Hi-Lo Techie

Airwaves   mixed on paper   34 x 20.5

I believe that I am a high-low techie. As do most artists, I work in solitary surrounds and depend on my computer for communication, applications to exhibits, organizing my works and trying to sell paintings. I have learned to use my computer on a "need to know" basis and feel comfortable with most transactions. Just when I reach a point of feeling smug and safe, the computer fritzes out and I feel that a family member has been taken seriously ill and is in the intensive care unit....yesterday was such a day. The computer doctor was here and my husband would come out to the waiting room from time to time to keep me informed of the progress. It was truly tense. Has the disease spread or will we be recovering? If so, will we be in recuperation for a while? Sad but true. This techie stuff is starting to compete with my creative time. If I followed all suggestions that artists really "need to do", I would have no time left to paint. I have learned to lasso the computer time and then let it go.....its demands are neverending. Personally, I would rather have a paintbrush as an appendage than a computer. By the way, the computer is fine. We are the ones who had to take the aspirins.

Airwaves

Airwaves   mixed on paper   34 x 20.5

It has become completely commonplace to see people of all ages talking on their cell phones while eating, driving, shopping and walking. I guess it stands out to me because I don't have one. Although I certainly understand the convenience of being able to reach someone, anyone, at a given moment, that fact does not outweigh my dislike for interruptions and talking on the phone in general. We had a young man who modeled for us at a studio demonstration. He sat with phone in hand....a gesture "of the times". I began to recall all of the articles I had recently read discussing the disappearance of honey bees. Several theories were being debated, one being the jamming of airwaves and the confusion of the bees resulting in an inability to return to their hives. That is alarming. The notion of such a drastic consequence to a modern convenience piqued my interest and feelings. I used charcoal to draw the young man and finished up at home using a linoleum print method to connect the two notions. I am happy with the results and the fact that I have recently seen a few honey bees in our yard.