[jamesbritt]

Storage has become cheap, CPU speeds fast. People are acquire larger and larger data sets, but the increase in size and greater diversity in what can be stored makes it harder to get a grip on what, exactly, is there, and what does it (possibly) mean.

Data visualization can make the difference. Using R and Processing, for example, you can turn a bazillion spreadsheet numbers into a compelling visual (or audio) experience that provides insight and discoveries.

There's real commercial value in that. Is it art? Well, if not, it's damn close, and what you learn providing a commercial service can be applied to creating purely aesthetic work.

As for what art buyer might think of computer art?

http://artport.whitney.org/

It's real and it's big time.

Go for it.

[nailer]

> As for what art buyer might think of computer art?

Paul Smith already stole someone's Processing output for a rather successful scarf print.