to have.
[18:45:57] <trystianity> best advice for beginners: take Janet's course
[18:46:00] <infinite-art> DWALKER1047: study the Help files, work through the tutorials there and elsewhere, take the courses and/or ask for help. And above all, be patient. One doesn't master anything overnight.
[18:46:55] <TaraRoys> infinite-art: How long did it take you to compile the help files?
[18:47:07] <milleniumsentry> infinite-art: As fractal artists, we often find ourselves mimicing traditional media... are there any traditional artists that you particularily enjoy wose work look fractal in nature?
[18:47:14] <milleniumsentry> ..sorry Tara.
[18:47:18] <infinite-art> And my best advice to non-beginners is to keep challenging yourself to get everything you can from each image. The first ten times you think the image is way cool and done, keep going!
[18:47:21] <milleniumsentry> I was too slow.
[18:47:36] <TaraRoys> milleniumsentry: Don't worry, I can be patient.
[18:47:46] <milleniumsentry> me too.
[18:48:31] <infinite-art> TaraRoys: I only wrote the tutorials. Frederik writes the help files and he's remarkably thorough. Because the tutorials were based on the informal ones I'd already written for v2, they didn't take long. Then I only added a little bit more for v4, and nothing new for 5
[18:49:37] <infinite-art> milleniumsentry: I look a lot at painters and photographers -- more to learn about use of color, composition, tone.
[18:50:19] <milleniumsentry> infinite-art: *nods* composition especially.
[18:50:26] <infinite-art> I don't have a formal visual art background.
[18:50:50] <Platinus> infinite-art another there, I don't either XD
[18:51:11] <Phoenix-22> That reminds me, in your courses, what do you try to teach your students about those often overlooked aspects of fractals, composition, colors, and in this case, using the right texture or mask, etc. ?
[18:51:20] <Platinus> infinite-art: does it matter which program the art comes from?
[18:51:59] <infinite-art> One thing I realized, though, was in those early years when my computer was too slow to make fractals and I just looked at others... I was mentally taking note of what I liked or didn't like -- what compositional ideas worked and what just looked wrong to my eye. I developed my own sense of that just by really thinking about what I saw in each piece.
[18:53:22] <SethraLavode> infinite-art: since you didn't have a background in visual arts, have you found having students to be a help to your own artistic pursuits?
[18:53:36] <infinite-art> Phoenix-22: in my first two courses, not much about the aesthetics. I don't even really comment or compliment much on those things for beginning students because I don't think it's fair to expect someone to be learning the software, understanding the techniques and turn out good-looking stuff all at the same time.
[18:53:40] <Platinus> *Fractalists: Just so you know, you can promote yourself to the Waiting category if you have a question. Please keep all ultra fractal technique/usage questions for later
[18:54:37] <Phoenix-22> infinite-art: They aren't very important for just starting out, I agree. I think they are important, but in many ways, people develop their own sense of composition, colors, etc. like the way you said, by what they have seen
[18:54:38] <infinite-art> In masking, we talk about all the ways I've figured out to use masks. But it's the Artistry course where we really go into how the basic principles of fine art can be applied to fractal art.
[18:55:45] <infinite-art> Platinus: which program? I think there are several really wonderful programs (and I'm sure there are more I don't even know about). It's no secret that I've chosen, so far, to work with UF. But I don't believe it, or any other program is the be-all, end all
[18:55:59] <Phoenix-22> Oh, okay. That's good that you have those topics split up into different courses, there really is far too much to teach and experiment in just one course.
[18:56:23] <infinite-art> When I look at a work of digital art, I don't really care where it was made.
[18:56:39] <trystianity> infinite-art:
[18:56:49] <Platinus> Excellent
[18:57:06] <infinite-art> And I sometimes think we fractal artists are our own worst enemy in trying to impose definitions and restrictions on ourselves and others.
[18:57:37] <infinite-art> SethraLavode: I've learned a lot from teaching about artistry.
[18:58:41] <infinite-art> I was really scared to write the course. Who was I, with no formal training, to presume I could teach about artistry? But I knew someone had to be the first to make some statements and I figured I was as likely a fool as anyone else
[18:59:14] <TaraRoys> infinite-art: You describe yourself as a professional fractal artist, and you teach several fractal classes. Does that mean you make a living from your art?
