The Ranger Online

Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Premiere

Media Credit: Courtesy photo

"Graham Toms: 2D to 3D From Concept Sketches to Final Productions," is an exhibit by artist and ex-Disney instructor Graham Toms that displays his progressive works from the initial stages of animation to the finished product.

The exhibit is on display in the gallery of the visual arts center through Jan. 23.

The exhibit will include Toms' preliminary sketches, final drawings, wire-frame and clay models, paintings and virtual 3D designs.

The developmental stages between 2D and 3D design can be difficult, Toms explained during an interview on www.newtek-europe.com.

"2D drawing is simply a representation of volume on a flat surface," Toms said. "When you start to translate into 3D, the angles become multifaceted. It is a stimulating challenge, and the content becomes an evolutionary process forcing you to hone your craft, and totally absorb yourself into finding a solution."

Toms, originally from Ireland, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in art and design at the University of Ulster in Belfast.

Toms landed a job at Disney after working with the then-Disney Institute animation director Larry Lauria on a yearlong Cross Border classical animation project in Ireland.

After showing much potential during the project, Toms was invited to Florida to interview with Disney Institute for a teaching position in animation.

Toms taught four disciplines of animation at Disney and helped develop some of the curriculum for the animation classes.

He also has created animated productions for the United Nation's Children's Fund and worked with the visual effects department for the BBC in London, Animatis Studios in Rome and International Games Technology in Reno, Nev.

Toms is currently working for the video department at NewTek Inc. of San Antonio, where he is developing virtual sets for news and sports casts and developing new 3D applications and software.

For more information on the exhibit, call 733-2890.

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