Ryan’s Rantings

First, have yourself a gander at Mark Farrari’s artwork.

To make these, Farrari used only an 8-bit color cycle with HTML 5. Below is a sample of his work (Keep in mind this is just a screenshot; be sure to follow the link, because the actual work moves and changes):

There is this tendency among artists (and I include myself in this, even though I usually don’t use the word “artist” to describe myself) to become materials-obsessed. To get hung up on what you are using and to always want something better.

I understand this more then most. Hell, one of my links is Notebook Stories. I’ve been obsessed with finding the perfect notebook for years, one that offers me the perfect balance of portability, quality, and I hate to admit it: looks (though like any good obsession, I’ll probably never be satisfied.)

I’ve spent thousands upon thousands of dollars over-the-years on supplies (and now I spend even more on new programs, hardware, and upgrades: the digital age is expensive!) What has all this money gotten me? Well, actually a lot. I’m not downing expensive supplies, no matter how ridiculously overpriced (I’m looking at you, PrismaColor!) These supplies are often worth it, their quality undoubtedly superior.

But when it comes to the fundamentals of what makes a good artist, these supplies won’t do much. Think of it like driving; a brand new AC Cobra 427 won’t do much for a 14-year old who has never been behind the wheel. And in fact, teaching this 14-year old how to drive in a AC Cobra 427 probably won’t yield any benefits that teaching him in a 1985 Honda Civic would yield (and I bet some would even claim teaching him in the Cobra would be detrimental.)

And this hints at the dark side of supply obsession, when it becomes a crutch and a gimmick. Supplies become ’15 days to instant weight loss’ and a ‘get rich scheme’ all in one. Subconsciously, the frustrated artist (and nearly all artists are frustrated) views new supplies as a shortcut to achieve what they want to achieve.

To quote Kung Fu Panda (and no, I am not above quoting Kung Fu Panda) “There is no secret ingredient…there is no shortcut.” This goes far beyond art. In life, there are no rules that, if dutifully followed, free you from the burden of living (if you wish to call it a “burden.”) No logical algorithms that will free the mind from the need to think. No guru on a hill that will fix all problems with a vague and knowing platitude.

If you want to learn the fundamentals of drawing, a number 2 pencil and a piece of computer paper will do the job; you don’t need to buy a set of 9H to 9B drawing pencils and an expensive sketchbook (though better materials will become a necessity at some point.)

This is why I like what Mark Farrari has done, using a highly limited set of tools, he created some incredible images; and it just goes to show you: that it is the artist that makes the art.