Google, Pinterest and AI: Modern Tools Helping Recreate SCA Period Items
Searching for pre-17th-century items to recreate is a big part of what we do in the SCA. It’s our thing, and it’s really exciting! Every item that inspires us to recreate something has a story behind it, and we love discovering those stories.
We call this quest for information “research,” but it’s definitely not boring or tedious. It’s more like playing a game, similar to “Where’s Waldo?” or “Twenty Questions.” We have different ways of embarking on this quest. These days, the most common method is “googling.” We simply enter some keywords into the Google search engine and see what results come up. You probably use Google every day, but maybe you haven’t thought about using it for SCA-related research. It’s actually incredibly convenient and fun!
As a scribe, I find Google extremely helpful in finding inspiration sources. I can search for manuscript images and learn so much from them. If you know how to navigate Google’s search functions effectively, it’s like uncovering hidden treasures. In my blog post titled “How To Google For Illuminated Manuscript Inspirations,” I explain my methods and how I use them to design a scroll.
Another platform I use for my research is Pinterest. It’s fantastic for searching and saving manuscript images. I have multiple Pinterest boards dedicated to different collections, and whenever I find an image I like, I can save it there. The best part is that Pinterest automatically keeps track of the image’s source, so I can easily access it again in the future. I can also review, share, and update my boards whenever I want. If you’re interested in exploring manuscript images, I highly recommend examining them closely.
Research used to be a lot more challenging in the past, and I must admit that I sometimes miss the thrill of the old-fashioned paper chase. In my blog post titled “Wow! Scribal Research Has Changed,” I talk about the differences and the transition from traditional research methods to the digital age. However, I still believe that the old paper quest is a valuable tool that we should continue to use.
Sometimes, finding the inspiration or information we’re looking for takes an unexpected path. For example, when I was searching for an Easter-related post, I stumbled upon alternative words to use. It was a delightful surprise! In my blog post titled “Searching for Easter Week in Illuminated Manuscripts,” I discuss how exploring different search terms can lead to fascinating discoveries.
In the SCA, we often face questions about the authenticity of certain things we do. While not everything I do is historically accurate, I turn to research when I want to ensure period authenticity. I discuss this in my blog posts titled “Is Tracing Period?” and “Is Gouache Period?” In those instances, I had to ask the right questions to find the answers I needed, and it was a rewarding experience.
There is one new amazing tool that may revolutionized research: artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered language models can provide valuable help and resources for our quests and projects. It’s like a well-informed friend you chat with that has a vast storehouse of knowledge. If you ask the right question you can you can seek advice or information on any interest you have. As with any new technology, it’s use in the SCA will raise concerns, depending on your area of interest. While some will see it as a valuable tool to enhance their research and understanding, others will view it as influencing our authenticity and recreation methods. Ultimately, the acceptance and adoption of AI within the SCA will vary among individuals and groups. It’s an exciting time of exploration and discussion, and with thoughtful consideration, we can work our way through the possibilities and controversies AI aill bring to our beloved historical recreation community.
Who knew the SCA’s vital quest for historical information could be such an exciting adventure? It’s not just a tedious task; it’s like playing a captivating game of discovery. From “googling,” to AI conversations, to finding hidden gems on Pinterest, we have an array of digital resources at our fingertips. Yet, let’s not forget the charm of the old-fashioned paper chase and the importance of using traditional research methods alongside modern tools.
If you have any thoughts, questions, or experiences to share about your own research adventures in the SCA or any other topic, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your input is valuable, and I would love to continue the conversation with you!