May 2012 Featured Artist ~ Avros

[AmirA]

Well with all the little gremlins running around on site, we did not forget our May Featured Artist. The one and only: Avros.
Let's give him a big hand and see what makes this DSA baby tick:


DSA-FA Avros par MagikUnicorn

Hello everyone, my name is Avros, but in the real world I am known as Shane, living in Sydney, Australia. I was born the two days before Dahomey, now known as Benin, becomes independent from France. And on the same day the 1st AFL preseason game Boston Patriots defeat Bills in Buffalo (28-7). I also share my birthday with Richard Linklater, American filmmaker. I could just tell you, but that would spoil the fun. I am a comedian at heart and love a good time with a touch of humour.

From as far as I can tell, my artistry started when I could draw on the walls of my parents house in crayon, then suddenly it stopped - not sure why! I am guessing they wouldn't let me hold another crayon again until I was out of the house and in my own place. At school I would amaze others with my chalk and charcoal drawings, until I was almost expelled for one of my drawings of a teacher in the nude - never quite understood what the fuzz was about.

Then I found another interest, girls and motorbikes. My art took a backseat for a while with married life and children. When the children grew up and moved out of home, albeit one still at home, they have encouraged me to take up my past hobbies. So much so, they bought the canvas, chalks, paint and crayons. I went back to my drawing as if I never left. Everything was fine until one day I picked up a magazine and saw some truly fascinating images. The article stated these images were done on a computer. Well, that is where I wanted to be!

Tracked down many books that provided information on the subject. Then I found SecondLife (SL) and was amazed with the idea of animated avatars and interactive scenes. Spent some time there on SL and had a great time, but like many others, it became boring and dreary. All was going well, scripting and creating advanced buildings, even skins for others. I purchased some of the virtual land, set up Groups, ran a theme park, even setup virtual stores. Then like everything nice in this world, corruption, sex, and time wasters took over SL. So I quit, and left.

By this time I found DazStudio3D (DS) and as it was free I grabbed it. I spent some months learning the ins and outs of how this software worked. Even went beyond where other stated its limitations. I guess I wanted to prove that this package was up to par with the others. Then I have always pushed the limits on things just so I know when and where it goes Bang! Spent some time with other modeller softwares to learn more about creating my own models, beit props or some alterations to the existing character. I have created my own group of characters (none were ever sold) for my own enjoyment. You can see some of them in my early works. My favourite is the my Lamia, as she is unique and like no other.

Much of what i have learnt is from watching others and practicing what they do, by reading many tutorials and most of all playing around with various settings to know what happens when you do thiat or this. My favourite piece of advise I can give you is - never let someome tell you that you can't do that! Unless you have tried absolutely everything. You are limited only be your imagination. So if you listened to what others say you can and cannot do, you will not find your full potential. Bend the rules and break a few here and there, experiment, then you will find your self.

Guess my studious behaviour comes from occupation as a problem solver. Oh, yeh, what is my occupation? I am a motor mechanic. Ha,ha, yeah a big alternative to being a creative artist. Remember my life changed when I married and had children, needing a stable carreer and income to provide for my family. Now things have changed and I have more time to enjoy my time in my art work. Have been trying for the last couple of years to be recognised for my talent, and with so many other artists seeking the same rewards, the chances were slim. So I turned to helping others and giving what knowledge I have to those that were interested.

Some of my works have found their way onto books. One that comes to mind is titled "The 19 Dragons" by S.M.Reine.

Why use the pseudonym of Avros? I thought of all the names I could and they were taken. As I don't follow the norm, nor use numbers after my name. I wanted to be independent so I search for names that did not exist elsewhere. So I googled Avros and nothing came up, no reference nor any acronyms. Thus began the birth of Avros. I had this name for ten years or so, and since found others that have taken up the name. There goes the neighbourhood.

My Likes:
Simple things
All things beautiful
When things just go right the first time
Honesty

My Dislikes:
When someone says - you don't understand
Cruelty to animals

Music:
Favourite Bands - Knightwish / Creed
Favourite Solo Artist - Marcella Detroit (fantastic voice)
Favourite Song - Rolling In The Deep by Adele (I can relate to it)
Favourite Album - Lokikirja (compilation of Knightwish works)

*As you can see I have a broad taste in music.

Avros

[Armorbeast]

Beautiful work and it's very nice to learn a lot more about you Avros.

[ralphmiller01]

beautiful art, well presented in this video nice job!

[Avros]

Great video work there Magik... :master:
You can make even a little look like an .

[RedMysticAngel]

Fantastic "interview" and video :) Nice to meet ya Shane, Love your work!!

[kylumi]

Really super artwork and a nice choice of music too. :thumb:

[Minaya]

I love your amazing artwork. Congratulations for being the artist of the month :)