In
this day of digital everything, I'd like to make a plea for a little
bit of the real world.
I've had several
conversations lately with manycustomers about some
interesting technological developments.
I've been told that in an effort to
reduce the use of paper, many school systems will soon have children
using a tablet for every bit of school work from an early age through
high school. From now on kids will e-mail homework, and have the
ability to access a huge variety of technology. In essence, I am
not against this. I just wish there were a bit more balance.
Another complaint I have heard several
times this summer, is that many of the upcoming generations can no
longer read hand written cursive, or calligraphy. I know that some of
it never was legible. Still it seems a shame. Some of you may be
glad, if so I'd love to hear why.
There is this wonderful new world of
digital art, which puts so many applications at your fingertips that
you can paint, draw, airbrush, and animate images without even
knowing how to hold a paint brush. You don't even need to know how
any of it happens, and you can change colors without having to
squeeze out another tube of paint.
Why would you ever want to buy all
those art supplies, if one tablet can do it all? Why would you ever
want to do more than just push buttons? Why would you want to have to
put down a drop cloth, or make a mess?
Besides, digital art can be and often
is - quite beautiful.
I just worry that something indescribable
is lost here.
Do you remember the silky softness of finger
paints squishing between your fingers.
Art can have a physical visceral edge
to it, and that can be part of the process.
The sound of scissors munching
through a creamy cotton paper, the soft deckled edge of watercolor paper, or the press of your hand into soft clay.
There is a magic to it.
Old masters mixed paint from the elements and were almost considered alchemists.
Like the block print with it's subtle
variations for each pull of the print. The happy accident of a
double print that gives new movement, magic, and life to an image.
Art has the vitality of life.
The element of surprise when the
translucent watercolor flows into an unexpected and wonderful shape.
The more cynical folks (assuming
anyone is even still reading at this point,) will say “Of course!
She's just trying to make money selling her art supplies – she has
a motive here!”
You're right. I do scratch out my
living from a local
art store. Art inspires me and keeps me sane. Also, I am honored to employ a few wonderful, kind and knowledgeable local artists. We try to encourage
emerging artists and sell their work through the store. (The local Artists get 70%
Artists' Mediums Inc. gets a 30% commission.)
Yes,
I'll encourage you to buy art, framing, or even art supplies. The truth is, art
supplies don't have to be expensive. You don't have to spend a lot of money to find your creativity.
Start simple.
First there is the
pencil. It costs less than a cup of coffee, will write on most porous
surfaces, it is easy to transport, and operates beautifully even in
zero gravity. It will draw when the power goes out, so when your
pencil breaks, you still have the art!
Just sketch!
-Chelsea Lindner
manager
Artists' Mediums Inc.
Vermont
