he CG Challenges are the largest online art contests of their kind, with
huge amounts of sponsorship and publicity for each challenge.
Working within guidelines and software limitations, artists are
challenged to create outstanding artwork based upon set themes, while showing their work-in-progress to the community. The Journey Begins ran from 27 February 2006 through until 27 May 2006..
In this challenge entrants were asked to depict a scene that encapsulated the emotions and trappings of a character (or group) setting out on an epic journey. The final works had to demonstrate a depth of story and view which showed the character(s) up close and the journey beyond. This could be metaphorical but if so it had to be clear (without any explanation) how the image depicted a character departing on a great journey.
For this challenge, CGSociety assembled a stellar team of judges, including Damian Bajowski, a prolific 2D artist from Poland; and Ziv Qual, presently 3D Department Manager at 'MDsimulation'. Also, Alexander Preuss, Art Director at Image Arts; and visual effects artist Kris Kosta (currently at Café FX) also joined the judging panel. Completing the committee was Daryl Mandryk, Concept Artist at Electronic Arts. Each of them a previous CG Challenge winner.
The Journey Began.
This wasn’t an easy topic and yet the quality of finalists was consistently excellent. Over the past four competitions we have provided more and more guidance, inspirational images and stories. We have encouraged people to think about the stories behind their images and how their work portrays those stories. In this challenge we went a step further and provided technical information that supported the theme - information about distance haze and depth of field.
It has been gratifying to see the contestants responding so well to the material we provided, especially so for me as I was the one creating the material. However I don’t want to detract from the wonderful work of the contestants. This competition sets new heights for visual storytelling and I am proud to offer my congratulations on behalf of the entire CGSociety.
Mark Snoswell, President CGSociety.
Boxx Technologies 3DBoxx 3200
ATI FireGL V7100
RealViz Stitcher 5
Pixologic ZBrush 2.5
Corel Painter IX
Inspired by a story of Christopher Columbus and a freak storm in the Bermuda triangle, Dehong He’s winning image is powerful and emotive. We see the mighty hordes of warring spirits in the crest of a giant wave and in the rolling thunder-clouds. Pitted against these unimaginable odds is a tiny open lifeboat fleeing the remains of a sinking tall ship. The composition, lighting, atmosphere and color are all wonderful. The resultant image is epic and emotionally gripping.
Prizes: The Gnomon Workshop / Analog Bundle / NVIDIA QuadroFX 1400 / Corel Painter IX
Prizes: Corel Painter IX / E-Frontier Manga Studio EX