[19:00:16] <Platinus> infinite-art: A while back there, and I'm sure there still is in the recesses of the community, was some drama as to what Fractal Art is. Any comment on this?
[19:01:17] <infinite-art> TaraRoys: Good question. I certainly have never made enough from fractal art to support myself. Before the current economic situation, there were times when I had some really nice shows and I've sold a fair amount. But when selling art becomes a business, there are all sorts of other issues that come into play. That's a whole 'nother topic for another time!
[19:03:13] <infinite-art> Platinus: It's a lot easier to say what is a fractal (and what isn't) than what is art (and what isn't). I'm moving away from classifying my work as fractal art. If I'm going to be truly accurate, it's algorithmic art, which is broad enough to include everything made by today's fractal programs without excluding some people or styles.
[19:04:01] <infinite-art> Again, I think we're our own worst enemy when we insist on rigid definitions.
[19:04:22] <Platinus> infinite-art: What would you say about the condition of the fractal art community?
[19:04:42] <infinite-art> I laugh when someone brings up the topic of whether fractals are really art. In my experience, it's not civilians who ask this question, it's people within our own ranks.
[19:04:52] <infinite-art> Platinus: Huge!
[19:05:01] <milleniumsentry> could not have been said better
[19:05:16] <Phoenix-22>
[19:05:25] <infinite-art> I'll give you a better answer than that. Sorry
[19:05:46] <Platinus> Oh no, don't apollogize
[19:06:12] <infinite-art> What I meant is that we've come a long way from when it was mostly FractInt and the main place to post work was on A.B.P.F (if that's the right acronym)
[19:06:35] <infinite-art> We're fragmented and it's hard to keep up with all the cool things people are doing.
[19:06:58] <trystianity> infinite-art: You mentioned starting out "dabbling" in fractals and later getting more serious about your art. How did your creative process change when you made that shift?
[19:07:05] <infinite-art> I used to believe that most of the folks really doing stuff with UF were posting on the UF mailing list. That hasn't been the case for a long time!
[19:08:23] <infinite-art> trystianity: I think the biggest change was when I started selling my art and there was this little voice that whispered throughout the creation process -- wondering if the current work would be saleable or popular. This was not a good thing.
[19:10:00] <TaraRoys> Another artist I've spoken to describes his art as genetic algorithms instead of fractals, because he has encountered a prejudice against the word fractal in the art community. He said that "fractal conjurs up images of eye-searing 80's mandelbrot sets, and makes serious artsts dismiss it as an art form." Have you encountered this?
[19:10:04] <infinite-art> And then the other shift, I think, came after I had written the courses and I had laid out a nice methodology for working intentionally. It put even more pressure on me (I put the pressure, not the course) to have a thoughtful approach. I have definitely lost the ability to just play without expectation. And I really miss it.
[19:11:19] <infinite-art> TaraRoys: I have encountered (early on) art gallery owners that were prejudiced against digital art. And one traditional artist at an art show was angry at me for being able to produce multiple copies of an image and all it original art.
[19:11:56] <infinite-art> But truly in all the hundreds of thousands of folks who have walked through my tent at art shows -- no one has ever questioned that my work was art.
[19:12:07] <trystianity>
[19:12:19] <infinite-art> Not everyone liked it, for sure. But no one questioned my right to be there, or to call myself an artist.
[19:12:40] <infinite-art> Again, I think it's the people on the inside stirring up most of the trouble.
[19:12:54] <infinite-art> I also had that same response from people about limited editions.
[19:13:42] <infinite-art> It's the hierarchy of the art world that demands that some art be editioned. Very few of my customers ever expressed any concern about it
[19:14:07] <banana-tree> infinite-art: in your experience, which kinds of fractals attract more interest offline (as in the art galleries)? Ones with more fractal characteristics (lots of self repetition, spirals etc.) or ones that have a closer look to traditional art?
[19:15:05] <infinite-art> banana-tree: I used to say that if I could predict which images would sell or attract attention I would not be making art, but playing the stock market. Now that's not even a useful occupation
[19:15:39] <banana-tree> infinite-art: true
[19:16:02] <infinite-art> banana-tree: Honestly, it's some of each. I have a very eclectic booth (which means I don't win any juried awards) with everything from trees that are pretty realistic to spirals, to just textures.
