Hi Becky
I don't know if these thoughts help. They are architecture centred but maybe they are recognisable to artists too - I teach landscape architecture at Uni of Copenhagen and draw with pens, pencils, computers, brushes, charcoal etc.
From the early 1990s CAD then later Photoshop et al made us rabbits in their headlights. The confusion of the first wave of technology lead many to think that hand-drawing was dead. Massive resources were poured into teaching this 'new' working method but the resources went on training rather than investigation, research and learning that could have helped us to see what the potentials and limitations of the technology were in relation to creativity rather than a way to improve the efficiency of drawing production. A schism arose between pre digital and post digital architects and it is still there in part - the cut-off age seems to be around 60 now but of course that goes steadily up.
In colleges this schism has been interesting to observe. It has meant for example that discussion of drawing became often combative - the older generation suspicious of new fangled machine drawing and the younger loving the new toys. Now I think people can reflect over this period - a much higher proportion of professionals are using computers and discussion ha become much more constructive. People have seen that hand drawing had been neglected.
Only 10 years ago being familiar with CAD made you a sought after rarity. Last year a student told me that he wanted to learn hand drawing because 'everybody can use CAD' but being good with a pencil would make him special. I hope he represents the next generation of architects who can relish the span from the 'back of the fag packet' concept scribble to the 3D virtual model. It's an exciting prospect and fortunately there are enough 'old' drawers out there to help with the fag packet bit.
Our first year programme in Copenhagen now aims to run computer and hand drawing interchangeably emphasising the immediate and expressive qualities of hand drawing while harnessing the precision of computer drafting and 3D visualisation.
There are many years of work ahead to optimise the relationship and exciting new technologies will complicate things and confuse us along the way but even though the future might not have fag packets I'm sure there will always be a quick sketch on a serviette and a joy in mark making.
Richard Hare
Acting Head of Studies
Landscape Architecture
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