Blog

   Well, it's Tuesday again already.  Or, rather, my schedule says it's Tuesday; the calendar wants me to believe it's Friday.  Where did the week go? 
    HAH!  It went to the time-saving devices that control too much of life, of course!  Since last Friday, the computer systems - supposedly rigged and destined to make my life easier - have been all fuddled, and have devoured a week of my life.  Worse, it happened with my permission and cooperation, my own indulgence, as I tried valiantly to communicate with the world.
    Communication was rampant with the unfortunate customer "service" reps at AOL, AT&T, two more e-mail programs, and my endlessly patient and talented Tech Guy.  I should explain here - I maintain my association with admittedly antiquated AOL because it's easy.  Well, OK, simple.  Simple to use, been using it for years, don't have to see a new screen or layout every other day and try to figure out where buttons have been relocated, can just sail through e-mail by rote.  Right.  Yeah, well, that's the theory.  Evidence is mounting that the "simple" in that equation is more like "simpleton"; me.  Perhaps this past week will serve to upgrade my own mindset . . .
    Respite from this along the way was in my studio; my studio with my non-computer-driven hibiscus tree over-wintering in a corner by the big windows, my tablets stacked and canvasses leaning, one work surface cleared for new action while the other remains a jumble of paints and markers from newly completed work still drying.  OK, I admit there is a laptop computer here, too - and it's running better than the one at home, though not up to par - but communication in my studio is a majorly different circumstance.  I'm more isolated here (can turn off the phone and computer) but I'm closer to what matters at my core.  There are more people in the building, but I can close my door.
    Now here's the crux of the dilemma:  the art world requires so much interface with technology - to keep in touch with fellow artists, consultants, galleries and new information - one must keep tech systems buffed, and rolling at top speed.  Where and when am I going to be able to do that? The past week has pretty much convinced me I'm not going to be able to make AT&T deliver the wifi speed they claim to be selling me, and I'm not clear I know how to compensate for that. 
    So the lure of the cleared work surface in my studio is a siren call, a temptation to return to a former time and studio that still exist only in my mind: a big messy space with big windows overlooking a busy, noisy, city intersection, never needing a computer to get my artwork to my gallery. 
    OK.  Time to give in and take my computer to Tech Guy.  And while I'm there I'll see some of my artwork - have you ever thought that your computer repair shop might be an alternative space for showing your art?  It's sure a pleasant sidelight on a Tuesday/Friday the 13th!