From the Editor - Hans Westman

2011 marks the tenth year I've been involved with SIGGRAPH (a relative new-be) primarily as a volunteer for the newsletter. The contributions comprised of both solicited and voluntarily submissions are what make the newsletter what it is, not only an exciting and informative array of articles, but a conduit for the exchange of ideas and collaborations around a common interest - computer graphics - in all its applicable nuances.

In this issue's VisFiles, Ernie Wright has written the article "Preparing for a Lunar Impact", how 3D software is used in collaboration with telescope observations of the moon to simulate the surface to coordinate a planned rocket impact for research investigating the possible presence of water particles.

Benjamin Schroeder at The Ohio State University has submitted and piece on "An Interactive, Multi-Modal Workspace for Physically Based Sound", a paper he presented at the 2010 conference in Los Angeles, discussing his research in producing simulations of (realistic) physical sound through new approaches to virtual programming and interactive screen based solutions.

The SIGGRAPH conference represents a coordination that culminates once a year in a cross pollination of Art, Science and Technology, people gathering from around the globe, this year in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is an inspiration to all that have this common interest in anything computer graphics related, now as is also SIGGRAPH Asia. It is no wonder that its affecting nature has inspired members to get involved in local activities akin to what SIGGRAPH does so well, namely bring people together to support events that nurture the creative process through technology driven means.

During October, 2010, SIGGRAPH member Mauricio Ferrazza saw the first ever ANIMIAMI Animation Festival and Conference in Miami, Florida, come to fruition, driven by his love for his city as well as his roll as an educator and computer graphics professional. Mauricio has written a summary of the inaugural conference in his article entitled "ANIMIAMI Animation Festival and Conference".

This last January, groups of budding game developers attended the Pittsburgh International Game Developers Association (PIGDA) sponsored "Global Game Jam", hosted in Pittsburgh by The Art Institute of Pittsburgh (AIP), one of many participating co-locations around the world. SIGGRAPH's own MK Haley, together with AIP President George Sebolt volunteered to judge games produced within the time constraints of 48 hours.


The Art Institute of Pittsburgh President George Sebolt and ETC faculty MK Haley judging games produced at the PIGDA Global Game Jam event.

The collaboration between art and technology is very much at the foundation for what SIGGRAPH is all about, and Pittsburgh is a testament of action, joining the two in rejuvenating the identity of what the city is and what it has to offer, both locally and globally. Kim Chestney-Harvey of the Pittsburgh Technology Counsel has submitted an article entitled "Art + Technology: the New Frontier of Creativity and Innovation" about the two year project connecting Pittsburgh based ingenuity with the west coast entertainment industry.

The cover image was selected from the article "Preparing from a Lunar Impact". I'd like to say thank you for the submissions in this issue,  for it is through the coordination and collaboration of member and guest contributors that creates the impact of "Computer Graphics" and its success.

Hans Westman
Editor