23.05.2005 Latest update

A little later than the normal update, about six months actually. A lot of water under the bridge, a lot of models built and rendered.

So what’s been happening this year. I managed to get access to Maya unlimited: the main reason for wanting Maya is so that I can start to use displacement maps from ZBrush. I am still a keen Lightwaver but until Lightwave can implement displacement maps to a better standard I need a new solution, hence Maya 6.5.

That being said I am finding that I now model almost exclusively in Silo (currently in version 1.4). I have been part of the Beta team for sometime and the feature list has grown and grown with each version. I intend to give Hexagon and Modo a whirl sometime soon as all the feedback I have read praises both programs. The thing that continues to impress me with Silo is its simplicity. Add to that the fact that almost everything is configurable from interface items to how the mouse buttons work. I have been working on an interface that suits my needs giving me access to my favorite tools from either side panels or directly from the manipulator.

One result of all this work is that I haven't had much time to create full pieces of artwork. When my current workload eases I hope to knuckle down to some big projects

I recently produced a 2 hour box modeling video to show how I model in Silo: This is available at KURV Studios in the tutorial section. I will be following this up with a GET INTO SILO DVD which is currently in production. I have aimed the DVD at the beginner/intermediate level and although primarily aimed at Silo users I hope it would be beneficial to anyone wanting to learn more about 3d modeling.

Moving on from 3D modeling to Sculpting with Clay. I recently took a decision to Sell all my Super Sculpey creations. My War Troll now lives in the South of England, Rhino Dino is due to fly out to Italy and King of the Goblins is going economy class to Texas. I find it hard parting with these Sculptures but as I am due to move house soon I needed to make a little space. My new house will have a purpose built studio to help keep all my equipment and hardware under one roof. It will be fantastic to start a project on a drawing board, Scan it, color it in Photoshop and even sculpt a part of it in Super Sculpey all in one room with all my equipment and resources around me. I have a few Sculpey and Chavant projects planned but I won't be starting anything until I am firmly embedded in my new place.