One big difference between art in “real life” compared to art that is digitally created is that digital art is more easily accessible by more people. The American Community Survey (ACS) found that in 2016, 89 percent of households owned a computer. Also, a Pew Research Center survey in 2021 showed that only 7 percent of households did not have internet. In contrast, BFAMFAPhD.com claims that there are only 1.4 million working as artists in the U.S. They also report that out of 2 million arts graduates nationally, only 10 percent, or 200,000 people, are making their primary earnings as working artists, with median earnings of $30,621. Schools, government, employers and healthcare providers all requiring people to be educated in technology. As a result, art created using traditional “real life” means is slowing down while society finds new ways to express creativity. I’m not opining that traditional art will be lost or become inferior. I am saying that digital art — including photography created in the metaverse — is becoming an art medium of equal importance and respect.
The “grids” of the metaverse including OpenSimulator, which is a collection of grids, and Second Life attract people who have the means of learning the software necessary to access these grids. Users soon learn that with these simple skills, one can learn to create beautiful images of virtual environments, build virtual worlds, design avatars with unique fashion and even find eager audiences for music and performing arts — all done digitally. Because this art form has become so accessible to people in all walks of life with little artistic education, more people are able to share in the joy of art.
Virtual photography, which is our primary interest in FOCUS Magazine, endeavors to share the incredible art created by masses of people who may have never held a paint brush or attended an art class. We are one of many platforms that shed light on their art and, in turn, give them the pleasure of shining their own light.
Our mission is to raise awareness about how art of all mediums enhances individuals, society and the environment. Art is a powerful catalyst for positive change in the world. Creativity is a big part of the important path to happiness.
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