Shelley Lake
Artist Bio
Shelley Lake, a visionary digital artist, sees the computer not merely as a tool but as a dynamic and intellectual creative partner capable of birthing entirely new aesthetic experiences. Born in Miami Florida, her artistic journey commenced around 1974 when she witnessed the groundbreaking computer-animated movie, "Hunger" by Peter Foldes. Captivated, she turned towards the digital realm, culminating in her enrollment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1977, marking her as the first female graduate of their Master's program in 1979.
Lake's career unfolded in diverse dimensions. In the early 1980s, she joined Digital Productions in Hollywood, contributing as a technical director for notable projects, including the Academy Award-winning "The Last Starfighter." A decade later, Lake transitioned to the healing arts, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic and delving into human anatomy and applied kinesiology. This background continues to inform the design and choreography of her digital characters.
In 2001, Lake established Sky Lake Studios, reaffirming her commitment to the digital domain. Her artistic process intertwines physical dexterity, anticipating the transformation of light into pigment, and involves printmaking, where she hand-pulls large-format prints and revels in the tactile experience of stretching canvas. Lake's art has been featured globally, including prestigious exhibitions at Tate Modern and Art Basel, solidifying her status as a leading figure in digital art.
Her creations often feature bold and unapologetic depictions of powerful figures, transcending the limitations of reality in their superhuman digital form. Lake's subjects, superheroes, pinups, and warriors, embody a recurring theme in her work. However, instead of the cult of personality, she turns to anonymous symbols of power, strength, and fertility, offering enigmatic characters devoid of identity or celebrity trappings.
Lake's artistic journey mirrors the evolving landscape of technology, with her work adapting to advancements in computing sophistication. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in photorealism, texture mapping, polygonal modeling, lighting, and rendering speed. The immersive tactile experience, especially in large-format prints, remains a crucial aspect of her creative process.
In her current body of work, Lake delves into crafting words to accompany her imagery, exploring the synergy between visual and verbal communication. This endeavor, a response to recent developments in digital technology, reflects her ongoing commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Shelley Lake's artistic influence remains a secret worth exploring, as she continues to redefine the frontiers of digital art.