Whether you agree with the sentiment or not, a lot of digital artists or fans of the medium will have heard things like “digital art isn’t real art” or “digital art doesn’t belong in a gallery”.
As a primarily digital artist, over time I’ve developed an arsenal of arguments against that way of thinking. However, one in particular that I don’t think gets mentioned enough is that for some disabled people, it can be the most accessible way of creating art.
I suffer from both myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FMS) whilst working a physically demanding full-time job. Both of my conditions cause a lot of fatigue and pain, amongst other symptoms, and so whenever I’m not in work I’m often resting in bed.
Why traditional art isn’t ideal for me
I love the feeling of creating traditional art. I love the challenges of trying to master such unpredictable mediums. I love the appreciation and acceptance of imperfections in the artwork, which is often the result of having no undo button. I have a huge amount of respect for those who have mastered their traditional medium.
But when you’re exhausted, in pain, and really should be in bed – creating full-colour traditional artworks becomes more a challenge. If I want to create traditionally, I am presented with two options.
Option 1: I bring the supplies onto the bed with me. When working with just a pencil and sketchbook, this is a fairly reasonable option. However, the challenge comes in when colour is added into the mix. Adding colour results in needing many more supplies, which can create mess and get lost in the sheets. If the fatigue starts to become too much and I need to lie down properly, clearing the bed in that state can be a struggle for somebody like me.
Option 2: I work at a desk. This would allow me to keep my bed clean and clear, so it’s ready for whenever I need it. However, sitting at a desk can be more painful and tiring for me. I often find that my traditional pieces are rushed, because 5-10 minutes in I’m already aching and wanting to finish.
The benefits of drawing on a tablet
Nowadays I primarily draw on my iPad and it has worked wonders in terms of allowing me to draw more frequently, and to be able to do so for longer periods of time. When I’m sat in bed using it to draw, I can use as many colours as I want just from my Apple Pencil. My bed isn’t littered with art supplies. Even better, the fact that it attaches magnetically to the side prevents me from ever losing it in the sheets. And when I’m too tired to continue? I can simply switch it off and put it on my bedside table.
The bottom line
I appreciate that digital art is not for everyone. However, the key to a thriving art scene is allowing creating art to be accessible to as many people as possible. For some, traditional art is the best option to fit their preferences and life situation. For myself, digital art opens the door for me to create much more regularly than I ever could if that option was taken away from me.
Disclaimer: Every person is different in terms of their needs and their situation. As a result, a medium that is more accessible for one person may be less accessible for another.
Nicola Lucy 