air, water is a series of lyrical and poetic computer-animated studies of the elements air and water. The artist has written software combining mathematical models of different physical phenomena such as gravity, elasticity and aerodynamics to create abstracted simulations of natural phenomena. Although these simulations are relatively simplistic, the motion they exhibit is both complex and naturalistic.

These virtual environments evoke a range of emotional tones. Each animation is a journey through one of these imaginary landscapes. In contrast to most contemporary computer animation, which seems to aspire to ever more dense and spectacular imagery, these works are visually sparse and deliberately simple. The soundtracks, composed by Tony Kastanos, are played by an acoustic ensemble.

air, water was produced in association with the Australian Film Commission. It sidesteps the urge to recreate the real world as digital information and finds virtue in its limitations. Each of the pieces offers a journey through an ever-shifting terrain, a heaving sea defined by coloured checks ... the simulation of the invisible subtleties of air by passing paper-thin objects through its vagrant movements, and finally, capturing the currents of an invisible sea through the movement of reed-like lines. All pieces are constituted by a tracking forward motion, a relentless and gentle penetration of space ... the result is a strangely soothing promise of the digital age. It may remain human after all.
 
John McConchie, FilmNews, 1994

The audience is certainly taken on a journey, it is one which is meditative and has qualities that provide a space for the viewer. Such a space is a rare thing with contemporary media and one which the audience certainly appreciated. ... where are these very familiar and yet imagined places? ... it is a very light touch that we are witnessing ... These sophistications and formal qualities ensure this piece’s subverted and re-emergent serenity will remain and recur.

Cecelia Cmielewski, Broadsheet, 1994