I was recently reading through an art magazine and one page caught my attention. It asked the question “what is your favorite art medium, and why?” The answers shared were all different – different mediums, different reasons why. Some I agreed with completely and some were the opposite of how I would have answered. And yet, we’re all artists.
- This week’s artist is – Joshua Smith – whose work was recently shared with me. It really caught my attention and thought you would enjoy seeing it too. Check out his website and instagram for even more!
- Wassily Kandinsky would have been 156 on Sunday.
- I use mindmaps to help me think.
- I’ve got a pocket brush pen as part of my semi-regular rotation. It might jump in more often if I make it change colors (and we’ve got syringes available for exactly this reason).
- This short video is the (self proclaimed) cutest thing on the internet today.
- This interactive map of the known universe is pretty cool.
- Here’s a look inside 50 design classics.
- Have you seen Theo Jansen’s Strandbeest? If you’re inspired to make one, here are 6 common problems to avoid during the process.
- Here’s information about children’s books, and a collection of 7000 digitized examples.
- It’s the First Friday of the month, so there’s a Pop-Up at Buck’s Parlor from 12-5 and then Create Art and Tea’s First Friday Art Show from 5-7.
- Friday is also the 20th annual Noel Night and the 19th annual festival of trees.
- Or you can head to the Dancing Spirit Community Arts Center at Ignacio’s Taste of Christmas for our annual Fill Your Bowl for Art fundraiser! Pick a one-of-a-kind handmade pottery bowl and fill it with homemade soups and breads for only $15. December 2nd from 6pm – 8pm immediately after the Ignacio Town Parade.
- There are lots of bazaars and fairs:
- the Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival at the Fairground Exhibit Center over the weekend
- Noel Night Artisan Market at the Main Mall from 5-9 on Firday
- St. Columba Christmas Craft Bazaar on Saturday from 8-3
- St Mark’s Community Christmas Bizarre on Saturday from 8:30-3:30
- Holiday Art Market at Four Leaves Winery on Saturday from 11-3
- On Sunday, Veryl Goodnight is hosting an open studio from 12-5.
- The Durango Creative District’s Incubator for Emerging Artists has information (and an application) available.
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at Create Art and Tea, the Durango Arts Center, Let’s Letter Together, the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, and the Scrapbook Nook. There are a lot more things happening that I don’t include – so if you’re ever looking for something to do, start at WhatsHappeningDurango.com.
- Looks like live music is scattered around town this week. See who’s playing where here.
- If you’re still looking for gift ideas, we offer gift certificates at the Art Supply House. It can be hard to shop for an artist (some of us can be picky with our materials) and a gift certificate allows an artist to pick up exactly what they’re looking for. They also work toward framing orders, and so make a wonderful addition to a gifted piece of original art. Plus, it’s an excuse for you to come in and look at art supplies, all while shopping for someone else! 🙂
Art materials and techniques are only one facet of humanity. We’re different in so many different ways. We prefer and dislike different foods, methods of learning, means of travel, and so much more. It’s easy to get caught up in our own thoughts (after all, don’t we all live inside our brains?) and pass judgement on “others”. Art supplies are pretty benign in the larger picture, and can provide a good reminder that other people view the world differently. No matter what you use and how you create, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew