Posted on December 12, 2000

• A few items to report today.

  I’ve been spending the past couple of days migrating all of my software to my new workstation. Actually, the new machine arrived last week but I didn’t want to start messing with it until I had posted “Yuletide“. If any of you are interested in the machine specs, here they are. I still have a few improvements I want to make to my latest uploads, so stay tuned for that.

• You all know I love using World Builder and Lightwave. Unfortunately, they just don’t play together like I want them to. World Builder, it appears, was built to work with 3D Studio Max and Lightwave support was added as an afterthought. I’ve decided, then, to purchase a copy of 3D Studio Max. The fact that I could upgrade to 3DS Max 4 also played a big part in my decision. It looks way cool.
• Lastly, I received notice yesterday that Digital Blasphemy was chosen as one of Yahoo Internet Life’s Top 100 websites for 2001. My mother (who has a subscription to the magazine) confirmed this for me last night. If you’re interested, the magazine hits the newstands on December 19th. Needless to say, I’m honored.

Posted on December 9, 2000

• I’ve added “Yuletide” to the new images page. I decided to go a different route for the environment on this one. Some of you wrote me saying you liked the floor design in the preview version, but I decided against using it. I thought snow would be more fitting.

  The preview version is still available in the Pickle Jar, as is a brief animation I rendered of the falling snow.

Posted on December 6, 2000

• This project I’m working on is taking longer than I had imagined. Part of that, I’ll admit, is due to me watching the “Dune” mini-series for the past three nights. I liked it, BTW.

  My new project isn’t near complete yet, but I’ve posted a render so you can get a glimpse at the direction I’m heading. I’ve put it in the PickleJar if you want a sneak peak. I don’t think it’s “done” enough to put it on the New Images page.

  More to come!

Posted on November 30, 2000

• Hi folks. Just thought I would check in since it’s been over a week since my last update. Here’s the scoop:

  I’m still fighting the good fight on the smoking front. I’d like to thank all of you who have written me with advice and encouragement. You’ve helped me a great deal and I hope to be able to answer all your letters in good time.

  I’m sorry that my struggle has impacted the frequency of my posts. I am simply not sitting at my computer as much as I used to. I’m sleeping through the night instead of getting up at 2 a.m. to work. I’m taking more walks with Jessica ( it’s easy not to smoke when I’m around her).

  In short, I’ve been working less for the past few weeks, mainly to avoid the cravings.

  I am working though, and I know a lot of you out there a looking forward to a holiday wallpaper or two.

  I started working on something last week. The idea: a cozy little cabin on a winter night. That’s pretty much the essence of what Christmas is all about for me; it’s cold and dark outside but you’re inside all warm with your friends and family. When I looked at the render, though, I was concerned that it didn’t look enough like a “traditional” Christmas picture. There aren’t any flashy lights or Santa Clauses.

  So for the past few days I’ve been puzzling over what I could add to make it look more festive, and this morning I decided I had waited long enough. The new render, which I’ve titled simply “December”, is up on the New Images page. Don’t be surprised if you see another version before the year is out.

Posted on November 22, 2000

• First off I want to wish all my American friends a happy Thanksgiving. I’m staying put this year, but if you’re travelling I wish you a safe journey.

  Secondly, I’d like to direct your attention to the new images page. You’ll find my latest upload at the top of the page: “Campfires 2000”. As the title suggests, it is an update of the “Campfires” image I posted last year. I hope you like it.

  Now I’d like to share something personal with you. You may or may not have noticed that my work has slowed somewhat in the past few weeks. There is a reason for this.

  About three weeks ago I decided it was time to break my 10 year smoking habit. It hasn’t been easy. Smoking was always a part of “the process” for me. I smoked when I worked and I still feel a strong “need” to smoke when I sit down at my computer to work. The mental energies that were going into my artwork now seem to be directed mainly at surpressing my urge to light up.

  So I beg your patience while I sort this all out. I’m sure as time passes life will get back to normal for me and the artwork will start flowing again. If any of you would like to share your own success stories or encouragement, please send them along.

  Again, I’m sorry if things slow down a bit for the next few weeks. Hopefully it will pay off in the long run.