VIRTUAL REALITY - CONNECTING TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM
Before Covid -19 we had email, listened to You-Tube or Spotify, were on Facebook or Instagram. We all used word and excel at work. Some of us were really good with presentations, that had movies, sound and flowcharts.
Now, everything(!) is done online from the comfy sofa or a hard chair. I talk to my Dr. online (haven’t seen her face to face in over a year). I have had work meetings, lectures, online courses and family get-togethers on ZOOM.
Today, I sent a painting abroad.
Once-upon-a-time, I would wrap-up the painting, march off to the local post-office, stand in line, have the package weighed, paid and sent.
Today, I wrapped, measured and weighed, paid all through a site that finds the fastest and cheapest way to send. Filled out all the info, paid online, printed up the barcode, slapped it on the parcel all from my studio.
Now, I am waiting for pick up. Same with shoes, clothing and art supplies. All online.
Ahh, lunch! Let’s order out. Online, Italian, French or Thai, Walt brings it up relatively warm, ready to eat! Same goes for the weekly groceries.
Art is tangible and tactile. Whether doing or apricating art we use our senses.
Covid gave the Artworld a real jolt. The artists less, the galleries more. The artists continued doing their art trying to come to grips with covid. The galleries came to a standstill. Prior Covid ANYONE could display their works online, in galleries, shop fronts, fairs, wherever. COVID gave the opportunity and made artists independent, opening their own galleries, online. Websites. The artists could display their works wherever, whenever, however they liked. The artists discovered their independence and responsibility to themselves and their art.
Well, not exactly.
True that ANYONE can display their works.
There are many platforms and online stores for display.
Depending on the type of art work (decorations, craft, home styling, etc.).
Works that are conceptual and arty have different platforms and online galleries. There are organizations and associations for artist that help artists.
Works can be appreciated, evaluated, bought and shipped around the world without having to leave your front door.
Art went virtual and digital.
There is REAL digital art, displayed and bought and stored online paid with digital money. Other works can be bought online then printed, at the printer near you or again, chosen printer online and then sent.
TOO MUCH INFORMATION. One can get lost in the search. We are unable to see the forest due to so many trees.
“FIGS” - Digital painting based on photo – all rights reserved to Barbara Adler
Lesson #2:
Perspective.
It is challenging to see the whole world through the keyhole of our front door. In reality, it is impossible. The demand to turn totally virtual with the oncome of the pandemic and its lockdowns was overwhelming and not always available, coherent and accessible.
Exactly like when looking at a piece of art in a gallery; it is wonderful to look up closely and see the texture of the brushstrokes and the thickness of the impasto. You can’t get the story from looking up closely. You need to step back. Take it all in. Free associate with the painting’s meanings. What it does do to your feelings, what story is being told. Only then, can we close up on the art work, see the artist technique and appreciate the artwork.
Same in the virtual world that has become our reality.
“Sand-Mound” – Digital Painting- all rights reserved to Barbara Adler
We need to step back, see the picture, take it all in, define our needs, zoom in, focus on the most suitable that will help us accomplish our objectives and purpose.