Creative Computer Imaging

Computer imaging is the integration of computer graphics systems into the creative process. Artists are absorbing and assimilating the unique character of computing systems and their capabilities, as these systems are used as a vehicle for visual expression, and for visual communication of information. Artists bring to the computer imaging process an aesthetic sensitivity, as artistic insight is necessary in the creative development of the computer as a medium in the arts and design professions. Computing devices have considerable potential for creative artists and designers, as they have new capabilities for image construction and manipulation, new visual characteristics and a range of graphic idiosyncrasies. A delightful new media emerges for creating, distorting, transforming and "massaging" or processing images, ideas, concepts, figures and even feelings or emotional sensitivities as computers permeate the arts. The computer provides the basis for dynamic new directions in art in addition to unique applications in areas such as painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, metalwork, sculpture, as well as graphic design, product design, TV graphics, advertising, and film or video animation. A new era of imagery is on the horizon as the unique imaging characteristics and processes of these systems stimulate the imagination of artists. The unusual visual quality of computer related imagery adds new elements to visual composition expanding the traditional concept of art. The example in Fig. 1 is a multiple image, created with the aid of a computer graphics system, that is difficult if not impossible to create with other media. The visual quality of computer imagery is very distinct as shapes and forms created with these systems are unique to this new imaging media. Innovations in the visual arts and design involve the development and implementation of new design and image making techniques that reflect the capabilities, characteristics and idiosyncrasies of this new media. Creating the vibrating face in Fig. 2 required the special image mixing capabilities of these systems. Computer graphics systems are changing the face of art and design. The unique quality of the images in Figs. 3 and 4 illustrates the nature of this new frontier. Computer imaging is a multidimensional process involving four basic components or phases, each with a series of imaging options available. The uniqueness, as well as the diversity of computer related imagery, reflects the multifaceted character of this media and the potential for combining a diversity of imaging devices and computer-aided design techniques. The four basic components are." the INPUT process involving a variety of input devices; image manipulation or image PROCESSING, instruction sets or software; the OUTPUT process using a series of output devices; and finally, OUTPUT MEDIA involving the integration of computer imagery with existing media, such as ceramics and textiles. Each of these steps provide the artist with a rich variety of imaging alternatives as illustrated in Table 1. Artists create compositions interactively choosing different options or sets of options in each of the phases depending on the desired visual effect. The imaging process is very fluid as the artist explores and experiments with a wide variety of imaging devices and creative techniques. Beginning in phase one, the artist uses various INPUT devices to create or describe an image and communicate it to the computer graphics system. Artists use hand drawing and hand controlled devices, optical or visual systems and keyboards for creating imagery with the aid of computers. The richness of the imagery reflects the diversity of computer graphics INPUT devices available. The uniqueness of computing systems in the arts is related to the variety of design vehicles provided by these electronic design systems. These devices are used individually and in various combinations to create compositions. Input devices include digitizing tablets with a stylus or cross-hair device, light pens, joysticks, game paddles, a mouse and a video digitizer. A digitizing tablet plays the role of a digital sketchpad that records drawing strokes and displays them on the screen in color. Fig. 5 illustrates an abstract drawing created with a tablet. Drawing devices allow artists and designers to create figures, shade them with colors or patterns, repeat, move, scale, and rotate them. Threedimensional digitizers are also available for defining objects in three-dimensional space. Various tablets are pressure sensitive and respond to finger movement putting the artist in intimate contact with the image. A light pen, similar to a small flashlight, communicates to the computer through the computer screen as the artist draws directly on the image display. The light pen eliminates the hand-eye coordination problem of drawing on a tablet while viewing the image on the screen. Drawings can also be constructed using game paddles, joysticks or mouse devices. Using these input devices, the artist draws, sketches or traces figures. The alphabet in Fig. 6 is an example of the casual, softedge drawings that are created with a digitizing tablet. A strikingly different type of image is created with a video input system called a video digitizer. With this system the artist creates coarse textured photographic images--"digital photos." As the digitized image in Fig. 7 illustrates, the video digitizer goes beyond the capability of a camera, providing potential for dynamic