[19:16:27] <infinite-art> I cannot say that anything was consistently more popular than anything else
[19:16:48] <Platinus> I can attest to that as well
[19:16:56] <banana-tree> infinite-art: thanks
[19:17:25] <trystianity> infinite-art: you do a wide variety of fractals but I think all of your work still has a characteristic style it's great
[19:17:38] <infinite-art> And another interesting thing I found was that the demographics of those who were taken with my work, and those who bought it were all over the place. Young, old, every race, gender, sexual orientation, etc..
[19:18:08] * Platinus gets alot of retired chemists in his clientele XD
[19:18:32] <infinite-art> trystianity: I used to worry that my work was too diverse, but I've found that I can be fairly consistent in the way I mat and frame so there must be some cohesion there somewhere,.
[19:19:28] <infinite-art> Have I missed answering any questions?
[19:19:56] <Keeps> infinite-art: has your feel of how your art (fractal art) is viewed changed over time? I mean, has the general public conscientiousness become more mature, more aware or is it still mostly not understood by people until their first experience? This is in its way asking if you feel that this form of art is still in its infancy or are we (no 30 odd years in) beginning to leave that stage?
[19:20:00] <Phoenix-22> I think you've answered all of them so far.
[19:20:25] <Keeps> LOL all but mine, Im a slow typer
[19:20:53] <Phoenix-22>
[19:21:02] <Keeps> XD Phoenix-22
[19:21:31] <infinite-art> Keeps: I think we're past newborn stage, but I sincerely hope that we're still in our infancy. And by that, I mean that I hope there's a long way to go technique-wise, stylistically, and technologically too.
[19:22:30] <infinite-art> The problem with our medium, I think, is that it's just not comparable to other mediums. We can't make analogies. So the future of our artists is dependent on our ability to dream, experiment, try and fail, try and succeed.
[19:22:43] <infinite-art> To pursue paths that we're not sure will lead anywhere.
[19:23:08] <infinite-art> How incredibly cool is it to be part of the beginnings of an art form?
[19:23:12] * Platinus gives a standong ovation for that one
[19:23:22] <TaraRoys>
[19:23:26] <infinite-art> When was the last time that happened? Photography?
[19:23:27] <Keeps>
[19:23:28] <Phoenix-22> Oh, definitely. Not just part of it, but actually shaping it as we go.
[19:23:36] <Platinus> Has anyone asked you yet if you've invented fractals?
[19:23:43] <infinite-art> Oh... and for a bonus, you get to watch me jump up on my soap box
[19:23:44] <Phoenix-22>
[19:24:01] <banana-tree>
[19:24:06] <trystianity> I think it's even bigger than that, a revolution in the way art is produced, shared, everything's changing... so exciting
[19:25:33] <Keeps> trystianity yes
[19:25:50] <trystianity>
[19:26:15] <infinite-art> I have this thing about algorithmic art (in all its many forms) being the only true and solely digital art. I'm not putting down photo-manipulation or photo-realism. I'm not saying anything against painting with digital brushes, or creating real or fantasy worlds with digital modeling. But fractals are the one thing that can't be made without digital technology. We are not an imitation of another art form. We are not an extension of another art form, just with updated tools. We are unique.
[19:26:20] <Platinus> I love the smell of artistic revolution in the morning
[19:26:49] <banana-tree>
[19:27:04] <infinite-art> Platinus: No. No one has asked me if I've invented them
[19:28:15] <infinite-art> When the art world gets over themselves and stops worrying about whether something was made with digital or traditional tools, digitally manipulated paintings and photographs will still basically resemble the traditional methods. (Except for the textures of paint and canvas...)
[19:29:17] <infinite-art> I'm hoping at that point, algorithmic art will be seen for what it is -- the genuine digital art form
[19:29:26] <banana-tree> lkmitch: welcome!
[19:29:35] <lkmitch> thanks!
[19:29:54] <Platinus> lkmitch: Hi Kerry
[19:30:11] <infinite-art> Time to bring out your tough questions!
[19:30:19] <Platinus> infinite-art: that's pretty lucky of you , you must not have had a show in north caroloina XD
[19:30:45] <Keeps> infinite-art: where or who was your most .... interesting inroad into the world of the traditional art for your fractals? Has someone yet asked for a fractal pattern for a carpet or for a tattoo for instance?
[19:30:47] <Platinus> I get asked that alot when I'm down there
[19:31:08] <infinite-art> I've gotten some choice questions and comments though.
[19:31:23] <infinite-art> Yes, for the tattoo.
