Let us introduce you Richard Maier, an abstract photographer, and traditional etching artist, and – since 90s – mostly a digital artist. His work is inspired by nature, science, mathematics, and mythology. He strives to imbue his work with a sense of visual mystery. To quote Neil Gaiman, "... it's the mystery that endures. Not the explanation. A good mystery can last for ever." – "The Sandman, The Parliament of Rooks".
So let's dive into Richard's world of digital art mysteries!
Richard Maier
– How long have you been using Filter Forge?
I've been using Filter Forge for about 7 years, since version 4.
– How did you learn about it?
I don't remember how I came across it, but I'm always on the lookout for new and different graphics programs to use in my work.
– What did you need it for at the beginning and how do you use it now?
I mostly use the Effects filters. I've done four “dark” series using various photo effects filters. I love how they obscure backgrounds and bring a sense of mystery to the subjects.
"Shadows" uses the Extremely Low-Fi filter
"Black Waters" uses the Dirty Waters filter
"Gallery Of The Lost" uses the Tinto Lookslike filter
"Spectral Darkness" uses the 3D Reflective Noisy Grayscale Photo Effect filter
Lately, I've done a couple series with the Variable Kaleidoscope filter. I used stock photos for the "Vernal Metamorphosis" series and I love how it's possible to make out the veins in the leaves at larger sizes. I used some of my father's amazingly detailed abstract paintings for the "Hibernal Metamorphosis" series, and I think that detail comes across at all viewing sizes. I'll probably do at least more series with this filter.
Vernal Metamorphosis 2
Hibernal Metamorphosis 7 and 14
My most ambitious series using Filter Forge to date is "Botanica Malefactum" which uses five Filter Forge filters for each image, in addition to images from other graphics programs, and tons of Photoshop work. Unholy Growth steals the show, providing the black border. Wrinkled Parchment, Watercolor Wash, and Asteroid Displacement provide much of the textured background. Rune Circle provides the just visible magic circle that push these images from "botanical herbal" towards "magical grimoire".
Botanica Malefactum 5
– I believe you’ve already answered the next question, but nevertheless I'll ask it. What are your favorite filters?
I love the huge selection of filters created and submitted by other Filter Forge users. If I haven't visited lately, I'm always excited to see what new filters have been submitted since my last visit. I almost always find a filter or two to add to my library.
At the moment, my favorite filter is Variable Kaleidoscope. It's amazingly fast and I love what it does.
– What filters and features are you missing in Filter Forge?
I appreciate that Filter Forge is a stand-alone app. I can set it rendering and switch back to Photoshop to continue working on other images at the same time
As for what features I'd like to see in Filter Forge's future, my hope is for faster rendering times for large images. Whenever I try out a new Filter Forge filter, I take a screenshot showing the final rendering time at 6000 pixels for reference.
We've conducted the Richard Maier's test for a Variable Kaleidoscope filter on a 6000*6000 px image. Impressive.
Fast filters might be considered for future series, slow ones probably not. It would also be great to be able to just drag an image into the Filter Forge window or dock icon and have that image load.
Thanks goes to Richard Maier for such a thorough and interesting story! Find out more about Richard Maier and his art on his official website.
