I drove a couple thousand miles to college with two specialized tools, each reflecting the technology of its day. A tan Olivetti typewriter, notable for its compact elegance and efficiency, was precious to my parents. I felt as if I were its guardian for the years I had the privilege to use it. Then there was my graduation gift, a black Sony boombox about 18 inches wide, a foot tall, and maybe 9 inches deep. It, too was compact for its time, but what it offered was mind-boggingly inferior to the tech we carry in our pockets today. That was then, though, so I took pride in having a boombox that housed a black-and-white TV, a radio, and a cassette player. I couldn't have produced the typewritten thesis without the Olivetti, calmed my nerves without the classical tapes I played on the boombox, or watched the 1979 hostage crisis in Iran unfold without being riveted to my 4-inch by 3-inch TV screen.
How fun to reflect, Amy! Thank you for another fascinating story.
Wendy Chidester's paintings are spectacular! I find the vintage objects that she paints to be beautiful all on their own and she brings them to a whole new level. I have my pink Schwinn bike with white wall tires from the 60s. I love it, but it is in the attic and I think I would have trouble finding a buyer so I am glad to know that someone appreciates the era. Thanks Amy!
I drove a couple thousand miles to college with two specialized tools, each reflecting the technology of its day. A tan Olivetti typewriter, notable for its compact elegance and efficiency, was precious to my parents. I felt as if I were its guardian for the years I had the privilege to use it. Then there was my graduation gift, a black Sony boombox about 18 inches wide, a foot tall, and maybe 9 inches deep. It, too was compact for its time, but what it offered was mind-boggingly inferior to the tech we carry in our pockets today. That was then, though, so I took pride in having a boombox that housed a black-and-white TV, a radio, and a cassette player. I couldn't have produced the typewritten thesis without the Olivetti, calmed my nerves without the classical tapes I played on the boombox, or watched the 1979 hostage crisis in Iran unfold without being riveted to my 4-inch by 3-inch TV screen.
How fun to reflect, Amy! Thank you for another fascinating story.
Wendy Chidester's paintings are spectacular! I find the vintage objects that she paints to be beautiful all on their own and she brings them to a whole new level. I have my pink Schwinn bike with white wall tires from the 60s. I love it, but it is in the attic and I think I would have trouble finding a buyer so I am glad to know that someone appreciates the era. Thanks Amy!
Very cool article and paintings!