| Q1 |
Please introduce yourself. |
|
My name is JD Jarvis. "JD" is an unusual name. I have
not been able to discover why my parents named me this except for
the fact that they seemed to like how it sounded. When people ask
me about it, I tell them that I just consider myself lucky that
my parents used letters to name me, since I suppose they could have
used numbers instead. I am 50 years old, I received a Masters of
Fine Arts degree in Mixed Media and Video Art about 25 years ago.
I also painted for awhile, but have earned my living mainly as a
TV photographer, editor and director. |
| Q2 |
As a TV Production Manager, what type of programmes
do you produce? |
|
| I live in Las Cruces, New Mexico,
very close to the US border with Mexico in the northern part
of the Chihuahuan desert. I work at New Mexico State University
as Production Manager for the local Public Broadcasting Network,
similar to NJK. I am the manager of three other people. Together,
we create TV programs that are of interest to our viewers
in my part of the American Southwest. We also teach students
professional TV Production techniques and use students to
help us create our local programs, which includes a nightly
Newscast, a weekly talk and community affairs program and
about three full length documentaries per year. |
Mr. JD Jarvis with some of his students
at New Mexico State University. The photo was taken at the
TV station on one of the sets they are using for a program.
|
|
| Q3 |
How did you start to draw computer graphics? |
|
Through my interest in TV Production, I have always
been aware of how computers were being put to use to create text
and graphics. About seven years ago, my wife who is also an artist,
and I decided that the software had gotten good enough and the computers
affordable enough for us to begin exploring how to create our artwork
digitally. We started with Metacreations "Painter" and Adobe "Photoshop"
software and added other programs that interested us. As time went
by, we decided to begin printing our work and created a home based
business in computer design and printing in order to pay for the
equipment and materials we needed to make Fine Arts prints of our
digital art. |
| Q4 |
How did you know about Toray Digital Awards? Why
did you decide to apply? |
|
I discovered the Toray Digital Awards while surfing
the net and searching for "digital art" related websites. I was
pleased to see such high quality artwork and was most impressed
with how nicely the website was set up to receive and process entries.
I also had great respect for the panel of judges and the way in
which the contest is conducted. So, I wanted to become a small part
of this intriguing art exhibit and sent in one of my digital artworks.
|
| Q5 |
We enjoyed your web site. You seem to utilize various
media for your production, how do you think of advantages and disadvantages
of mass media? |
|
Both myself and my wife, Myriam, got our art degrees
in "Mixed Media". We are quite comfortable in using whatever media
or tools are necessary to create the artistic vision we have seen
in our mind's eye. Our concept of Art is very open and we are always
exploring ways to mix different techniques and materials. The computer
is our favorite tool since it can simulate so many different processes
and materials. |
| Q6 |
In general, many of this year's entries tended
to be dark and symbolize mode of the current situation. However,
your "Carnival" is very pop and fun type of work. What was your
intention to create this type of cheerful work? |
|
I am basically a cheerful person, although these
days that does often require ignoring reality. For instance, we
must ignore the idea that money is necessary for fun. Music, food,
dance and laughter are natural pleasures and need not cost much
when people are willing to share. My artwork is usually energetic
and seemingly full of motion and "Carnival", the piece which has
been honored in this year's contest, reflects this energy. As "Carnival'
developed I realized that I wanted to include as much of the feeling
of human energy and excitement as I could, so I looked for ways
to symbolize the food and dance and even the danger of a large crowd
of human beings carried away by their celebration. I believe anyone
that has attended a large and active festival can relate to my picture.
|
| Q7 |
Where is the point you have struggled on and the
point you have deviised on your work? |
|
| I have always admired "Surrealist"
artwork and I prefer work that looks different whenever you
encounter it. Depending on one's mood or the activities of
the day a familiar piece of art may suddenly seem different
and reveal new meanings to the viewer. This is also true of
poetry and of dreams. Even when I work on an abstract theme
one of the challenges I set for myself is to combine flat
two dimensional design with seemingly deep three dimensional
elements. This way, one of my paintings may look one way on
the right side and appear totally different on the left. It
is my challenge to create dream-like imagery to which all
humans can share or create a connection. |
Mr. JD Jarvis at his PC desk. |
|
| Q8 |
I think you must be busy to work on Computer Graphics
with your own professional work (TV Producer). Would you please
tell me if you have some secrets for using your own time effectively? |
|
When we purchased our first computer I told myself,
"here you have spent a lot of money on this box. Since you have
spent as much as it would cost to purchase a piano, you must now
practice playing it as if it were a musical instrument that you
wish to master!" So, I set aside at least two hours per day to practice.
Well, I found the instrument so enchanting that two hours easily
turned into four. When someone is that involved, like a musician,
actually enchanted by the noise you are making, the hours disappear.
But, unlike a musician, who must play the songs of other composers
for many years; I also found that being able to instantly create
my own personal work intensified my desire to explore my new tool.
|
| Q9 |
What is Computer Graphics for you? |
|
To me computer graphics represent the most important
development in the visual arts since the invention of the camera.
It challenges a lot of the preconceived ideas that have built up
around the Fine Arts. And, it has increased the creative bandwidth
of our expanding global culture. Many people who would not otherwise
consider themselves artists are working visually on computers. The
tools are so new that no one can tell you exactly how to use them
and we are seeing exciting new work emerge everywhere. I would love
to see this interest in computers spill over into an enhanced appreciation
of Art in general, in my country. Art is not a day-to-day part of
the culture of the United States, but maybe through an interest
in seeing what computers can do an appreciation for Art can arise.
|
| Q10 |
.Could you tell as about your dream? |
|
My dream is to create digital art work that is appreciated
and collected world wide. We would like to establish a school for
studying digital art and printmaking, where students could come
to improve and accomplished artists would come to have the best
quality prints of their work made. In order to do this, I realize
I must promote Digital Art in general, since there is so much for
people to understand and appreciate. It's a big dream, of course,
but why waste time with small ones, since there are already so many
small dreams to achieve on the way to the large ones. |
| Q11 |
As a part of social contribution activities, Toray
holds DCA every year. What is your view to this sort of social contribution
activities by corporations? |
|
Corporations are successful because of the riches
that are provided to it by the societies in which those corporations
are found. The highly skilled workers are provided by the society's
schools and teachers for the success of the corporations. The society
builds the roads and the markets which allow corporations to prosper.
Armies of young men are willing to fight battles to protect what
corporations have built. So, it is most fitting that enlightened
corporations such as Toray look for ways to actively give something
back to society. I am very impressed that Toray has chosen to conduct
a global art appreciation contest that encourages many people to
use the computer not only to create artwork, but to join in a positive
and enriching activity and sharing. It is not just the art but the
gathering of all the people that makes the DCA competition an important
contribution to an increasingly global society. |
| Q12 |
Please give a word to staff members of the Toray
Group around the world. |
|
To the staff of the Toray Group I would like to say
thank you for making Toray a strong company which also has the insight
to share and create such a meaningful event as the Digital Creative
Awards. I am deeply honored that one of my artworks was chosen.
I am inspired and encouraged to work doubly hard at my Art, as well
as my dreams. Thank you, so much. |
