At 98, Hal Lasko is an unlikely master of computer art. Born before the invention of broadcast radio, Lasko spent his career as a commercial graphic designer, working with his hands to create typography and design. But as age caught up with Lasko the brush strokes became more difficult. “When I lost my eyesight, I thought my painting days were over,” says Lasko. Instead, around 15 years ago, Lasko’s grandchildren bought him a computer and introduced the artist to Microsoft Paint. The program allows Lasko to magnify the area large enough to draw pixel by pixel. “If it takes me two years to do that [create a painting], I can do it. I got a lot of patience,” says Lasko.
In this short documentary, the artists grandson Ryan Lasko and co-director Josh Bogdan trace the story of Hal Lasko, from his beginnings as a “lettering man” up through his current projects on the computer. The film showcases his computer creations and includes interviews with Lasko about his family, his process, and his philosophies. "When I worked I always had to do something to please the client," he says "now I can do whatever I want.”
To view more art from Hal Lasko visit hallasko.com, or to see more work from the Director of Photography Topaz Adizes visit http://topazadizes.com/.
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