| What makes life worth living? No child asks itself that question. To children, life is self-evident. Life goes without saying: whether it is good or bad makes no difference. This is because children don’t see the world, don’t observe the world, don’t contemplate the world, but are so deeply immersed in the world that they don’t distinguish between it and their own selves. Not until … a distance appears between what they are and what the world is, does the question arise: what makes life worth living? ~ Karl Ove Knausgård |
It never fails to amaze me how distracted from life I can become. Generally, this is because I’m so busy thinking about the future or replaying the past that I miss what is actually happening right now. One of the easiest, most dependable ways for me to stop time, to force myself into the current moment, is to create art. I’ve been asked why I carry art supplies when hiking/backpacking – otherwise I’m likely to miss the view! It’s too easy for me to get caught up in the goal of completing the trail or getting to the summit (and then back down) that I’ll forget to pause and appreciate the beauty. When I do take a break and really look around me while capturing the view I force myself to really live in the moment.
- This week’s artist is – Virgil Elliott – who I ran across on a podcast sometime last year. I certainly learned a lot, from details about white paint to mastery of a subject! Check out the podcast, take a look at his online portfolio, peruse his essays, and take a look at his books if you want to dive deeper into oil painting. In general, be sure to check out his website!
- The Scrapbook Nook has a full schedule of upcoming classes! Stop by tomorrow at 1 to make an album that is perfect for Colorado Winter photos. Join in Saturday at 10 for the first coloring class of the year, featuring a Johanna Basford coloring book! Then Tuesday at 1 you can make four polar-themed cards.
- The 2020 Powder Hounds Art Auction‘s boards are still scattered about town (we have 2 at the store) You can place your bid here (and find out where the boards are currently located) – 100% of the proceeds will be donated to LPCHS.
- If you haven’t yet made it out to see Patrice DeLorenzo‘s new show, Soft Spoken – it will be up until February 8th at Olio in Mancos (114 West Grande Ave).
- Lexis Loeb‘s show, The Importance of Remembering, is on display at the Recess Gallery in Studio & during the month of January.
- A few thoughts on hide and seek as an artist (or, I think, as a human).
- Snowdown is coming next week, along with lots and lots of events. If you need anything for a costume, face paint, or just feedback on your idea, swing by the store and we’ll help out.
- Want to learn more about starting your own business? Head to the library on Thursday from 8-1 to learn more. Learn to navigate the steps to start your specific business. Learn from experienced professionals in the fields of Business Planning, Finance Options, Marketing, Legal Structure and Taxes. Gain valuable, local resources. Free – Confidential, one-on-one private counseling sessions available. Go here for more information.
- The Looking Glass Art Show is still up at the Smiley Cafe Gallery until January 30th, if you haven’t stopped by to see it yet. All paintings are for sale with 30% of sales going to support Durango’s Creative District.
- A great wee poem about focus in life. (I love the literary squirrels!)
- Just a reminder that you’re doing great (and, yes, clean clothes can still have paint splatters on them).
- Congrats to the newest partner at Studio & – Lorna Meaden!
- Interested in painting portraits, or being better at it? Here are a few videos to check out: a Step-by-Step tutorial, What Makes Portraits So Hard, and painting flesh with only 4 colors.
- This week’s featured products are face paints! More info about ze product.
Perhaps you’re already more mindful than I am, better at living in the current moment. Congratulations, if so! Still have work to do? Creating can help. Draw your day for a record of your life, slow down time by studying something in depth and recording it, doodle as you pass time in meetings or on the phone, calm an anxious mind with a coloring project. Whatever form it takes, you need to create. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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