Bill Silverman

MEETING DATE: July 19, 2013

Our July speaker will be our very own Bill Silverman, leader of the Graphics Workshop, which is held each third Thursday evening of the month at SCAN. The graphics workshop is one of our most popular workshops. Bill will speak about “Anamorphic Art” and give us its history and uses over the centuries. We hope for a great turnout and a fun evening of creativity and discovery.

As explained in an interesting article by Esther Inglis-Arkella at website http://io9.com/5928448/the-art-of-anamorphic-illusions:

“Anamorphosis is an ancient painting technique. It may actually be the ancient painting technique, because some art historians say that it was used in the cave paintings of Lascaux. Anamorphosis is distortion of an image so that it appears in perspective only from one angle. In Lascaux, supposedly the horses and bison painted on the walls are distorted so that they seem in perfect perspective when looked at from the floor below. Michelangelo's David is sculpted so that the head and upper body is proportionately larger than the lower body, giving the illusion of a normal body from those looking up at it. But that's the invisible form of anamorphosis - the kind at work when people don't want you to notice it. It's much more fun when they do want you to see what they've done.” [underlining is mine]

The last sentence above perfectly explains what Bill’s goal is. Bill is a very creative individual and we are lucky to have him not only spend time with us learning graphic programs and techniques, but he is also a treasure-trove of innovative ideas as well, including his work with computerized art.

Having studied art in college, I am familiar with Greek statuary where the head is measurably larger than the body (nude or not!). Looks like I was into anamorphic art without even knowing it. I think a less creative soul would call it “keystoning,” but I can’t bring myself to do anything but admire it.

Bill became interested in anamorphic techniques several decades ago, when he read an article about anamorphic art in an issue of Scientific American magazine (January 1975). His interest was further aroused when he discovered Foudini at a garage sale. Be sure to come to Bill's presentation to meet Foudini himself! Over the past few years, Bill has honed his skill, and has even presented a mini-workshop on anamorphic art at a Graphics Workshop meeting last year. I know that I came away just amazed at Bill’s knowledge. Most of all, Bill’s enjoyment of the art was contagious, and it left me wanting to see more of what can be done.

Bill is retired from teaching high school chemistry and physics. He has also taught astronomy, biology, ecology, environmental science, and SAT math. Bill happily lives in Marlboro with his lovely wife, Barbara. After retiring, Bill became a student at Brookdale Community College where he earned an associate degree in computer graphics. While there he also won a NAPP (National Association of PhotoShop Professionals) scholarship to attend a three-day workshop in Tampa, Florida to study PhotoShop with Scott Kelby and his associates. After earning his associate degree in computer graphics, Bill then went on to become a Master Gardener. Bill is also a long time member of the Deep Cut Orchid Society, and a founding member of the Staten Island Orchid Society.  Using his favorite slide show software, Photodex's Producer, Bill has created some really amazing and beautiful slide show presentations, some in 3D. In fact, Bill was the first person in the universe to use Photodex's ProShow Gold to create a 3D slide show. He has combined his interests by producing slide shows related to computer graphics, horticulture, and science. Over the years he has presented slide shows of diverse subjects to our club. The titles range from "The Allure of Marilyn", "The History of 3D Photography and Modern Applications", "Gardens of the Master Gardeners", to "An Introduction to Our Creepy, Crawling, Flying, Stinging, and Blood Sucking Neighbors - in 3d".  His talents have made him a valuable member of our User Group, and he has generously given his time when needed.

Now we have a great opportunity to not only expand our horizons and ask Bill questions, but we’ll get our own creative juices flowing, and learn something new. Bill will show us how to use a digital camera, and Photoshop, along with a cylindrical mirror, to create your own anamorphic portrait.  Note that on BCUG's July's webpage the  "photo of the month" is an anamorphic portrait of one of our members. Come to the meeting to see who it is and how Bill can magically restore that person to normal appearance.

The only thing we ask you to bring along to our July meeting is your open mind and imagination. This promises to be a memorable meeting.

From the same article:

“For the most part, anamorphosis is now a novelty in art. There are desk toys and children's activity books that are made to showcase it. Occasionally though, like Holbein, modern painters will showcase their style and ability to paint perspective.”t

To use a pun, Bill will bring anamorphic art into perspective and we will come away more aware of its uses and history. We hope to see you at our July meeting. Bring a friend or two and help support one of our own members.

 

Jo Grazide