A pile of rocks ceases to be a rock pile when somebody contemplates it with the idea of a cathedral in mind.
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
When it comes to creative work, I often think of ideas as objects that need the right containers. Some fit neatly into existing projects, while others feel unplaceable—too loose, too undefined, or just not quite right for anything I’m actively working on. But giving an idea even the smallest structure—a simple note, a dedicated folder, a tiny experiment—can keep it from drifting away. It doesn’t have to be a grand endeavor; sometimes, just acknowledging an idea’s potential is enough to keep it alive.
Many of my creative projects started this way: a stray thought that I gave a home to, letting it sit until it gathered weight. Some remained small, existing only in personal notes or scattered sketches, while others grew into full-fledged pursuits, unfolding into something bigger over time. The trick is in the balance—knowing when to nurture an idea further and when to let it rest without guilt. A check-in point, a moment of reassessment, helps me decide whether to expand, pivot, or pack it away for another time.
- This week’s artist is – Scott Fraser – whose peeled series (above) drew me into his work. See even more on his website!
- Asger Jorn‘s eleventy-first birthday would have been on Saturday!
- Why one artist loves acrylics (and here’s the first part).
- Did Pollock hide images in his paintings?
- A study comparing linseed and stand oil in zinc white paints over 5 years – looking at flexibility.
- Talking models.
- Egypt unearthed a royal tomb for the first time since King Tut (1922)
- Riddl.ing
- Just for fun, Saturday is “Share a Smile Day” – Even when life is challenging, work is hard or relationships are difficult, any day can be made just a little bit better with a smile or two. (If you need more of a reason, Sunday is Dr. Seuss Day.)
Fun Fact: Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut print series “Apocalypse” was so intricate and detailed that it revolutionized the printmaking industry in the early 1500s.- There’s a portrait exhibit opening at the Durango Library on Saturday at 12. From the description: Join the Women’s Resource Center in celebrating Women’s History Month with the opening of our Portrait Exhibit! This special event showcases the nominees of the Extraordinary Woman Award through professional portraits taken by Lea Lindsay of Legit Outdoors and recorded reflections on this year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” Experience the inspiring stories of local women making a difference. The exhibit will be on display throughout March.
- In case you haven’t heard, there’s a new ceramic shop in town! Jill opened Nook Ceramics over in Bodo Park and has classes and workshops available. Check out her website to find out more.
- There are lots of live music events, open mics, live jam sessions, etc, scattered about the area throughout the week. There are too many to list here, so if you’re looking for such things, head over to WhatsHappeningDurango.com.
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, the Bayfield Library, Create Art and Tea, the Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts, Durango Sustainable Goods, Let’s Letter Together, the MakerLab, Picasso & Vino, the Scrapbook Nook, Seed Studio, and the Durango Arts Center. 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.
- If you’re a fan of Blackwing pencils, then you already know. If you don’t know yet, then we have sets, boxes, and individual pencils available! (So you can know.)
- This was recently framed for a fan. It was a fun project – and a great reminder that we can frame all sorts of things, not just traditional paper and canvas pieces. If you’re looking to preserve and display something, we can help!
Building these “boxes” isn’t just about organizing thoughts; it’s a way of managing the constant push and pull of creative curiosity. As someone drawn to a million different things, I’ve found that a little structure prevents overwhelm, allowing me to focus without feeling confined. It’s not about rigid constraints but about giving ideas enough shape to see where they might lead – space for them to grow, because the world needs our art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – Ready to create every chance you get? After testing hundreds of supplies, we’ve narrowed down what needs to be in our Curiosity Kit. (Sign up here for the chance to preorder.) It’s compact but capable. Need tutorials? We’ll have them for everything in the kit. Only got 10 minutes? You can still make art. We can help!