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Konica Minolta Users | all galleries >> KM Challenges >> KM C39 Tools: Hosted by Alain De Bock >> C39 Tools: Competition > Ars Ęterna, by Tom Pariz
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01-AUG-2005

Ars Ęterna, by Tom Pariz

Leonardo da Vinci drew this sketch in 1492.

Now this is 2005, and yet although times are different and tools have evolved, from simple pencil to sophisticated touchscreens and graphic tablets, many things remain the same. There's still human hand holding pencil, and same human mind behind the tools; behind the screen, behind the computer and digital camera, striving to achieve same goal as the man who lived 513 years before.
What are tools than mere extensions of our arms, and ultimately, of our mind. Everyhthing is there for us, as we are the centre of our creations. I wanted this image to reflect all that, and that's why every element on this picture points to its centre, plexus solaris of Leonardo's Vitruvian Man. Symbolically, that's where our life energy comes from.

Minolta DiMAGE A1
0.60s f/2.8 at 7.2mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Marc Baumser08-Aug-2005 11:53
unique vision. the noise adds character. Marc
Guest 06-Aug-2005 15:46
I like the treatment you have given this shot. It adds alot to the concept and idea you are conveying! But tell me, is that "grain" or "noise"? LOL:)
Guest 04-Aug-2005 13:17
Great concept! I feel like this picture could belong on the cover of a book or magazine.
Guest 03-Aug-2005 03:20
Tp/MM, I like this version better. I still think that maybe some other use of grain could provide more visual impact (maybe based on a circular gradient from the tip of the pen?) and the grain itself seems a bit too much colour (although I'm not really familiar with high ISO film), but the idea is still good to show how old and new are connected and even have some similarities in their application.
John
Konica Minolta Users03-Aug-2005 02:24
I've reposted my entry, now bringing more balance between real and grain, old and new.
Actually, grain on digital side of the story clashes with real side of the image on the left. Why?
I wanted to say that some real and wonderfully new ideas shine from art centuries old, and yet with all the new amazing tools we are just rediscovering of the old (artistic) truth we humans strive for from time immemorial.
Hope you'll like this one. - Tom Pariz
Konica Minolta Users03-Aug-2005 00:26
Gentlemen, thank you for your favourable comments. This will probably be my only entry in this challenge, because I'm so very busy and still have to take care of my little son who is very ill. Most of you commented on grain effect; well, I still have the unprocessed version which I might consider to post instead, but with this effect I wanted to reduce unwanted reflections; making everything look like a charcoal sketch of old times of renaissance. However, I salute your comments and will probably do something interesting out of this picture, this effect and your ideas. - Tom Pariz
Guest 02-Aug-2005 14:05
TP/MM, nice idea, even the grain concept to link the old and new. However, I agree that teh way you've done the grain is perhaps a bit too engulfing. Perhaps a mono version with grain resembling B&W film grain would work better for me than this colour version with its colour noise/grain. Anyway, I like the idea and your composition. AS always, thanks for your interesting caption.
John
Dennis Phillips01-Aug-2005 18:53
I like the idea behind this shot, and there's a certain sepia quality that gives it an antique feel. But I feel the graininess detracts from the overall impression.

Tlaloc
Konica Minolta Users31-Jul-2005 20:05
Interesting parallel, Tom. Is that a tablet or touch screen you'r working with ? Certainly more advanced than the tool Da Vinci used ;-) Good use of the grain efect here, and nice lighting balance LLC:URC

Alain