Donald Diddams
The Art of Digital Art
Her Shoes in the Alley
Posted on March 13, 2023
A white sandal with bright shiny sequins was laying on its side in a secluded spot in a downtown alley. It was worn and smudged with dirt around the sole. I wondered if it had just been thrown away and if so, where was it’s match? Or was there another very different story?
That’s how it is with so many things we see. There are questions and mysteries and alternative meanings. And stories we can tell. Here are a few examples.
Two Feet Down and a Light Dancer
Posted on March 9, 2012
Two Feet Down - 2012
A journey into abstraction is an experiment in using color, value and texture to reach for meaning beyond the literal.
Some art can be enjoyed for the pure pleasure of the color and form. At other times a work can also draw the viewer into the process of finding their own meaning. While both responses are valid, is one more lasting than the other?
Light Dancer - 2012
Circles
Posted on January 17, 2011
Cluster of Snails - 2011
A circle of tightly clustered snails near the water’s surface seems to overlap the circle of rock polished by the action of the sea. Below, an arc highlights a cluster of red globules on the beach next to the round seagrape leaf. While the circle is not always an easy design element to work with, it has always been a powerful symbol and metaphor. These images allude to that power.
Arc - 2011
Windows
Posted on January 1, 2011
The World Inside - 2010
A window in a wall between two spaces allows us to look from one space into the other. Looking in, we are often looking from a public space into a more private one. Looking out, we are more often in the private space viewing the more public space beyond. Of course, there are times that relationship is more ambiguous, or even reversed. As a visual metaphor, an open window between two places can also suggest different perceptions of reality layered upon each other and the possibility of movement or exchange between them. The two images here are examples of windows that explore these themes.
Second Story Light - 2010
Labyrinth at Mt. Washington
Posted on September 17, 2010
At the Labyrinth's Edge - 2010
Estate Mount Washington in the lush tropical hills of northwest St. Croix contains the ruins of an old sugar plantation and rum factory. The current owners have cleared the bush from around the ruins and invite visitors to come explore the park-like grounds. Amid the ruins is a labyrinth. All are encouraged to walk it in contemplation and thanks.
A labyrinth is an ancient symbol and meditation tool. Unlike a maze which has many twists and turns, dead ends and false paths, a labyrinth has only one path into the center, and the same path back out again. The journey to the center is a metaphor for one’s own journey to their center and back out into the world.
The Mount Washington labyrinth is laid out with smooth and interesting local stones on a bed of soft wood chips. In the center is a bleached brain coral stone surrounded by several beautiful heart shaped stones, one of which forms the background for the image below.
At the Labyrinth's Center - 2010
Pointers in Red and Green
Posted on September 6, 2010
Pointing to the Red - 2010
If there were such a thing as compass points within the picture frame, both of these images would be pointing off to the north-northeast. But they seem to be pointing to something else, too.
Immature Coconut - 2010
Subjective Realities
Posted on January 5, 2010
Man in Purple -- 2009
Each person’s heritage and life experiences are different, creating unique subjective realities that affect our interpretation of the world around us. I like these images because the feelings and stories they evoke for me tell me something about myself.
The original images were captured at night, handheld, without the benefit of flash. I then enhanced the indistinct and impressionistic qualities to make the images even less literal, and allow the viewer more freedom to reach their own conclusions.
Generations Apart - 2009
1961 Plymouth
Posted on December 10, 2009
Police cruiser - 2009
This classic was built at the end of an era of unusual excess in automobile design — the period of flamboyant fins, rocketship tail lights, and copious chrome. This had been a police cruiser, and was restored in that manner with one of the dual headlights converted to a red flasher.
Even in this earlier time, cars had become such an integral part of our cultural persona that we signaled our status, beliefs and view of ourselves by the cars we drove. The extreme design elements of the late 50’s and early 60’s surely said something about who we thought we were and where we thought we were headed.
Tail end (of the era) - 2009
A suburban maze
Posted on November 23, 2009
Corridor's end -- 2009
What is at this glass corridor’s end? Is it the door to the vault where the secrets are kept? Or is it a way out, and with the right spin of the red dial the door will swing open? Or, is it the secret red button that when pushed will launch next wave to resolve the crisis? Whatever it is, I am not sure this is a place meant for people.
Bride to be
Posted on November 17, 2009
Bride to be -- 2009
Nude mannequins in store windows may be an overdone subject (like sunsets, razzbuffnik). Nevertheless, the play of light and reflections in this upscale bridal shop in Florida were compelling. The contrast between the in-store lighting and the outdoor light on the dismembered mannequin gave her an other wordly look, echoing the contrast between the romance inside and the reality outside glimpsed in storewindow’s mirror.
St. Croix — Hotel Caravelle Artwork
Mocko Jumbies
Donald Diddams 