So.. toward the end of last week I realized I was pretty much caught up with work (for clients). I decided to finally take my old Mac and new Mac in to have the data transferred.
It was really strange not being connected to ‘the world,’ even though I truly feel it’s not much of an intimate or real connection. I was without a computer from Friday at 4pm until yesterday at around 1pm. During this time, I realized how dependent I am on this ‘machine,’ for probably too many things; maybe I should say co-dependent. I inadvertently disconnected my phone (yes I still have a landline) when I disconnected my old Mac. I simply reconnected the modems, but realized that since the original calls were forwarded to my cellphone from my voicemail, I had no way of calling anyone back. They didn’t leave a preferred number for me to call and cellphones aren’t in the phonebook. I’ve opted out of receiving new phonebooks, so hmmm… In addition, a few of my clients and associations insist on using goggle-docs, which is amazing, but without a computer you have no way to access the info. I actually went to Stritch to log on to a computer, to complete a few tasks I realized need to be by midnight last night. These were easy ‘fixes,’ but interesting to realize this co-dependence.
My primary difficulty was, of all things, rearranging my studio. I now admit it; this was all in my head. Was I resisting change all this time, or was I trying to stay true to my craft? I have kept my drawing table in my studio over the years, even though (lately), I use it as storage for the ‘immediate to-do piles.’ I have to clean it off to do the few, but very dear, landscape or house/room redesign drawings when requested. I even modified my original desktop setup to accommodate the taller height of my drawing table and drafting chair. OK. So, I pulled my drawing table out my studio, and stood there with it – almost crying. I realized that I really missed the creative problem solving process this table represents; the refinement of ideas, the visualization of 2d and 3d spaces. I can’t believe I’m getting a bit emotional about it now – how ridiculous is this!
The computer (or this technology) is wonderful – powerful. It has made important (and not so important) information readily available, we can access diverse thoughts and people. It has created jobs and learning opportunities, but it has eliminated so many jobs in various other professions, many important craftspeople have had to find new careers; has it also made us less collaborative? more insular?
I admit I do feel isolated or out-of-touch, working in my in-home studio sometimes. I think it’s the personal interactions and exchange of ideas I miss the most; at the moment, though, I am enjoying my very clean and organized [new] studio.
