Caedes

Artist Spotlight #8

Submitted by Piner 01/02/06 2:03 PM GMT

Our latest Artist Spotlight falls upon groo2k. Congratulations Rob! Everyone can make this a great week for him by leaving your comments, questions and suggestions on his images, his profile or in this news item. Here is some biographical information provided by groo2k for all of us to enjoy.

Thanks to everyone for this honor. I was quite surprised to see that I had been chosen for this Artist Spotlight. I found Caedes.net one day while surfing the web looking for some backgrounds for my computer at work and have been a regular ever since. Caedes is the only internet site that I visit on a regular basis. I have learned a lot from other members (I have especially learned a great deal from reading the forums) through their advice, critiques, examples, and even positive comments.

On a personal note, I am 32 and share my life with my wonderful wife Kristy and our newborn son, Lucas. As a few members know, our son was born in early November---11 weeks premature. We were projected to be in the NICU for 10 weeks but we made it home on Christmas day. Everything is going well and Lucas is happy and healthy and gaining ounces everyday. We also share our house with a blue/brown eyed Basset Hound named Berz and a cat named Pea. We all live in the Carolinas near Charlotte and a short day-trip away from the mountains and the coast. It’s a really beautiful area of the U.S..

In my spare time I enjoy riding my bike, sports (especially golf), painting, reading, and canoeing. I love travel and maintain that New York is the best place to visit. I also love hitting the road in my Jeep Wrangler and going to Charleston, SC or Chapel Hill, NC (go ‘Heels!) among other local places. Nothing like a road-trip. Life couldn’t be any better.

Professionally, I have been in the graphic design field for 10 years now. I started out by working for a Christmas manufacturer where I clocked in and drew Santa Claus all day and designed logos and packaging. I still can’t believe they paid me to do that. I then dabbled with freelance work but found it very aggravating on the business side of things. I now work for a publishing company. I paint (oils mostly) and draw, anything artistic really, for enjoyment and the occasional extra dollar. : )

As far as my designs I post here on Caedes, most have been described as “tribal”, “ancient”, or “that would make a nice tattoo.” I pull my influence on my vector work from several places including Native American mandalas. I love to use symbolism and it helps to give me a connection to my Catawba ancestry. I work predominantly in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. I have recently started to get into photography a little more and hope to start posting more photos soon. If I had to pick a signature post of mine it would be Native River for all of the aforementioned reasons.

Thanks again to everyone. I have always enjoyed the kind community here at Caedes.net. I couldn’t possibly mention all of the members who welcomed me here from the start or the new members who have supported my work but please know that I do appreciate it.

