IU professor turns ancient artifacts into enchanting art

Digital artist Margaret Dolinsky’s says her favorite part of her job is “exploring the creative uses of digital technology with students.”\nDolinsky a professor in the school of Fine Arts, was recently named the 2008 Outstanding Educator in Science, Engineering and Technology by the organization women and Hi Tech.\n“(She) marries technology with the world of art, and pushes it on both sides, and also shares that drive with her students,” said Rhonda Winter, current chief information officer at CIK enterprises. Winter nominated Dolinsky for the award.\nThe award is given to the educator who uses technology creatively and involves students, Winter said.\nHowever, her pioneering in the realm of digital painting might trump her aptitude for exquisite teaching, Winter said. \n“(Digital painting is) where the combination of the computer and the venue space provide the canvas and paint palette,” Dolinsky said in an e-mail.\nShe made the transition from computer science to art when she realized that computers were a visual medium that needed to be infused with creativity. Her most recent work, “Cabinet of Dreams,” is a 3-D work that utilizes an ancient cabinet from the Qing dynasty and a slew of other ancient artifacts ranging from soul urns to cooking vessels. Dolinsky said she produced this art piece by combining the actual cabinet with virtual dreams inspired by real objects. The actual work of art was displayed on a projection screen at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.\n“The computer graphic environments represent a structure of times past as well as a sense of virtual space,” Dolinsky said.\nThis sort of art demands outstanding inspiration. Dolinsky said most of her inspiration comes from how people interact with one another, as well as her students. \n“We confront people and we confront art,” Dolinsky said. “(My goal) is to make people aware of these confrontations. Interactive virtual environments are the optimal space for this to occur.” \nDolinksy’s artwork is not exclusive to ancient artifacts. Eric Wernert, senior manager for visualization and digital humanities within University Information Technology Services, has worked with Dolinsky since the summer of 1999. He praised her diversity when describing her art.\n“Her art can evoke feelings and emotions ranging anywhere from playful, or whimsical to haunting,” he said.\nHe also said various art pieces contained extraordinary visual richness, along with integration, interaction and multi-century types of exposure.