Across the Internet, as people become more aware of the Count High project, topics are springing up on messageboards of all shapes and sizes. There is a topic on a site for passionate readers (BookCrossing.com). There is a topic at a penpal forum - where people sign up to write snail-mail letters to eachother (xpostcardx.proboards49.com)! And a neat write-up over here which seems to be a site about how to self publish books. These are a random sampling, and there are more. None so far has been as passionate as the 3D Commune. I spoke with some of the contributors from there just recently.
Firstly, Mark Feemster (Contributor 174) is co-moderator of the Bryce and Cinema4d forums and Galleries. “3DCommune is basically a gathering place for artists of all types. We gather and discuss works in progress, post our art and tutorials, share ideas and help each other solve problems we may be having beating our computers and particular programs into submission.” Mark works as a waiter “for the money” and when not riding mountain bikes or playing disc golf, he is a graphic artist “I specialize in Architectural Visualization. Art is my love and my hobby,” not more than his son, who he says “is my greatest creation!”
Tihomir (Contributor 187) is a graphic designer which he says “involves a lot of nerves sometimes.” A fan of “collecting various stuff,” graphic design was a natural progression for him, as “computers have always be my interest from when I was little kid.” At 31, Tihomir likes to dream big, with his goal of one day to “get a job in big studio and earn some decent money!”
Mike Mahoney (Contributor 188) is “a 57 year old Journeyman Cement Mason and I have been a member of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association for 30 years.” He got into that through an early start in construction “when I was young and too dumb to know any better. Actually it has been a pretty good living that engenders a good deal of pride in ones craftsmanship when you build something that will most likely remain standing for the rest of your life.” The years of hard physical labour, and trying to “keep up with the new generation of young and dumb” have taken a toll. “I’m really looking forward to the day that I can hang up my trowels, but that day is still a ways off, if I live that long.”
To find out where Chumley will sail, who met the Oracle and my thoughts on double numbers, click to read the rest of the article below.
“For fun,” says Mike, a 57 year old Cement Mason, “I enjoy singing and playing guitar, which I have been doing since I was 15.” However, lately the interest in old Country/Blues Grass music has taken a back seat, “a little over a year ago I discovered 3d Computer Graphics and have become hopelessly addicted. I now spend far more time with my computer than I do with my guitar.” Going by the online name of Chumley, he edits the Bryce Nook, an online publication for users of Bryce 3D Software. One day, Mike says, “If I make it to retirement, I want to buy a sailboat and sail it to Australia. I think I’ve said enough.”
Sarah Sammis (Contributor 185) is a “web producer… it involves web design with people and resource management. I learned web design in graduate school at UCLA and portal maintenance while I worked at Oracle.” With the intended goal of one day becoming a published author, Sarah is an avid reader, “reading is my main hobby and my blog reflects it” she currently has written over 750 book reviews (true!).
“I have a question for you,” Sarah asks “have you thought about letting volunteers come back for more numbers?” Adds Mike Mahoney, “I don’t want to be a number hog, but I wouldn’t mind another one if you can spare it .”
At this early stage in the game, numbers are one per person, in order to give as many people as possible a chance to contribute. However, if, at some point, it seems not enough individual volunteers will sign up, then double numbers will be handed out to those who have requested them. The goal is, ultimately, individual artists, though I can be flexible on that. Most of this is made up on-the-fly, so if modifications need to occur later, so be it.
As for the Count High project itself, “I think what attracted me to the project,” says Mike, “was the way you presented it, yourself and your baby. You just seemed to me like you were a really nice guy.” Sarah says, “It sounded like fun.” Mark concludes “I read the blog entry and had a eureka moment,It just seems like a really great idea and could end up being a chance for immortality that all artists strive for, even if it is only for a fraction of a second…grin.” “This is awesome project, thank you,” Tihomir.
