Last weekend I went to the San Diego ArtWalk Event. I go to check out the work of other artists and to get inspired. I always come home with a head full of ideas.

I also recently wrote about backing up of work as much of it nowadays is stored in digital format. That includes programming code, prose, poetry, digital photography, and music. Then it occurred to me that it’s just about impossible to back up paintings, other than with photographs like the one above.

This painting sits on the floor in my office, as you can see in this photograph, not 8 feet from where I am sitting.

If my house burned down while I was gone, or if somebody broke in and stole it, all that would be left would be photographs and memories. You can’t back up original art, including painting, glass, sculptures, mixed media and pottery. I am sure there are other forms.