about Meg I've been working on a Macintosh with a Wacom tablet and the wonderful artist's software Painter® for going on seven years now. The thing I love most about working with Painter is how I can combine media difficult to use together in the real world, such as charcoal and watercolors. Its masking and frisket capabilities also let me achieve the appearance of stencilling and batik. Because it simulates real-world media so well, I can cater to my preference for working “from scratch” rather than working with pre-existing imagery. Where do I get my ideas? Ethnic materials and handicrafts: everything from carving, metalsmithing, papercutting, embroidery and leatherwork, to batik and tie-dye as well as the myriad sorts of traditional clothing and ceremonial costumes. The complexity and time-consuming process of many hand-made pieces speaks to me of a quieter way of life entirely different from the Westernized world of speed and efficiency. Ancient art: Greek vases, Egyptian wall paintings, Persian miniatures, Chinese scroll paintings and ceramics, Medieval tapestries, and more. Next to art, my biggest interests are history and anthropology. These three areas keep me well-educated when it comes to finding resources for new work, and help me learn more about the cultural aspects mentioned above. Often, the similarities of motif and color between sources will result in my work being a synthesis of the different styles. Nature: plants, animals and the elements! All offer an incredible array of innately pleasing shapes and patterns, besides both subtle and stunning color combinations. Any time the pace of life gets too crazy, I can restore calm by taking time to look at the natural world. Nature has also taught me to look more carefully at the details that can give my drawings the edge of reality they need to catch attention. Quilting: I now qualify as a Real Quilter by having more than one quilt in the works, and one of them being more than 5 years in the making. Plus, I have accumulated way more than I can lift of fabric swatches to choose from when I decide to begin another quilt. Working with these fabrics, planning the color contrasts and patterns, and the meditative time I spend stitching always generates plenty of ideas for new digital designs. Of course, I also hope to someday quilt a fabric made with my own design! Museums and libraries: whenever I visit a place I haven't been before, I try to find their museum or public library. In a museum, I scrutinize the exhibits for interesting details and color schemes. In a library, I zero in on their art books. The things I like, I sketch and diagram in a large blank book I carry around—my own personal design reference! Top To contact me with questions or to discuss the needs of future projects, call me directly at 608 663 6560 CST, or send me e–mail at Meg@digitalMeg.com. home | about Meg | résumé | resources digitalMeg | Madison, Wisconsin 53704 USA The original works of art and design in this website are copyright 2000 Meg Ross.