Ted Larson: Digital Artist - An Interview, Part One
As an artist on the
beginner level, I am truly awed by Ted Larson’s art. I saw his artwork
for the first time a year ago as on the Biblical Art Com,
which is a website created and hosted by Rolf E. Stærk, who is a
Norwegian theologian and schoolteacher. While I was
visiting the web
site, I saw a small advertisement about seeking a host for Ted Larson’s artwork. I passed it up. Two weeks later, I was visiting the Biblical Art Com again, and I saw the advertisement again. This time I was intrigued, but I thought to myself,
 |
| Exodus 3:2-14 The Burning Bush |
“Leave it, Evelyn. This is for the professional.” I didn’t listen to myself.
Instead, I plumbed
right in with an email that stated that I have a site and that if Ted
was willing the left me host his artwork, it would be my pleasure to do
so. Once I shot the email off, I thought, this will never happen. Well,
lucky for me, I was quickly put in touch with Ted and here we are today.
I must say that I am as
happy to host Ted’s artwork today as I was at the first notion of it.
Furthermore, to introduce my readers to the artist, I have added a brief
interview, which I conducted via email with him yesterday.
Merry Christmas to All!
Evelyn F. Altheimer-Fain
12.24.07
 |
| Revelation 12:7 Michael vs Satan |
Merry Christmas to you!
I visited your site
this evening and saw your 3D CAD model of Ezekiel’s temple. I think it’s
great. I also read where you plan to spent some additional time working
of various projects including a "Synthesis of the four Gospels." This
statement sparked a few over due questions from me. I hope you do not
mind answering them.
1. From you recent
photo it is clear that you are a young man of college age. Can you tell
the readers just what sparked your interested in Digital art, and how
long you have been doing it?
Thank
you for the compliment! Actually although I look young in my recent
photo, I'm 46. It was my Freshman year in high school I knew that art
was my life's work. My mother enrolled me in evening drawing classes at
our local university. I learned the classical methods of drawing from a
live model. I kept that discipline going throughout my twenties
branching out with oils and pastels. I fascinated by the great masters
of the past like Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Dega. They were my heroes and
set the standard of quality I felt I wanted to achieve.
2. Do you or you have
ever worked with tradition art forms, such as, oil pastel, and/or
watercolor? If so, what are you favorites?
Yes,
I am also self taught in natural media like watercolor. pastel and oil
paints. I think for portraits pastel was my favorite. For landscapes
watercolor is a great atmospheric medium.
3. In an earlier
message you stated that you taught yourself how to work with a new
digital art program. What program is it, and do you like it?
I
taught myself a program called Photoshop, back in 1995 when it was
version 3.0. I also use a program called
Painter. For props and
backgrounds I use a two 3D cad modeling and rendering tools like Form Z,
and Cinema 4D. I really enjoy all these programs. They each contribute
something unique to each picture I make.
 |
| Exodus 8:17 Aaron Strikes the Dust |
4. Of the many digital art programs on the market today, what one would you recommend to beginners?
Probably
Photoshop Elements. It has all the basic tools for building
illustrations for almost anything you can imagine. It just takes some
time to work through the tutorials to get a handle on the basics of the
tools.
5. It is my
understanding that you are in the thesis preparation stage of your
education. Would you say that a formal educational background in art is
necessary component for the success an artist today?
It's not necessary but any art or craft education can greatly contribute to creative personal development.
6. Because I am
a newbie to working with digital art can you tell my readers and me just
what you mean by the phrase "Synthesis of the four Gospels."
Sure!
I am planning a series on the life of Jesus Christ as was described in
the four Gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Many of the events and
miracles described in the first three Gospels overlap. Some are unique
to the individual book. I have a list of over 100 illustrations that
will span all four books. The book of John is the most challenging. It
contains some of the longest doctrine or teaching passages that Jesus
ever spoke. The gospels project is ambitious but not impossible. I hope
and pray it will be the body of work I am remembered for.
7. How does it feel to be one of the most recognized digital artists of the web?
I
feel very grateful to God almighty for his gifts. Its feels a lot like
the early oil painter pioneers of Europe. I feel awe and a humbleness
being able to glorify God through my art. Sometimes I feel like I'm
soaring the heights of secret treasures found in the pages of scripture.
Other times I feel loneliness and despair much like Christ felt when
people misunderstood or even rejected him. If you have ever listened to
any of Beethoven's music you have a sense of exaltation and glory as
well as the painful, tragic low points in life.Many creative people
experience this range of emotions, but I would have to say its all worth
it!
 |
| Ezekiel 3:17 Ezekiel the Watchman |
Sure.
Ron is an advocate for the peace of Israel. He is a Christian who loves
the Jewish people. Part of his mission is to help everyone discover
that God hasn't abandoned his people the Jews. There are many prophecies
describing the coming consolation of Israel when Jesus returns to
earth. Many centuries ago God spoke through his prophets about a
promised land for the Hebrew people. Long before there was a Palestinian
nation there was a small but great nation called Israel. It's very sad
to me that some of the teachings of Islam urge the Arab peoples of the
world to band together and wipe Israel off the map. Hate and genocide is
never the will of a loving God. Jesus said "You are my disciples if you
have love for one another". As followers of Jesus we have a calling to
love everyone even if we disagree with the politics of the time. Ron
has that love in his heart and dwells among the Jewish people in Israel
as a prayer warrior and teacher to believers all over the globe.
Well, Ted, this is all
that comes to my mind at this time. Sorry for the delay. I get sidetrack
with other projects from time to time, but I never forget a friend.
Peace and Many Blessings to You and Yours during this Holy Season!
Evelyn
No comments:
Post a Comment