Our May interview is with *fractek, a very inspiring artist who produces some very unique Ultra Fractal work. *fractek has some very interesting pieces and some of them don't even look like fractals, lets get to know her a bit more, shall we?

Meet Fractek

× How long have you been doing fractal art and who or what got you started?

I have been doing fractal art (with UF) for about 3 years now. My father, Terry (a.k.a. fractalhead) first introduced me to the program. At first, I wasn't too sure I wanted to do art based on math, but he kept assuring me it was great fun. I'm glad my Dad was so persistent!!!

× Do you have any formal training in this area, or as an artist in general?

I played and mostly fumbled around with UF for about a year, then I came across the courses offered by Janet Parke. They were invaluable in teaching me how to understand what I was doing. I highly recommend them to anyone who hasn't taken the courses yet. I haven't any other formal art training.

× Do you do artwork for a living? If not, would you like to?

No! I would love to do that though, if I knew how to make a go of it.

× Whose work has inspired you, and what inspires you now?

Janet Parke has really inspired me the most. She helped me to see the real beauty in fractals. I love her style.
These days, simple things can inspire me. For example, I might be in Walmart and see a pattern on a shower curtain, or a design in a magazine, or a greeting card and my mind starts thinking about how I can incorporate the ideas into my fractal art.
Whenever I see anything that appeals to me, I try and mentally isolate what it is that attracts me to it and once again I start to experiment with UF.

× In your mind, what's the most important thing you've learned about Ultra Fractal and why?

Hard question I think the answer is, not to let the program itself, intimidate me. I've come to appreciate (with time) that UF is an extremely versatile program and any "look" I'm after is possible with patience and persistence.

× Do you have a preference for the type of fractal pictures you like to create?

I like to create fractal art that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just us "fractal geeks". At times I even like to design a piece that hides the fact that it is a fractal at all.

× How would you describe your style, do you think you even have one yet?

To use a decorating term, I would say I have an eclectic style. I like to keep reinventing my look from 'traditional' fractals, to ultra modern abstract pieces, and even antique flowery pieces. I bore easily with one look, and want to keep 'stretching my wings'. However, I do prefer strong lines and simple structures the best. Many of my fractals only contain 3 or 4 layers.

× What kinds of things do you pay attention to when you make a fractal?

I guess you could say, presentation. I experiment with different colors, positions, layers, and shapes, so in the end the fractal is not only appealing to the mind, but also to the eye.

× If you could improve one thing to make your fractals better, what would it be? (Example: Composition, Use of Color Theory)

I wish I had more time to experiment with formulas and coloring algorithums that I haven't touched yet. The possiblities with UF are endless, and I know I have so much more yet to learn. No time, no time!!

× What three fractals would you pick from your gallery as your favourites, and why?

1) ---Emergence---this fractal was my first "breakthough" hence the name, emergence.... it taught me to 'keep it simple!!!'

2) -----Script---- this fractal taught me that a fractal doesn't always have to look like a fractal!!

3)---- Earthy Tones--- I simply love gnarls and the colors of this piece

× Is there any other form of art that you'd like to explore in the future?

As much of my fractal work will testify, I would love to work with watercolors. Pottery making also intrigues me.

× Is there any advice you would like to pass on to others?

One of the best things I did, was make my own favorites folders in the formula, mapping, and outside/inside tabs. That way, if I ever came across something I liked, I would simply copy it and paste it in the folder for easy access another time.

I also made a 'texture' folder. Whenever I see anything that I think could be used as a texture in the future, I save it in this file and give it a name eg. "broken glass". This has been so helpful.

Sampling From *fractek's Gallery

I would like to encourage you to visit *fractek's gallery and see the other beautiful and unique works that are found there as well.


_{Interviewed by =LonesomeFaery for *Ultra-Fractal}