[Reflection] Every Day I’m Surf-Sliding

I spent an average of 8 hours on my laptop, the same amount of time I spent on sleeping. I spent the rest of the time other than sleeping on my smartphone, unconditionally. I don’t know how I “implement” technology into my life because they are already part of my life.  My daily routine starts with waking up and turning on the laptop to check emails, news, and blogs. Then I turn on the music and start with researching or reading course readings either in PDF format or in actual books; either way, my laptop is opened and occasionally I chat with friends over social media or through apps on my smartphone. I carry my smartphone every day because it contains all the information/tools I need. I can contact my friends via apps or phone call, take memo, surf the Internet, listen to the music, and even play games on it if I am bored.

Have I ever think of to use digital technology for my art practice? Of course, I take photos with digital camera and I manipulate art through software like Photoshop. But all of these remain to be the “function” of technology. I will not paint on my laptop like I paint on the canvas; technology is not “material” for me but it functions like the brush, the “tool.” I will store my painted canvas carefully and maybe repaint it, but I will not hesitate to replace my old laptop once it stops working. No matter the history, the tie I have with digital technology is never deeper and strong enough like that I have with say, a stuffed animal. Why? There is just not enough personal attachment to the digital devices I have. Technology for me is not the “product/result” but the tool. People treasure paintings and put them in a museum but do they also showcase the brushes used for the paintings? No, but it would be interesting to challenge myself to think about if it’s possible to view technology as a product.