The Artist's Eyes by Jenn Lee

This is off topic compared to my usual jibber jabber, but as I forewarned you readers…this blog is my place for general gibberish in the day to day life of an artist, so with that being said, I have come to notice how dependent I have become on modern technology lately. The things we take for granted as luxuries are becoming quite numerous as time goes by. I am sure a lot of us say we are not dependent at the least, but think carefully about that answer…

We have computers, cell phones, TIVO, DVRs or GPS systems, amongst the many other things I could list. I can remember when I didn’t have a cell phone. It was something you saw on television or movies. Now I cannot seem to leave the house without feeling slightly naked without it. I grab the keys, my purse and yes…my cell phone.

How many of you TIVO or DVR your favorite television shows? How upset are you when you don’t remember to set the record function before you leave for the day or evening? I bet more than most would like to admit! Gone are the days of BETA or VHS, now every home has a DVR or TIVO recorder, indeed gone are the days of brick sized ribbon format media storage.

Who has a paper map in their car? Alright, let me rephrase that, when was the last time you looked at one? It doesn’t count if you have one and you don’t open it up for reference! In my SUV, the computerized voice of Darth Vader boldly instructs me on my trips as of late via my GPS. “Prepare to make the jump to hyperspace”…sounds off as I enter the expressway. I look to that pocket sized virtual map to lead me on the correct path…gone are the fold up maps that if I remember correctly…sometimes caused some close call accidents while driving and navigating!

How about that trusty computer? I can remember my first computer. In fact I can remember putting together my first computer….okay I will even confess I remember first taking apart then putting back together my first computer he-he. What can I say? I wanted to know what was inside and how it worked! I did learn what I needed to know…eventually…and as the members of my household can attest to, I can build, rebuild or repair the computers in my house. *Sigh* speaking of which, I will be doing some repairs to my own computer in the very near future as well.

Back to topic though…I use my computer, err let me rephrase that, the internet for my go to place for just about anything I need information on. I can’t recall the last time I used a phone book, a dictionary or an encyclopedia. My children use the internet for educational references as well as entertainment. If I need a recipe I Google, if I need a DIY project explained I Google it, if I need information about prescriptions, cars, computers, clothes etc I Google it. Yes I love Google! But seriously…how much do you rely on your computer/internet? It is where you are reading my blog too isn’t it?

Modern technology has gone from luxury, to things we seem unable to go without in our day to day lives. I have to wonder where we will be in another decade? what will be the new inventions in technology? What will our children or our childrens children be…unable to go without in their day to day lives? Modern technology is a giant unstoppable  wave of human creativity that knows no boundary…in this artist’s eyes.