Have a happy and prosperous New Year. -Rob

Comments

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::kodo34
01/02/06 2:15 PM GMT
Congratulations Robert , well deserved.
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have a nice day and read more fantasy. my images
::Morwyn
01/02/06 2:33 PM GMT
Congratulations.. I was very pelased to see your name highlighted.. Very well deserved.
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One bead at a time
+ppigeon
01/02/06 2:49 PM GMT
Hello Rob. Happy to see a specialist for "illustrations" on the present spotlight instead of the traditional photographers... ;-)
Congrats and enjoy your special week!!! :-)
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-Pierre-
::heidlerr
01/02/06 3:14 PM GMT
Congatulations Rob. I really have enjoyed your gallery of work and I'm glad that you are the artist of the week. Thanks for sharing your art with us.
Russ
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View the world with your mind's eye. Mr. Russ
::laurengary
01/02/06 3:16 PM GMT
Hi Rob ! Congratulations on being our newest artist chosen to be highlighted ! It's great to see a terrific illustrator such as yourself spotlighted ! While I suppose some of your images would make great tattoos, LOL ...I just think they're great ! On a more personel note, congratulations on the birth of Lucas, I'm so thrilled he's growing & thriving so well ! Give my best to Kristy as well & enjoy your week ! Congratulations again !
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Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right.....Three Lefts Do ................. MY GALLERY
&jojomercury
01/02/06 3:56 PM GMT
Congrats Rob.I have always enjoyed your work here and it is fun to learn more about you.I was glad to see a Illustrator chosen and you have certainly earned your recognition from your body of work and the support of other artists.Congrats also on the birth and recovery of your son.Samantha was a premmie too so we have that in common.Here's wishing you and family a healthy and happy 2006.Oh and also a successful artistic year my friend.
Peace&Respect Jojo
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Laying Easy Somewhere Shade Across My Mind
::dreamer100
01/02/06 4:02 PM GMT
Either way you go, whether it's with photography like NYC street ll, The Alley or Pirates Courtyard. Or with intricate designs that you can get lost in like Away, Dragon and Christmas Tree. You never fail to impress. I would like to see some of those oils here. All the best to Kristy and Lucas, the family home for Christmas is the best present you can get.
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::CaptainHero
01/02/06 5:12 PM GMT
Congratulations, Rob. I have always been in awe of your great design skills. I hope to enjoy more of your excellent work in the future. Well done on being chosen.
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"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." Bertrand Russell
cgImagery
01/02/06 5:42 PM GMT
Congratulations! Great gallery I must say!
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+mayne
01/02/06 5:54 PM GMT
Well deserved Rob. Thank you for providing some background on your inspiration for your images...I had always wondered. You are number one for 2006!
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Darryl
.BRIX
01/02/06 6:34 PM GMT
WOW, My friend, congratulations, well deserved, and Im so happy for you, its your time, so enjoy it and have fun......congratulations again!!! YES!!!! :)
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“Suspiros etereos se abrazan con un beso eterno” Enjoy My Gallery
.scionlord
01/02/06 7:23 PM GMT
Congratulations Rob.
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'Study the past, if you would divine the future.' - Confucius
::danjacobs
01/02/06 7:42 PM GMT
Congratulations. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a great 2006 for you and your new family!
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There is a reason they put an "off" button on these things, you know...
.Little_Art_Gurl
01/02/06 9:20 PM GMT
Congrats!
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Latest Work: Serenity
::J_272004
01/02/06 11:29 PM GMT
Congratulations Rob on being honoured as Artist of the Week... a well deserved win.
Your work is great and I have a few on my hard drive, from your graphic work to your photography, is a very high quality of work, eg. your photos "edge (moonshine)" is a beauty and "The Alley" they both have a mystical feel to them, also your graphics like "Away" are so clear and have amazing details.. I look forward to many many more images here on Caedes, and wish you all the best for the future... your a talented artist...
so sit back, put your feet up, get comfy, cos you have a lot to do this week.. lol.. but most of all ENJOY..

(I had a premmie baby too, she was 3 months early and weighed only 2pound.. you'll see how fast they grow up, mines 18yr old now, but I can remember my friends husband holding her in the palm of his hand.. it makes them even more precious because they are a miracle.)
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"I cannot change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination" / Jimmy Dean
.alexis518
01/02/06 11:31 PM GMT
I have enjoyed many of your designs and I love when you throw in a picture of Berz! Congrats on the being the 1st AOTW for 2006 and much happiness and good health to you and your family. Preemies remind us that there are miracles.
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We make a living by what we get; but we make a life by what we give.
::Benroy
01/02/06 11:36 PM GMT
A well deserved AOTW, congratulations.

