May 2014 Artist of the Month - joefraq

Each month the Renderosity community votes on the Renderosity Artist Of The Month [AOM] ... May's AOM is joefraq!

We congratulate joefraq for an outstanding collection of works in the Fractal Gallery!

Tell us a bit about yourself. Who is 'joefraq' ?

My name is Joseph Presley.  I was born in 1973 and I live in FL USA.   The things I am most passionate about are music and art.

How long have you been creating art?

I’ve been creating art & music since I was a young child and I’ve been busy doing that ever since.  My father was an awesome artist and musician, sharing his skills with me throughout my life.  In 1999 I discovered fractal art and have been obsessed with it ever since.

Do you have any formal art education?

Not so much.  Although I did choose art for many a college elective.

 

 

What are you currently working on?

In regards to fractal art, the main thing I am currently working on is coordination of the 1st International Fractal Art Symposium to be held in San Sebastian, Spain in less than two months.  This is an exciting event bringing fractal artists together from over 16 different countries.

Who, or what, inspires you?

That’s a hard one for me to answer in simple terms.  I find inspiration so easily.  I’m inspired by the beauty of nature, the right shift of a chord progression, the tone in someone’s voice when they say a particular thing, stories of people who push limits or make discoveries.  I draw so much of my artistic inspiration from the things I’m freshly experiencing, seeing or feeling in the here and now.  If I were to make a list of artists that I find inspirational, my list would just go on and on and on.

 

 

What Fractal software have you used? Any particular favorite?

I have been using UltraFractal for 15 yrs, XenoDream for 12 yrs, and Mandelbulb3D for 2 yrs.

All 3 are my favorite.  Each application is totally amazing in its own right.  I will say that UltraFractal holds a special place in my heart as my ‘first love’ for making artistic expression through fractals.

What do you enjoy most about Fractal art?

For me, it is a perfect fit to work with fractals as my artistic medium.  The process of experimentation, analysis and discovery during the creation of my art gives me a high that I am addicted to.  I think the thing I enjoy most, is when a new work is completed and it is something I am proud of.

 

 

What do you think your best piece of work is and why?

Picking one best work it pretty tough because I strive to make creations that are different than anything I’ve made before.  I am kind of partial to my musical fractal art series though.  TimeToPlay is a good example of one of these pieces.   I fell in love with the piano at the age of 5 and I never let it go.  I am often inspired artistically by music and this series of works show the confluence of my two greatest passions.

Do you have any tips you would be willing to share on any of the fractal software you use?

Learning any of the fractal programs was not easy for me.  It took a lot of time and effort to learn the applications well enough to use them for creating art.   Whatever software you are using, if you are banging your head against the wall, reach out to the community that is associated with that software.   Communicating with other users was always a key element in my learning.

 

 

How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning?

My fellow artists here at Renderosity are a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.  I have been a part of this community for a long time and I still really appreciate the opportunity to share and learn from other artists here.

Do you have any parting comments, or advice for other artists?

For everyone who has taken the time to view/comment/favor my works, Thank you.   I can’t say enough how appreciative I am to be a part of this community and to have the friends that I have made here.

 

 

We invite you to have a further look at joefraq's Renderosity Gallery!

Be sure to visit:

• joefraq's Renderosity homepage
• joefraq's Renderosity Gallery
• Renderosity Fractal Gallery

Artist of the Month is highlighting a talented Renderosity artist that has been nominated by mods and admins, and voted by the community. Recognition is given to this member for their collection of works for that year.

Since we only select one AOM per month, it is not about their works for that particular month. Instead, it is about highlighting a talented artist's works for that year, and they are recognized during that month.

To learn more about Renderosity's Artist Of The Month [AOM] award, and to view our past AOM's, please visit the AOM page.

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