Steven Friedman began his artistic career as a traditional photographer. He studied at Cooper School of Art in the 1970's and received his degree in photography. His photographic works have been published in a number of periodicals he has had several exhibitions of his photographs.
In the mid 1990's he began experimenting with digital imagery and he is now one of the emerging new artists who are creating digital fine art. He has since branched out into traditional painting with oils and watercolors.
Artistic Philosophy
Many people have the impression that digital art is all ethereal science-fantasy type stuff, or glitzed up photos. In fact there are many artists who are creating exquisite artwork in the style of traditional mediums, but doing it digitally. Many fine artists are migrating to this medium simply because of the many possibilities it offers. The guiding philosophy behind my own work is about realizing a vision. For me part of that vision takes place behind the camera and another part of the vision takes shape as I work with and alter an image in the computer to get just the effect I want. I use the term "Digital Natural Media" to describe the processes I use. It is a union of camera, computer, digital "paint brush", paper, and printer. But more importantly it is a union of realistic imagery (photography) and artistic interpretation. Traditionally photography has always worked with three main elements; light, color, and composition. Computer technology has enabled me to add three additional elements; texture,abstraction, and medium style. By balancing elements of realism and abstractionism, I achieve an effect that "plays" with the viewer's eye and imagination and bridges the gap that has separated photographic techniques from traditional artistic techniques.
In the mid 1990's he began experimenting with digital imagery and he is now one of the emerging new artists who are creating digital fine art. He has since branched out into traditional painting with oils and watercolors.
Artistic Philosophy
Many people have the impression that digital art is all ethereal science-fantasy type stuff, or glitzed up photos. In fact there are many artists who are creating exquisite artwork in the style of traditional mediums, but doing it digitally. Many fine artists are migrating to this medium simply because of the many possibilities it offers. The guiding philosophy behind my own work is about realizing a vision. For me part of that vision takes place behind the camera and another part of the vision takes shape as I work with and alter an image in the computer to get just the effect I want. I use the term "Digital Natural Media" to describe the processes I use. It is a union of camera, computer, digital "paint brush", paper, and printer. But more importantly it is a union of realistic imagery (photography) and artistic interpretation. Traditionally photography has always worked with three main elements; light, color, and composition. Computer technology has enabled me to add three additional elements; texture,abstraction, and medium style. By balancing elements of realism and abstractionism, I achieve an effect that "plays" with the viewer's eye and imagination and bridges the gap that has separated photographic techniques from traditional artistic techniques.
New Read an Interview on "What is Digital Natural Media"