People don't print out their pictures
anymore. Everything is stored digitally. The traditional craft of developing a
photograph is becoming obsolete, along with many other handcrafts, which is a
great shame. I feel this as a weaver too- many a time I have been told
"Ahh but weaving is a dying art..."
I have only the upmost appreciation for modern technology but my one concern is that the digital age is relieving us of doing
things for ourselves. Missing out on the human experience of ‘making’ we become
desensitized.
Mass produce has become so easily accessible that it is devaluing. I
think this will lead to a rediscovered appreciation and resurgence of the
handcrafted; adding emotional and sentimental value rather than just monetary value to owning
an artifact.
My parents have box upon box of photo
albums under the bed, all in date order. Photographs of relatives,
birthdays, holidays; cataloging our lives- until around 8 years ago when
they bought digital cameras.
There is something to be said for the
nostalgia of re-living memories through the means of a tatty, slightly
yellowing photograph that you can actually hold in your hand and keep. It’s
a more intimate experience than looking at a screen.
You hold a photograph of your
grandmother. The wear and tear of the paper and its softened texture show how
many times it has been held. She held it once too. Her particles might still be
on it. Her eyes took in the same image as you. Through this photograph you are
sharing an experience with her.
Portraiture is something that always
took a painstakingly long time to create, whether painted or sculpted. Due to
the fact that it was a slow and intricate procedure, obtaining a portrait used
to be a bit of a luxury. There is something in the craft of hand weaving a
portrait that is reminiscent of that.
