“Inception” and “Avatar” put a whole

new spin on 3-D digital art, an art form that is becoming popular

on the Sacramento State campus. To promote this modern medium,

students majoring in electronic art showcased their capabilities in

the New Tools exhibit April 18-22 in the Witt Gallery.

“When we are working on a piece, our

computer is our tool,” said William Talbot, senior studio art

major.

To show what they created with

“Blender,” the program used to create the 3-D images, the artists

printed out their work and mounted the pieces to transform the

gallery into a digital space.

“People who visited the gallery

seemed to have a lot of interest in the digital work,” Talbot said.

“People see this form of art in movies, TV and commercials. A lot

of people just don’t realize it is an actual art form.”

Just like other art majors, Sac

State’s electronic art program covers all traditional art forms –

painting, drawing and sculpting.

“I like digital art more because it

allows me to defy a lot of the rules that are set in place with the

traditional medium,” Talbot said. ” I can do more with Blender than

I can with cardboard or clay.”

Talbot said his pieces feature

abstract forms with architectural styles. David Karnes, senior

studio art major, was the second artist in the exhibit and depicted

a robot in his digital works.

Pursuing a long-time 3-D project,

Karnes said he created a robot named Adam to explore the digital

world while following a story line.

“One day I was just sleep deprived

and started writing a story line that began my design,” Karnes

said. “I just let my mind wander and started sketching.”

Karnes said Adam is a robot who was

created by a professor to expose the mental issues found within

ourselves. From egos to self-control issues, Adam reflects negative

characteristics and is turned-on in a world ruined by humans.

“The story line is basically about

humans being left in a world that they destroyed,” Karnes said.

After the show, Talbot said he

received positive responses from those who attended the gallery

exhibition.

“People were able to see what you

can do with these digital tools, like artists did in movies like

‘Avatar,’” Talbot said. “We hope people get more involved in this

field.”

Being a part of this exhibit will

help his career in digital art, Talbot said. He recently landed a

summer internship with Blizzard Entertainment, the creators of the

popular computer game “World of Warcraft.”

“This has opened lots of

opportunities for me,” Talbot said. “Digital art is becoming

increasingly popular in the world around us. Hopefully students at

Sac State will become more involved with this medium.”

Talbot and Karnes prefer this form

of art, and they also agree on the importance of art at Sac

State.

“A world without art just wouldn’t

be visually stunning,” Karnes said. “Anyone can pick up a pencil

and can start drawing – everyone can create art.”