SOLITUDE

As our lockdown continues, we find ourselves inside during winter and constantly trying to keep warm. All 4 of us are in separate rooms working or learning and although winter in Sydney is very mild, to pass the hours we imagined something a little more exciting and exotic to entertain us.

Over the last 4 weeks I have engaged with the kids and schemed up another concept, this time a snow hut that we can imagine if not enjoy in reality. As always, we looked at reference and put together some sketches, then I went about putting this together with them. I have been toying with concept for many years, but never had the time to do it, and now with all the time in the world it seems, it is only too appropriate that I get this out into the ether.

It’s a very simple idea, using only the simplest modelling techniques. This exercise was not so much about the detail but creating some evocative images that conveyed the idea simply, and engaged my kids imagination. I got plenty of feedback as you can imagine, but I am happy with the results so far. The lockdown is starting to wear us thin, but our minds are never at rest. Projects like these are keeping me sane and the kids engaged, at least between the remote learning and the Xbox sessions. Having been a 3D artist for almost 20 years, they are familiar with what I do and the software I use but am slowly introducing them to the nuts and bolts of how I create my art.

I think the most important lesson I am learning is to not letting myself get in the way of sharing my work. For years I have toiled in this field doing this work for my clients, but been afraid to put my ideas down and share them with the world. I am not sure what was holding me back, but I am trying to churn out the concepts I have swirling around my brain and present them to the world. If I can pass on one thing to my kids it’s the ability to create and share as freely as possible.