Thomas Zimmerman

 "Exploring the Third Dimension"

Architecture, considered by many to be the mother of the visual arts, is, by nature a physical realization of multiple, complex forces. Constrained by the realities of physical site, economics, programme, social and cultural precepts, technology, politics and ego, an architectural creation is a marvelous and magical thing.

I broke free of these constraints in a medium which I find allows joyous exploration of the relationships between form, space, light and shadow, dimension, colour and perspective. The virtual world of the computer is as creatively challenging as it is liberating.

The artist is provided tools to create and manipulate sculptural elements in three dimensional space on a two dimensional surface. As a powerful contemporary creative tool, the computer provides the brush, the paint, the palette and the canvas.  Line and shape can have form, depth and dimension, and colour can have light and shadow. Linear objects can penetrate mass in unlimited space.

I created this series of images from two dimensional architectural plans developed a decade ago. The computer and its sophisticated 3D capabilities was subsequently used to meticulously evolve a simple graphic plan into a dynamic, expressive sculptural construction. After creating multiple light sources or 'suns' of different tonality, angle and azimuth, I designed a surreal world of layered, penetrating volumes in light and shadow.

All aspects and qualities of each image have been conceived, developed and controlled by me.  Nothing is random.

The final compositions are subjective. Informed by my vision and experience as an architect, they are metaphors for architectural and urban structures. A subconscious, automatic, visceral resolution of visual relationships in a conscious and deliberate process of discovery.

-Thomas Zimmerman