[19:31:58] <infinite-art> And there was a woman who was interested in printing my work on fabric, but that didn't go anywhere (when she wanted me to do a lot of work for no compensation).
[19:32:34] <Platinus> that happens on my end a fair amount as well
[19:32:37] * Keeps evil people all work and no compensation makes for slave uprisings
[19:33:01] <infinite-art> Keeps: I think just realizing that folks outside my friends and family wanted to pay hard-earned money for my work and live with it in their homes or workplaces every day -- that's when I felt like I was part of the traditional art world.
[19:33:09] <Platinus> Alrighty, guys, we've been at this for an hour in a half, if you got any questions for Janet, you can promote yourself to waiting
[19:33:24] <Platinus> Though, I haven't gotten any hint that she's wearing down yet
[19:33:47] <infinite-art> I've got about a half hour left. I need to go see a ballet performance tonight.
[19:34:16] <Platinus> Alrighty then!
[19:35:06] <infinite-art> Platinus: Panny says you might need to tell people how to promote themselves
[19:35:24] <Platinus> Whoops!
[19:35:38] <Platinus> Just type /promote yourusername Waiting
[19:35:53] <Platinus> Tysel: Ask away
[19:36:07] <Tysel> how has creating fractals changed since you started, aside from the software...
[19:37:31] <infinite-art> Tysel: Hmmm.... the changes that I immediately think of are software-related -- more versatile formulas, the ability to layer, the ability to render large sizes (not just screen sizes)
[19:38:39] <infinite-art> The ability to import images and perform basic filter processes within the fractal programs instead of in post-processing
[19:38:57] <Tysel> The formulas, coloring algorithms etc. have grown because of the artists involved? Has that helped
[19:39:41] <infinite-art> The ability for users to write or modify the formulas themselves
[19:39:44] <Tysel> or do you rely on creating from scratch?
[19:39:54] <infinite-art> absolutely
[19:40:03] <Tysel> Thanks
[19:40:17] <Platinus> Tysel: anything else?
[19:40:18] <infinite-art> I start with a grayscale gradient and a fractal formula and build everything from there
[19:40:41] <Tysel> No, I was honored to talk with her
[19:40:44] <Platinus>
[19:41:25] <Platinus> liazrdqueen: All yours!
[19:42:13] <liazrdqueen> infinite-art: I really don't have a question. I wanted to thank you for the time and care that you put into the first two of your courses. And thank you , as well, for being here. It is a privilege.
[19:42:32] <infinite-art> You're very welcome. It's really my pleasure!
[19:42:33] <liazrdqueen> for us
[19:42:45] * milleniumsentry beams
[19:42:47] <Platinus> Are there any other questions?
[19:42:57] <Platinus> SenseiChris: I know you're fanboying so hard right now
[19:43:07] <milleniumsentry> who me?
[19:43:22] <milleniumsentry> I'm well behaved tho. lol
[19:44:24] <Platinus> Baz135:
[19:44:38] <Baz135> Is there any particular part about fractalling that no matter how hard you try still continues to baffle you?
[19:46:19] <infinite-art> I'm not so much baffled, I don't think, but I'm overwhelmed with how much I still don't know -- like all the new capabilities of UF5. I understand in principle how most things work, but they're not going to become really usable tools in my toolbox until I know the techniques and formulas intimately enough to be able to call upon them when I need a particular effect,
[19:47:10] <infinite-art> I have a long list of ideas I'd like to develop into real images, but I don't yet have the knowledge of enough formulas and effects to do them all.
[19:47:26] <infinite-art> Working that intentionally is really challenging for me.
[19:48:00] <Platinus> Baz135: anything else?
[19:48:13] <Baz135> Not right now
[19:48:22] <Baz135> Probably think of something in a couple of minutes though
[19:48:25] <Platinus> Alright, time for one more
[19:48:44] <Tysel> Do you plan on updating your courses for UF5 when you get a handle on all the new additions
[19:49:08] <infinite-art> But a very wise person (Kerry) once convinced me that fractals are not the least bit chaotic in behavior -- one just has to learn what each formula does and it's going to do the same thing each time you use it in the same way. There's relief in that perspective, but also the responsibility of the artist to put the time in learning
[19:50:10] <Tysel> I see, so accept for using the program in a new way, every thing else is basically the same
[19:50:58] <milleniumsentry> infinite-art: Do you have a piece you would consider your masterpiece?
