Featured Artist: Bastian Salmela
ImageBastian Salmela, (aka basse) is best known in the KDE community for his Konqi artwork and his Magical Rope animated short. He also very active in the Blender community. Bastian is a long time Linux user who has done work on several games and recently has been selected as a lead animator for Orange “the Open Source movie project”.
In what ways do you make a contribution to KDE?
Only graphics so far. icons, general art, clipart, backgrounds, stuff for websites, printing, posters.. etc.. I have been, however, thinking of doing some Finnish translations too.. but I didn’t get a very good start with that, and time is also limited.
When did you first hear of KDE?
I think it was around when I first started with Linux. It was Redhat 6.0. Back then it looked quite crappy, and I actually used Blackbox first as my Window manager but then the easyness and configurability of KDE made me switch.
How and when did you get involved in KDE?
Well, I’ve been using it almost always, but in the development part, I only have entered more recently. It was when I did the Konqi model. The original model looked outdated, and it was sad to see Konqi fade away slowly. I also needed the character for my own use, so after 3d model was done, I showed it around in a few KDE mailinglists, people liked it. I’m glad to see Konqi back in business!
What programs to do you use to create your artwork?
Blender, The Gimp, Inkscape. (surprise surprise :) )
How much time do you usually spend on KDE?
It’s on all the time. If you meant the time I put on doing pictures for KDE.. well, “too much” if you ask my wife :)
What are you working on currently?
The Orange Core Team
Well, I’m part of a Orange Core Team, which will start in September to create the first 3d Open Source animated movie. We are not only going just to do a nice short movie, we are also producing videos and tutorials on how to do something like this in Blender. You can read more about the project here: http://orange.blender.org.
For KDE, currently, just small requested pictures. People drop me mail and I try to send them the pics.
Any new Konqi movies in the works?
check this out!
I have a list of ideas to work on. and, I have something already animated. But as time is limited, it’s going slowly.
I’m trying hard to finish some things before I leave to Amsterdam for the Orange Project, since I know, that it will then take all my time once there (unless they give me extra computer, heh heh).
Which section of KDE is underrated and could get more publicity?
Stuff for kids! Stuff that is educational and fun! Don’t forget them, and don’t underestimate them.
What keeps you motivated to work on KDE?
I like it. I’ve used it long. I want to give something back and I think there is always room for more artwork.
What is your favorite widget style?
Everything that is simple and flat. I’m using QtCurve now.
What does your desktop look like?
I have dual monitor setup with three virtual desktops. On first I keep email, browsers, IRC things etc. On second, I have The Gimp and on third I have Blender.
Where are you from?
Finland.
Are you married/do you have a partner?
Married. 10 years.
Do you have children?
Yes, I have 2 boys. (3 and 7 year old)
a cilp from odd creatures
Kickfilp
Odd Creatures is a small movie project I am making with my kids. The idea came to us one weekend, that it would be nice to create music video for this one childrens song my kids really like.
My sons did concept drawings for the strange looking creatures, and I started modelling. Even though I do all the animations, the process is very controlled. My older son has lot of ideas and says what goes where and what has to happen.
Which book is on your bedside table?
I don’t have bedside table, but I have a small pile of books on the floor next to bed. Topmost in that are “Veronika Decides to Die” by Paulo Coelho, and “Kafka on the Shore” by Haruki Murakami.
How would you describe yourself?
Strikingly beautiful!
But I also found this from the web: http://www.basse.no/eng/make.htm It’s instructions how to make me, and looking at the picture, I think that sums it up quite nicely… I can relate to that.
What do you get passionate about?
Art in all of it’s forms.. exhibitions, shows, performances, happenings..
What’s your favorite web site at the moment?
I don’t do much surfing around. I’m quite boring internet user. My favourite site.. well, let’s say the most interesting site I found last was this called Akayism.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I never grew up but I think i’m on the right track.
Which University/School did you go to?
Typical Finnish schools that everyone go, nothing extra.
If you could have two other lives/careers, what would they be?
I already have three. :) But if I would have more, they would be something completely different, something like fireman. That would be cool.
So what are you other lives?
I live 3 lives, really. heh heh :)
1) family man and city library worker
2) 2d/3d artist and designer
3) traditional media artist
And the people in these categories, usually don’t know I’m also doing something completely different with other people :) Well, my family knows of course.
Name your favorite quote/saying.
“Nothing is as important as tending garden and even that is not important”.
Stop by basse’s website to see more of his great artwork.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 September 2005 )
