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Can Travel, 2007 by Rosie Russon.
Mixed media on paper.
© Rosie Russon 2008.
Rosie Russon portrait © Mark Thompson 2008.
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For anyone who uses computers to aid or enhance or otherwise work on their art work, 'why?' is a frequent question. Why is this program not working? Why do they have to keep upgrading things so that I spend phenomenal amounts of time learning how to use what is virtually a new program? As a designer, I use a number of different programs, ranging from those solely artist-based to complicated technical design programs. Some of this is through choice (my painting program for instance), some through necessity as that is what the industry requires, so it is immensely frustrating that the manufacturers keep updating and forcing you to buy the new version by effectively making the old one obsolete or incompatible.
I only buy every 3rd or even 4th upgrade but it is enough to have to start a whole new learning curve – there are new features and old features that have changed their habits – and this can take up huge amounts of learning time. Is this really necessary? I think not. If it was a new paint colour or brush, I wouldn't need to buy a whole set, just
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the things I didn't already have, so why can't I do the same with a computer program? Just buy the new bits? Of course, there are plug-ins, but they are really extras, not the core stuff, which is so annoying when it's radically changed. Or is that naïve of me? Too simple a concept I suppose, or perhaps not yet technologically possible. In the meantime, I'll have to put up with the current system of updating and then re-educating myself and taking the time out to do so. I wonder if Boris will give me a grant for that?
Rosie Russon sadly died in September. A designer and painter, Rosie worked in theatre, film and television, designing costumes and accessories – a subject she also lectured in at the University of Birmingham. Rosie played a central role in setting up the Creators' Council and also served on DACS' Board of Directors from 2000-2008.
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