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A book or ebook?

In 2010 the Apple iPad was released. So like any good demented design orientated person – I had to have one. The whole idea of a light weight computer in a book that you can carry around with you and learn how to use in 20 minutes … well that was my kind of computer. So I entered into the tablet age with enthusiasm.

I don’t know exactly when it was that I started reading books on my iPad. The crossover from a physical book to ebook reader was a blurry process. At first it was newspapers and magazines that had me. I read mags and newspapers on the iPad and loved the ease of it. Particularly Newspapers on the iPad. No more folding over the pages getting black fingers and ending up with reams of paper, the majority of which just got chucked away in the rubbish. A waist of paper, goodbye I was glad to get rid of it.

The progression to ebooks happened shortly after. It was a moral dilemma of sorts. You see I love books. I love the smell of a new book, the feel of books their texture of the paper, their beautiful glossy cover designs and I love bookshops and libraries. I can spend hours browsing in a bookstore – I read the staff reviews and ultimately always get sucked in by a beautiful cover design – go figure. I don’t care I love the whole experience, I still do.

But then I got my first eBook. It was a free one I thought Id give it a go. And my it was fun and easy to read. I love how crisp and clear the screen is. I love just tapping the screen to change the page and I love how all books weight the same no matter what size they are. it all seemed so practical. I then travelled overseas and I could put a dozen books on my iPad and chuck it in my handbag and away I went. I was hooked.

Why is all this relevant to me now? This week I find myself without an iPad.

No problems – I can cope with this. It might be a good time to get familiar with my favorite classics and enjoy a “real book”. How bad can it be…?

I’m lying on the couch snuggled up with my favourite book. Happy days. Firstly I need a good light because the book has no self lighting – no problem. Then I roll over and I cast a shadow over the pages – damn – straighten up again. I have to hold my thumb in such a position that the pages don’t close in on themselves as I’m reading – its uncomfortable. I’m constantly adjusting the page to get the light onto it – left side then right side, how boring, I’m getting distracted.

Then I have to change a page – WTF it takes two hands to do this! I turn the page – whoops skip two pages instead of one – go back one have to lick my finger and try again, scratch about until I get it. This is all starting to bother me. I don’t know when they started to make the type so small but I’m having trouble seeing the words. My favourite book is a little old and worn and the pages have a brownish tinge to them, the type is not crisp. My hands are getting sore and the book seems to be getting heavier.

Usually, if the book is exciting enough, in any one sitting I can read a hundred pages – tonight I read 5 and Im over it! And surprisingly I’m lonely – where are my friends and what are they up to on Facebook – twitter – flickr – iMessage … I better go check the computer.

This is ridiculous but its driving me crazy! What am I going to do tomorrow night? Im scared to open that book again. I want my iPad back and I want it now (much foot stomping movements) . I can’t cope with this, I’m having withdrawals. I have 3 new ebooks and I want to read them now.

I guess I can officially say I’m an ebook reader now

Now – how many days till Christmas?

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Interesting Arty-fact #5

Eight years ago stencils by ELK, a Sydney based Street Artist were often seen on and around the streets of the Inner West.

His stencils were unique and often held messages about the futility of war. In 2012 ELK, (Luke Cornish) won the Archibald for his stencil of Father Bob. He was the first Street Artist to win the Archibald. 

This stencil by ELK can be found in Martin Place. City of Sydney have a zero tolerance to Street Art but ELK has managed to pull this off with the help of ANZ bank. Maybe an Archibald on his CV didn’t do any harm either.

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Interesting Arty-fact #4

Slightly hidden on the side of the Commonwealth Bank, George Street Wynyard you will find this Shepard Fairey. An Internationally renowned Street Artist his works have been seen all over the world often motivated by global politics.

In this piece Shepards tag ‘Obey’ can be seen. The idea of consciously obeying verses subconsciously conforming, is the meaning behind this. Something that I find fascinating about the human spirit. Does conforming make us happier?

Commissioned by Destinations NSW this piece is one of Shepards largest pieces, and one that I am very happy so see as I walk down George Street. Go see it – it really is magnificent.

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Interesting Arty-Fact #3

On one of my random lunch hour walks around town I came across this little gem.

On the corner of Kent and Market Street there is a man who makes clay sculptures from the people that stand on that corner.

Of course, I was suitably intrigued. I stopped and looked around. I could not see the man in a window. What window, where is he, and why did someone put this notice here?

I often walk this way during my lunch hours and often stand here waiting for the lights to change so I can cross the road. I wonder if there was a little figuring that represented me?

I am constantly fascinated by the art I find on the streets. Sometimes I find out the little stores behind the art, but sometimes, like in this case, I don’t and I am just left wondering.

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Interesting Arty-fact #2

Sydney is full of hidden secrets. One of them is this wonderful Fintan Magee

Down a cobbles alleyway behind the historic buildings of Kent street you will find this amazing Fintan Magee. 

Fintan is a Lismore born, Australian Street Artists whos massive pieces can be found on the sides of building in Marrickville, Newtown and Enmore. Magee highlights the extraordinary and beautiful nature of our everyday life.

Now internationally recognised for his art he has been commissioned to complete many murals in London, Vienna, Los Angeles, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Moscow and Oslo to name a few.

Artist; Fintan Magee

Standing 3 stories high, this Magee painting is just across the road behind 338 Kent street and truly an amazing site to see. I highly recommend taking the time to go and see it. Im positive you will be suitably impressed. 

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Interesting Arty-Fact #1

If you work in the city of Sydney you should get out to Macquarie Park and have a look at the latest art installation by artist Tracey Emin.

A series of sweet little bronze bird sculptures have been installed randomly around the city. The installation is called  “The Distance of your heart” It reflects upon how close people are to each other, wether they are right beside you or on the other side of the world.

I love this installation and fully support Art in public places. Sensational news reporting about this installation back in 2018 was leading people complain about the cost of Art on the streets.

Art is not worthless and this installation will still be there in hundreds of years from now. Its hard to put a cost on 100+ years of joy.