Teknofemme
Annie Phyo -- Digital Artist
interviewed by Claudia L'Amoreaux


Why did you first start working with computers?

I was studying sculpture and painting in 1993 and I became attracted to 3D modeling so I could visualize and manipulate the forms --that's the part of sculpture that attracted me. Because the essential thing about sculpture is the concept. In the past alot of the great sculptors like Rodin made a model of the sculpture and apprentices actually would build the mold, pour the metal and finish the piece when it comes out. Edmonia Lewis was a black woman sculptor that I really got into. She did it all herself made her own molds, poured the metal, finished the piece. People often accused her of having men do the work. They couldn't imagine that she really did it all herself.

How did you get attracted to 3D modeling, how did you even know about it?

I was at SUNY at Buffalo, New York and they were offering a 3D modeling and simulation class in the art department. I took that class. My teacher Brent Scott was a great teacher. He was very supportive and spent alot of time working with me. He actually taught me how to problem solve my own stuff on the computer and to be self sufficient so I wouldn't have to rely on other people. That's the most important thing I learned there. With the computer world changing so fast and continually evolving, you have to be able to teach yourself because usually there won't be anyone around who has the answers yet. And that is really empowering, you know.

Obviously you used the computers at the university in the beginning. How did you get your first computer?

I became the lab monitor so I could have keys and access to all the computers. I just about lived there. It was awesome because I could leave something rendering on one computer and then move over to the next--I'd be working on 8 computers and just move on down the line.
After a few months of this, I realized I needed my own--you need to have your own computer so you can keep your files somewhere safe and be able to work anytime you want to. When you have your own computer you know it inside and out. You don't have to adjust anything. My mom helped me get one--she gave me a loan. I'm still paying her back (forever!)--{laughter} I owe her so much for everything.

Is your mom on the net?

Not yet but she will be--she needs to--I'd like to set her up with a system.

Do you have any women friends who have computers?

That's the weird thing. I don't have many women friends in this work. I don't think I have any (except for you) that have a computer.

What is the most essential thing you'd say to women beginning or wanting to get started using computers as a creative tool?

It would be nice to say don't be intimidated but initially it is intimidating. It's very scary at times. You just have to full force go for what you want. I was lucky because I had a really cool teacher in the beginning. Ask questions and keep asking them until you understand. Don't stop when you get frustrated or overwhelmed. When you're feeling overwhelmed know that you're on the brink of a breakthrough. There's always total chaos before you reach that next level. Just know that's how it works and know that after you reach that next level, you'll feel so good, you'll feel really strong. ]-[