Cheers...........
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dancenfool85
01/03/06 12:24 AM GMT
Congrats, I think the designs you make are beautiful. Well wishes to you and your family! :)
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::razorjack51
01/03/06 3:24 AM GMT
Congratulations Rob! I for one have always enjoyed your fantastic works! Here's hoping you have a great week.You've certainly earned it!!..=)
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.mimi5947
01/03/06 5:01 AM GMT
Congratulations Rob on being the AOTW..the first of 2006. I was very touched by your personal story regarding Lucas. Who could ask for a better gift than to bring your preemie baby boy home on Christmas Day. Now that will make anyone believe! :~) Miracles do happen!!!!!!
I admire anyone who can do something that I cannot do. Drawing is one of those things. I cannot draw a straight line!
I am very, very glad to see an Illustrator make it as AOTW! Good job.
Enjoy your week of fame. Share a bit of it with Kristy too. :)
Have lot's of fun with your son & enjoy those moments that only a child can give you.
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~ Mimi~
.Trin
01/03/06 7:13 AM GMT
Congratulations Rob! A very deserving honour indeed! Your work is very talented, and not just your graphics, but pictures as well, I especially enjoyed your New York posts. And above all that you are willing to share your talent and make suggestions for improvement to other members. You helped me with my picture Kimolos and I've followed your persepective concerning frames ever since. So congratulations once more and thank you so much for all your help and all your great posts. I wish all the best for you and your family. Best regards~ Maria
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a field of stahya in the springtime...
::kjh000
01/03/06 9:33 AM GMT
Congrats! I concur on most if not all posts so far. :) I'm a great fan of your native american style graphics. But like stated above your talents don't stop there... ;)

Have a great first year with Lucas! I had a great time staying at home with my premature son most of the first year. I hope you have some time off to spend with him. It's a wonderful way to start off a life as a father. :)
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+photoimagery
01/03/06 11:06 AM GMT
Congatulations on an honor that is so richly deserved.
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I'm glad to hear that your son Lucas is doing so well.
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.mesmerized
01/03/06 7:36 PM GMT
Happy New Year, Rob, and congratulations on both your new son and your worthy nomination as Artist of the Week...your unique and intricate images and the patience, devotion, and needed skill to render them, combined with your great photos and manipulations all make you well deserving of this recognition...enjoy your new son, the New Year, and your week in the spotlight.:Pat.
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The new year is full of time. As the seconds tick away, will you be tossing time out the window, or will you make every minute count?
.Dunstickin
01/03/06 8:12 PM GMT
Very well done for appearing in 'Artists Spotlight'...it must be great for you...congratulations and best regards.........
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.nmsmith
01/04/06 1:31 AM GMT
Hey, my friend, congratulations on a well deserved honor. I admire your work a great deal, and am pleased to see you make the spotlight. My best wishes through the new year for you and your family - especially the new little one. God bless.
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.kie
01/04/06 4:51 PM GMT
Congratulations Rob ! Amazing gallery, I'm a big fan of you !

Jorune
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.lgmac
01/05/06 3:19 PM GMT
Congrats Rob. This is a well deserved honor. Your work is always incredible.
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"Little dreams cost the same as big dreams, so why not dream BIG"
::arneh
01/05/06 6:22 PM GMT
..here´s some of my favourites in your gallery...redIV, dragon, sun, edge(moonshine), ancientao and your photo-manip, financial district 1. Congrats, Rob !
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-- Arne --
::verenabloo
01/06/06 6:02 AM GMT
Hello Rob...Its wonderful for you to receive this AOTW award...I know it will help you to be even more motivated to share your creations. I liked your playing card the very most and then the two bigtime cats...tigers...its amazing how you make the designs you do, but I enjoy the Liquefying tool, so that kind of gives me a understanding. But your designs are so very technical, Im not sure how you do them. I love the playing card with the dragon, its beautifully done...I think its fantastic....keep up the interesting work...verena
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Simplicity is Elegance..Thoreau
.ekowalska
01/10/06 1:31 PM GMT
Congratulations Rob ! Another well deserved reward to a highly orginal artist. I have to admit your works really catch attention. I better browse through your gallery now. We'll be in touch.

Ewa
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Here is my gallery "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous" Aristotle
::Paul_Gerritsen
01/12/06 7:57 PM GMT
Nice to read your autobio Rob. Your work is superb!
A late congratulations!
Paul
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If you can't find the words, you may as well shoot it...
::jds
01/13/06 5:10 AM GMT
Congrats Rob,your work is inspiring.....Thanx.....Jim
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.starats
01/13/06 4:20 PM GMT
congrats Rob, you're an exceptional artist!
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The world is most beautiful in its most naive form...
::groo2k
01/19/06 11:52 AM GMT
Thanks to everyone for the kind words.
-Rob
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