I doubt any 21 century Artist uses same materials as Michelangelo

Actually they do, in the last few years theres been an massive interest in re-discovering or using "analogue" meduims. Film and vinyl being especially popular. Indeed few months back went to a workshop which taught how to make tempera paint with eggs and natural pigments.

That choice isn't always about being retro or nostaligic. One reason is the quality and feel of analogue often kicks the a**se out of anything digital. Pick up and play with a piece of wood or clay and you'll see what I mean. Beats Zbrush anytime :)

Another reason for that is because theres an increasing recognition that as society we're losing practical skills as we race to embrace all things digital. That's particularly noticable in engineering/mechanical restoration, something like the Vulcan bomber might not be feasible in a few years time because the people with the skills - such as riveting - are literally dying off.

But it's not all bad, theres a lot more classes and courses about to pass these skills on. Plus theres a increasing recogniation that the cloud isn't the core solution for digital work. For example artists switching to offline open source software rather than the "this application will only work if acivated online" model.

So yea as artists we do need develop a multi-media multi skill set than rely on single solutions and meduims.

Pinky - you left the lens cap of your mind on again.