Digital artistry, specifically photographic digital artistry. What is it? Wikipedia defines it as artistic work that uses digital technology as part of the creative or presentational process. But what does that really mean, how is it done, and more importantly, why? We will explore the answers to those questions now.
Taking the definition of digital artistry further, let’s look at it in comparison to patchwork when it’s used in quilting. Patchwork is a technique that combines together small, different pieces of fabric used to create a larger design, pattern or even an image. When patchwork is used with quilting, it creates a final product that uses the patchwork, various elements, means, and layers to form one unified composition, the quilt.
With that comparison in mind, let’s take another look at digital artistry when it’s used with photography, hence photographic digital artistry, to discover the how. The “patchwork” becomes the digital photographs that will form the individual layers used to create a single art form. These photos include, but are not limited to, images of models, architecture and natural settings/backgrounds, textures, overlays, and other various images. These images are then incorporated together, mostly in photoshop or similar software programs, by creating layers with the images that utilize, manipulate and transform each of the individual images through the use of blend modes, curves, color, tonal adjustments and/or various design techniques and tools that are applied to an individual layer. Each layer, each photo or image, becomes an individual patch, if you will, that will become part of the final composition, the digital artistry.
Lastly, let’s tackle the question of why. Quite simply, through the process of digital artistry, an artistic creation can be produced that would be much more difficult, or that just cannot be created with a mere photograph. The layers of an image, colors, textures etc. all form a deeper and sometimes, different meaning than a stand-alone photograph. The viewer can have a greater experience in their interpretation of what the artist wants to convey in the composition. Digital artistry tells a story, it evokes a mood, instills a sense of wonder, and can have an impact that can be much more complex in its direction, shape and form than the one achieved in a single photograph. It can be compelling, and it can be provocative with how the creator intends it to be viewed. The final result can range from a surreal and fantastical arrangement to a seamless, realistic-looking piece depending on the creative vision of the artist. Digital artistry can transport the viewer to a different place and time as it allows the opportunity for people to take a journey into another world. Its sole purpose is to express creativity, emotions and ideas, something new and imaginative, that can entertain, inspire and challenge its audience. Digital artistry fuses both photography and digital art in a way that permits the artist the ability to blend images, change perspectives and create scenes or images in a way like no other art form.
In conclusion, this explanation into what digital artistry is, how it is composed, and why, hopefully will help in gaining an understanding of digital artistry and its importance when utilized with photography, and the subsequent impact that it can have on its audience.