TOM LONGTIN

ARTIST STATEMENT

 

Computers are a powerful means for encouraging and facilitating artistic expression. Although workstations with graphic and modeling software are as readily available as brushes, paints, easels and power and hand tools - skills, patience and imagination are needed to produce attractive original results. Using the computer encourages trial-and-error and variations-on-a-theme approaches, unlike mistakes on canvas or the scrapping of expensive materials which can inhibit experimentation. Also, hand-drawn sketches or other drawings can be scanned into the computer as a starting point. Just as we can cut and paste text into a final composition, computers can be thought of as word processors for producing art. Undo and redo capabilities allow visualizing several alternatives - either converging towards a desired result or diverging in a direction not originally imagined. In the case of 3D computer-aided sculpture, tangible results can be obtained through various means. Once the artist's creation has been modeled and visualized to satisfaction in the computer, accurate data can be output in several ways for cutting, forming and assembling materials.  

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BIO

Tom Longtin was a graphic artist, computer programmer, and mathematical sculptor whose work bridges the worlds of art and science.

Tom has been a consultant for musicians, mathematicians, and sculptors, including Hans Schepker.  He studied mechanical engineering and computer science at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, focusing on 3D geometric computer graphics programming.  Tom was a computer programmer at Cranston/Csuri Productions, one the first computer animation labs in the world, where he was involved in producing both commercial and academic work.  Tom’s work in animation for commercial television, including Miramar's video The Mind's Eye, has been recognized across the globe.  His work has been featured in books celebrating M.C. Escher's centennial, and in best-selling author Dr. Clifford Pickhover's book, The Mobius Strip (Basic Books, 2007).

Tom's 3D software was used in creating award-winning animation work for the Superbowl and Olympics, and he has worked for Boston University and the New York Institute of Technology.  He has created magazine and journal covers for Gear Technology Magazine and the Power Transmission Design Trade Journal.   His work has been featured in the publications of Ars Et Mathesis (Art and Mathematics Foundation) from the Netherlands, and as cover art for Computer Graphics and Applications (International Electrical and Electronics Engineers).

His sculptural pieces have been exhibited by the Bennington Museum, The North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show and The Left Bank Gallery. His pieces are held in collections throughout the northeast, including the personal collections of professors, writers, musicians, and sculptors.

 Tom was incredibly resourceful with materials for his often 100% recycled sculptures. He was a top notch dumpster diver and made the rounds weekly to his favorite dumpsters and salvage spots. He was always generous with his finds, and shared materials with people he knew could utilize them. He gave many of his off- cuts and duplicate sculptures to artist friends for revision and collaboration. Tom was a native of Bennington, Vermont and an avid outdoorsman who liked to bike, hike, ski, skate and snowshoe. Tom was a dear friend and is deeply missed.

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