If so, I feel bad for them. So many ways to enhance an aritst's life are available on the Internet that it is impossible to see them all. Tutorials on YouTube, virtual museum visits (to places I could never go in reality), online classes, and endless photographic resources have become essential tools in the artistic toolbox. I am happy, however, to be faced with the challenge of wrangling "too much joy" in the curiosity department. Learning is exciting and opens new windows of creative thought. Yes, I should be cleaning my house more, and will be working on the next big artwork, but the thought of clicking my way around the world and through a database of information never before available to human beings is too compelling to ignore. What's the harm in taking a moment to see a baby cockateil hatch in Australia along the way? Better than chocolate.
How many hours do I spend trawling Facebook and the Internet? Too many. The Internet is a candy shop for the curious...but too much candy isn't good for anyone. An interesting site about current global internet use is here. It claims only about 40% of the world population has access to the Internet. So what are the other 60% doing? Only 21.8% of this group are Americans (North and South), and Europe is at roughly 18%. China takes the cake at around 48%. I imagine that those not facing the Internet daily are living very different lives -- are they spending more time with family and friends? Cleaning their houses? Writing that elusive novel or making artwork? Or sitting in city cafes sipping expresso? Maybe even reading a real book?
If so, I feel bad for them. So many ways to enhance an aritst's life are available on the Internet that it is impossible to see them all. Tutorials on YouTube, virtual museum visits (to places I could never go in reality), online classes, and endless photographic resources have become essential tools in the artistic toolbox. I am happy, however, to be faced with the challenge of wrangling "too much joy" in the curiosity department. Learning is exciting and opens new windows of creative thought. Yes, I should be cleaning my house more, and will be working on the next big artwork, but the thought of clicking my way around the world and through a database of information never before available to human beings is too compelling to ignore. What's the harm in taking a moment to see a baby cockateil hatch in Australia along the way? Better than chocolate.
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AuthorAmy Ropple is an artist and art educator who believes engaging in visual art can make life happier and more meaningful. This blog is a daily journal of creative habits and interests, as well as reflections on living with chronic autoimmune disease. Archives
January 2017
CategoriesDisclaimer: Yes, there may be parrots on this site. I live with five of them and they tend to work their way into everything I do!
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