One reason we are not to have any graven images is that God wants to have fellowship with us directly. He is immediately available for fellowship when we face Him, confess our sins to Him directly, through faith alone in Christ alone.
A graven image merely becomes a counterfeit substitute for that direct relationship He has made available to us.
But since you act like you never had a picture or statue. For me what you just said is totally uninformed. When I look at the picture mostly during pray I also look up above myself or above the picture. Meaning I will look at it then think of Jesus. I have a beautiful peace of mind beyond all human understanding. A presence of Peace from the Prince of Peace during these beautiful moments. I am not better than you, just so you might think I am think I am.
I believe you might have this too.
But to backtrack to your statement
"A graven image merely becomes a counterfeit substitute for that direct relationship He has made available to us."
Do you feel this way with a graven image photo of a relative you care about? Does this ruin the moment of their real presence? It is also a counterfeit Substitue for that direct relationship?
By your logic, you should not be using a computer or the internet because they are chock full of graven images.
You better log off and go confess right now for the evils you been committing by making use of graven images all day long each day.
No baby pictures. No wedding photos. After all, these people are available to you in person for immediate fellowship.
Go eat some strong cheese, sit for a while, wipe, flush, and then try again.