Retired out of adv/PR. Former commercial art director, illustrator, and photographer with a fine arts background. Sixty five (65) years of age as of March 1, 2006. I still remember being 2, 14, 19, 25, 30, 40, and 50. I do not remember being 60 so I cannot explain the 65 thing, regardles of what the driver's license says.

Now that I have the time, I want to experiment photographically for art's sake. I have discovered a process that is a new art form (for me, at least), resulting in designs and patterns that I do not see anywhere else. New visions in the past required some form of artist's distortion. Bad eyesight.

Mental twisting. Drugs. Alcohol. Social torment.

I deliver my own way of seeing things to the computer, stress it a bit, and it goes crazy for me.

My commercial background wants me to find a production application for this art. That thought is being pursued.

Am working on manipulated, hybrid digital photo illustration and design styles. Current design ideas (from mildly modified to far-out surreal) seem to have an application within specialized theatrical set elements, faux stained glass windows, glass table tops, glassware, illuminated wall treatments, art prints (from desk top size to barn size), fabric/costume, New Age quilts, and whatever other directions are yet to appear on the radar. Screensavers?

I am also working on a process to construct unique people/pet portraits with "frames" built-in to the image area using elements existing in the digital photo itself.

Sometimes I call the process "borderizing".

Results have been, in my opinion, striking and dramatic. Especially with a heavy, beveled, clear glass sandwich mounting. My photo frame/border replaces any conventional frame. Just as well because most of my results do not fit standard photo frame sizes. An ideal crop is more important than conforming to a standard dimension. Everything about my photo framed portraits is custom tailored and given custom accessory treatment. The world does not HAVE to be in an 8 x 10 format!

Those of you who have ever opted for a specialized portrait photo frame know there is a an ample supply market out there. You just have to know where to look.

Sizes will be standard. Quality will be high but generally mass produced. Seldom one-of-a-kind.

My applied computer tricks are like those found in most Photo Studio Programs. I just invent and do a few extra stages.

You "pooterheads" can say

"I know how you did that!". You can identify my efforts and duplicate the motions. In fairly short order.

From the original photo set-up through the computer manipulations...style, choice, editing, technique, and proficiency all make a difference. There is no program for those human ingredients. I've had a friendly challenge from a pooterhead who claimed he could exactly duplicate my efforts. Even using my original photos, his results were flat, mechanical, and lifeless.

Far as I know, I just happen to be the first to wrangle photos and play portraits this particularly attractive way.

The borderized/framed portrait item is not for everyone. It will take a certain taste and budget to commission such an effort. But if someone wants a one-of-a-kind personal gift idea, this will be ideal.

People usually have a response to the look of the portrait concept, no indifferent middle ground. You may LIKE...appreciate the enhancement. Or you may DISLIKE...not appreciate the unconventional non-standard...claiming that the extra elements detract.

Positive Flickr comment is welcome. Constructive criticism, too.