The 1980’s was just the start of computer graphics at a consumer scale. The
technology available was very primitive and produced a distinct ‘computer
look’. Baynger started a service bureau to produce computer graphics for
architects. However architects still used natural media and found the idea
of computer graphics to be not ‘up to snuff’.
Searching for Rich Graphic Imagery, 1982 - 90
But Baynger could see the possibilities for more. He wanted to build a
system that could compete with the top architectural rendering of the day.
This is how he did it…
"When I decided I wanted to work with computer graphics, the equipment
and software were priced way out of reach. A 'cheap' graphics system
might cost over $50k and a simple graphics paint software application
cost $40k. (Based on direct research at Siggraph '82). With only a fine
arts background and a smattering of experience with software programming
I wasn't exactly qualified to work in the industry. I decided the best
option was to do it myself.
"Around 1984 I discovered a relatively affordable graphics box - the
Vectrix 384 with an amazing resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and 512
paletted colours. It cost me almost $10,000 and was a stand alone box
that I connected to my Apple II through a torturously slow serial
connection. It would take 15 minutes to load or save an image.
"A couple of years later, I bought a Number Nine SGT board with super
high resolution of 2000 by 1500 pixels. It was still a paletted device
with 256 colours. I started my architectural graphics service bureau with
this equipment. At first architects didn't know what I meant when I said
I did computer graphic renderings. They told me they liked natural media
and they often said they had their works done by a certain artist 'NN'
who was one of the top in the field in Canada.
"I took that to be a challenge. After three years of constantly improving
my software, doubling the resolution to 4000 x 3000 pixels, integrating
raster and vector techniques, inventing a system of automated 'vector
brushes' that could simulate natural phenomena, I achieved my goal. My
clients not only compared my work to NN but NN himself used our services
in making the preparation drawing for his own work.
"I wanted to commercialize my software and in pursuing that goal I found
myself talking to Mike Cowpland, CEO of Corel Corporation. He was
impressed by my work and immediately suggested that I come to work at
Corel. I shifted gears and entered the world of commercial vector
graphics software."
To see some of Baynger's works using integrated raster/vector
technology, click on the links at the right.