[19:50:59] <infinite-art> Tysel: I'm so glad you add the "when you get a handle...." That's the key. My current plan is to flesh out the current courses with techniques I've not yet written about, and all the UF5 things once I can finally wrap my mind around them enough to teach others. Then I'll put all that in some sort of document -- a book -- hard copy or digital.
[19:51:31] * Platinus will be a very happy camper then
[19:51:34] <infinite-art> Tysel: yes. the program really is understandable and conquerable, if one lives long enough
[19:51:37] <Tysel> That will be great, do you have a waiting list LOL
[19:51:47] <trystianity> infinite-art: would you be making a book like that available to people who aren't taking your courses?
[19:51:58] <infinite-art> Tysel: I will make it available to everyone
[19:52:08] <infinite-art> for a reasonable cost
[19:52:21] <Tysel> Nlothing worthwhile is free
[19:52:34] <infinite-art> I've pursed the publishing world, but they ran in the other direction.
[19:52:42] <Phoenix-22> Might also help bring in more people from that place called the "real world."
[19:52:51] <Platinus> Oh yes
[19:53:11] <Tysel> with self publishing you shouldn't have a trouble
[19:53:11] <infinite-art> The idea I like best right now is a digital version so that the costs can be kept to a reasonable amount
[19:53:36] <Platinus> Well, Janet, I'd like to thank you very much for coming in today and spending your time with us!
[19:53:49] * milleniumsentry claps
[19:53:59] <Phoenix-22> Thanks for stopping in!
[19:54:06] <infinite-art> milleniumsentry: masterpiece..... I have some favorites, but they haven't always been the ones that customers bought.
[19:54:07] <Tysel>
[19:54:07] <Platinus> It's been a real pleasure for me and all of us here, and I hope the visits don't end!
[19:54:21] <trystianity> Thanks so much Janet
[19:54:27] <DWALKER1047> Thank you so much for sharing with all of us!
[19:54:32] <infinite-art> This has been a lot of fun for me and I really appreciate the invitation!
[19:54:33] <banana-tree> thanks infinite-art
[19:54:38] <milleniumsentry> I wouldn't let anyone buy me masterpiece.
[19:54:44] <milleniumsentry> *my
[19:54:52] <laurengary> thanks bunches infinite-art
[19:54:53] <SethraLavode> yes, thank you very much Janet!
[19:54:54] <infinite-art> I will come back and visit
[19:54:55] <milleniumsentry> Many thanks.
[19:54:56] <Baz135>
[19:55:02] <liazrdqueen>
[19:55:04] <Keeps> infinite-art
[19:55:13] <Baz135> Infinite²: You better come back...
[19:55:22] <banana-tree> infinite-art: yea
[19:55:25] <Baz135>
[19:55:37] * milleniumsentry chuckles
[19:55:43] <theaver> thanks a lot, I am looking forward even more to the class now..
[19:56:02] <Platinus> I know! Me too! squee:
[19:56:09] <liazrdqueen> I want a copy of the book!
[19:56:35] <Platinus> it'd be the best book I own...next to my bible
[19:56:41] <SethraLavode> I am so glad I decided to stay late last night so we wouldn't miss this today!
[19:56:50] <infinite-art> I'm going to run (or bourree) to the performance. Thanks everyone!
[19:57:01] <milleniumsentry> dont forget to stretch!
[19:57:06] <milleniumsentry>
[19:57:08] <infinite-art> ooo yes
[19:57:14] * Keeps milleniumsentry
[19:57:15] <SethraLavode> have fun at the ballet
[19:57:31] <Platinus> Have fun, Janet, thanks again!
[19:57:34] <infinite-art> Thanks and goodbye!
[19:57:35] <laurengary>
[19:57:47] <milleniumsentry> Platinus:
[19:57:55] <Phoenix-22> Round of applause for Platinus!
[19:58:08] <DWALKER1047> :clapping:
[19:58:12] <SethraLavode> Platinus: thanks for arranging that chat
[19:58:15] <liazrdqueen> Platinus:
[19:58:31] <laurengary> yup, very cool
[19:58:57] <DWALKER1047> Thank you Platinus! ss That was most excellent!
[20:00:27] <Platinus> XD
[20:00:27] <Tysel> This was great, thanks
[20:00:36] <Platinus> It was my pleasure, everyone