That's a very cute story! I like how it takes place over such a long time period and that that ties into the message about tools.
> How much do you care about what tools you use?
I always dislike when experienced artists show disdain for the "What pen do you use?" question because:
> I wish I could just stick to the same racket forever and not have to think about it. The ideal is that the tool just behaves exactly as I want forever.
That! I just want to make the right choice and not think about it! Raise the skill ceiling as high as it will go.
As well as that, the tools we use construct the moment-to-moment experience, and if this is a craft I spend thousands of hours on, I'd hope to have enjoyed the experience! Early on, I remember nearly wanting to quit drawing entirely when I hadn't realized I switched to lower quality paper and pens with a different feel. What was a smooth, buttery experience became gritty nails-on-chalkboard. Then I upgraded back to higher quality tools and loved it.
I get artists who are irritated by the question, but it feels like such a shame to not get to hear them talk more lovingly about why they like to use what they use. It sounds more wise to say that the tools don't matter, it's true to an extent. It's not a very nuanced answer though. It sounds good to say "tools don't matter," so lots of people go with it and don't bother to think more deeply about it.
This felt like a real intimate look into your life. Thanks for sharing!
I have plenty of awkward memories of being shy and unusual or whatever. This could just as well have been from my own life.
Good on you for giving it another "swing" (...)
For some people, seeing a used tool might trigger the notion that the tool needs to be replaced. For me, I'm just as likely to think of it as a sign that it is probably a durable tool that is good to use + it gives it a bit of personality (I mean, look at your padde) .
Speaking of France, I actually have a small collection of antique French café au lait bowls. They are clearly primarily tools for me, as I drink and eat nuts and fruit from them every day. They are also very aesthetically pleasing to me though and hint at their own histories with various signs of usage. To me, if a tool can be both effective and beautiful (which points back to what you've written on controllers, TV's and stuff) then that is a home run for me.
Hahaha, maybe I'll start calling my paddle Stinky! :- )
Happy to hear that you enjoyed that little peak into my life! It has felt so solitary and unique but now that you say it, I bet a lot of other people must have similar experiences.
Café au lait bowls can be very charming! Getting actual use out of them must make them even more charming as well. I hope you'll get a lot more use out of them!
That's a very cute story! I like how it takes place over such a long time period and that that ties into the message about tools.
> How much do you care about what tools you use?
I always dislike when experienced artists show disdain for the "What pen do you use?" question because:
> I wish I could just stick to the same racket forever and not have to think about it. The ideal is that the tool just behaves exactly as I want forever.
That! I just want to make the right choice and not think about it! Raise the skill ceiling as high as it will go.
As well as that, the tools we use construct the moment-to-moment experience, and if this is a craft I spend thousands of hours on, I'd hope to have enjoyed the experience! Early on, I remember nearly wanting to quit drawing entirely when I hadn't realized I switched to lower quality paper and pens with a different feel. What was a smooth, buttery experience became gritty nails-on-chalkboard. Then I upgraded back to higher quality tools and loved it.
It's very fun to consider tools!
I get artists who are irritated by the question, but it feels like such a shame to not get to hear them talk more lovingly about why they like to use what they use. It sounds more wise to say that the tools don't matter, it's true to an extent. It's not a very nuanced answer though. It sounds good to say "tools don't matter," so lots of people go with it and don't bother to think more deeply about it.
Tools matter, you put it very well yourself.
Good lesson on the importance of tools. It's worth considering.
Your paddle reminds me of "Stinky" from The Moomins: https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.2381723807.7144/raf,750x1000,075,t,FFFFFF:97ab1c12de.jpg
This felt like a real intimate look into your life. Thanks for sharing!
I have plenty of awkward memories of being shy and unusual or whatever. This could just as well have been from my own life.
Good on you for giving it another "swing" (...)
For some people, seeing a used tool might trigger the notion that the tool needs to be replaced. For me, I'm just as likely to think of it as a sign that it is probably a durable tool that is good to use + it gives it a bit of personality (I mean, look at your padde) .
Speaking of France, I actually have a small collection of antique French café au lait bowls. They are clearly primarily tools for me, as I drink and eat nuts and fruit from them every day. They are also very aesthetically pleasing to me though and hint at their own histories with various signs of usage. To me, if a tool can be both effective and beautiful (which points back to what you've written on controllers, TV's and stuff) then that is a home run for me.
Hahaha, maybe I'll start calling my paddle Stinky! :- )
Happy to hear that you enjoyed that little peak into my life! It has felt so solitary and unique but now that you say it, I bet a lot of other people must have similar experiences.
Café au lait bowls can be very charming! Getting actual use out of them must make them even more charming as well. I hope you'll get a lot more use out of them!
Oh my, and before I read your comment, I was about to comment that his paddle reminded me of The Groke from The Moomins, haha! https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/villains/images/c/c8/Groke.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20190101194245
Love that you were both on Moomin vibes! Very synchronized. 👍🏻
That's hilarious! I see the resemblance.