Artist Statement

"The computer is simply a tool that I use as a painter uses a brush or a potter uses a wheel. In creating my images I use the latest technology to its fullest, but it is my own aesthetic sensibilities, desires, and instincts that guide the creation of my art."

The subject matter of my art is both purposeful and ambiguous, focusing on evolving themes that explore the relationships between imagination and reality, the subtle interplay between the subconscious and the conscious mind. Inspiration comes to me from dreams, music, literature, mathematics, science, and from the wide range of natural patterns and forms of the world around us. Although I sometimes use reference photos for inspiration regarding form, color, and texture, there are no photographs or scanned images present in my finished work.

The objects represented in these photorealistic works are completely imaginary; they do not physically exist, nor are they meant to represent any actual objects that do physically exist. My works are virtual "snapshots" of artificial (and often surreal) worlds that I envision and create in computer space. I assemble my compositions from objects that I create completely from scratch using computer programming techniques in conjunction with mathematics theory (and healthy doses of creativity and imagination).

Throughout the creation process I retain complete control over every aspect of the work. The computer is simply a tool that I use as a painter uses a brush or a potter uses a wheel. Although I use the latest technology to its fullest, it is my own aesthetic sensibilities, desires, and instincts that guide the creation of my art.

Trying to capture in a pleasing manner the way light and shadow create drama or emotion, or working to get just the right type of texture or organic shape, working it into a composition, bringing all the aspects together into a cohesive whole — that's the challenge for me. When I get it right I feel fulfilled. That's why I create my art, and I hope it can bring to the lives of others some small portion of the fulfillment and joy that it brings to me.

All of my images are studies in the thematic use of color, texture, shape, structure, composition, and lighting. Although I strive to give the viewer the same sense of emotion, drama, and meaning that I experience while developing the works, everyone sees the work through a personal perspective that filters the experience into a unique and personal viewing context.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my site. I'm constantly creating and adding new images to my gallery, so I hope you'll stop by again sometime soon...

—Rob

All content copyright © 2004-2024 Robert W. McGregor. All rights reserved.