Not only may artists benefit technically from digital media, but an artist's concept might be further aided or transformed. For many people, the computer seems dehumanizing and unnatural. Its mechanics might be in total opposition of the essence and free spirit of art- something that traditionally was handmade but today integrates technology. The computer can defy aspects of time and space. The user travels through a dimension that is neither 2D nor 3D, and has the ability to revert backwards should he or she travel too far. With an unlimited amount of art materials and pigment, the artist seems capable of anything.

Some may believe it is the computer that is creating the images and not the user. In this sense the computer might have human qualities with a mind and vision of its own. But in retrospect, the computer is a manmade tool, and thus it also produces manmade images.

As you can see, various ideas and perspectives can be directly addressed when working in digital media. The artist's concept may gain more meaning than it would if the piece was done in traditional art materials.

In my interview with artist Katrina Rhein, she reveals how technology is an essential part of her work, both technically and conceptually.