A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament. Its beauty comes from the fact that the author is what he is. It has nothing to do with the fact that other people want what they want. Indeed, the moment that an artist takes notice of what other people want, and tries to supply the demand, he ceases to be an artist, and becomes a dull or an amusing craftsman, an honest or a dishonest tradesman. He has no further claim to be considered as an artist.
~ Oscar Wilde
I ran across the Oscar Wilde quote above a few weeks ago and it has stuck in my head. I like the first part, about how only the artist, where they are in their life, can make a particular piece of art. The second part, I’m not too sure about.
I recently heard an interview in which an artist was explaining that he believes a piece of art is communication. There are three parts to the process. First, the artist has something they want to communicate. They create the art which they believe should communicate that. Finally, the viewer receives some message from the art.
- This week’s artist is – Durango Street Pianos – actually a sort of collective art project. You’ve probably seen the cool pianos scattered all around town. One coordinator, many artists, basically all donation run. To learn more, check out their website and instagram!
- Larry Rivers would have been 101 on Saturday!
- Studio & Gallery announced an opportunity for regional and national artists. They are seeking submissions for a Juried Exhibition with the theme “ON THE DAILY: Coffee & Tea”, asking artists to explore the interpretations on this theme and submit up to four pieces for consideration. This exhibit is open to all artists working in any traditional or contemporary media. Here’s the prospectus. Deadline to apply: August 23.
- Four Corners Writing will select ten (10) works of short fiction, ten (10) works of nonfiction, and twenty (20) poems for publication in the anthology, both in trade paperback and e-book. The anthology editors for 2024 are Chuck Greaves (Fiction), Mark Stevens (Nonfiction), and Lisa C. Taylor (Poetry.) Please read the following guidelines carefully before submitting your work for consideration: They are currently a ccepting submissions, with a submission deadline of September 1, 2024, after which no further submissions will be considered. Early submission is both encouraged and appreciated. All submissions must be in Word (.doc or .docx) format, double-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font. Please include a brief (two or three sentence) bio in italics at the end of your submission. Submit your work as an email attachment to: fourcornerswriters@gmail.com, and please indicate either “Fiction,” “Nonfiction,” or “Poetry” in the subject line.
- Here’s a quick 2 minute clip on how use a texture technique to create realistic tree bark in paint.
- Danny Gregory shares 11 ways to be more creative. (Which means finding time to let your creative juices flow.)
- This drawing of Manhattan Chinatown took sixty hours to complete and measures 26×40″. There’s a time-lapse of its creation.
- It’s never too late to get better. This article mentions waiting till March to make your new year’s resolutions. We’re a bit past that, but why not today? If you’re looking to make a change… go for it!
- Here are the top 100 from the 2024 Audubon Photo Awards.
- And then incredible images from the Insect Photography Awards.
- How did Jackson Pollock do in art class? He passed it with flying colors.
Fun Fact: Monet’s painting “Impression, Sunrise” gave the name to the Impressionist movement. It was initially meant as a term of derision by critics.- Writers & Scribbles is a group for writers of all kinds to learn, practice, and share the art and craft of writing. They will meet today at the library from 6-8.
- On Friday from 10-12, join the San Juan Mountain Association’s longtime naturalist on a mushroom foray to learn about the incredible edible bounty that grows in our region. This is a mushroom forage for beginners – no experience or equipment required! You’ll learn how to ID a few mushroom species, how to forage in a sustainable way, and what you need to start foraging on your own. They may hike moderately difficult terrain up to 5 miles. Head to their website to learn more and to register (required.) Meeting at Andrews Lake Upper Parking Lot.
- It’s the time of year when 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.
- Even though we make most of our frames, we do try to keep some standard sizes on hand. We found a company that makes all-wood frames that we like the quality of – and they offer some larger sizes! We’ve got three colors/profiles of these 20×24 frames on-hand, in case you know of someone who needs a quick frame project completed.
One of our interview questions at the Art Supply House is “what does art mean to you.” Almost every answer can be boiled down to “communication”.
We all have something to share. (An example in the interview was, “I love how the sun hits the water in front of the mountains.”)
Only you can make your art. The world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – August has 5 Saturdays. So the 31st will be customer appreciation day. Do you have your bag ready?