| In our leisure we reveal what kind of people we are. ~ Ovid |
In Greek, leisure is a word that means school. Leisure historically meant freedom for intellectual or creative pursuits – rather than the current concept of lounging around doing nothing, of an opportunity to completely shut down. Historically, it wasn’t about simply killing time or distracting the mind. It was engaging in a pursuit that both challenges us and relaxes us. While leisure isn’t work, it is something we have to work to make time for.
- This week’s artist is – Joe Paquet – who I was first introduced to via a podcast interview. I enjoyed his story and had to look at his work. Starting out with a developed imagination and discipline… turned into an art career. Check out his website and instagram for even more!
- Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin would have been 323 today.
- Struggling to create? Here are 5 common creativity killers and how to overcome them.
- Here’s how one artist ships his paintings.
- This is a fascinating look at our collective consciousness – death-related Wikipedia entries.
- Have you ever heard of Impossible Colors?
- Here are raw images of Mars taken by the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity Mars helicopter in Jezero Crater.
- If Mars is too far away, here are some drone photos that are a bit closer to home.
- In case you’ve always wanted to, here’s how to judge a book by its cover.
- While we’re looking at the outside of things, check out these 12 unique buildings.
- This is the first Friday of the month, so Buck’s Parlor’s Pop Up is from 12-5 and Create Art and Tea’s having their First Friday Art Show from 5-7.
- The Friends of the Library Book Sale is this weekend at the library. Friday and Saturday, from 9:30-4. All proceeds benefit the library.
- 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
- We’re approaching one of the card-giving seasons of the year. If you’d like to make your own, here’s an idea for a block-printing project – complete with directions (and we have the supplies on-hand in case you’re missing any.)
There is nothing to feel guilty about for making time for leisure and stillness. It’s not reckless, it’s nourishing. It’s replenishing. It’s joy, and it’s admirable.
Creating something, struggling with learning a new language, assembling a puzzle slowly yet patiently, catching your breath to run another sprint, working through the thoughts you want to write out with clarity or walking on the beach with a metal detector. Whatever it is, make the time, let it relax and strengthen you and fulfill you. You deserve it. You need it. And the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew