| Sometimes a good solution will look like minimalism, sometimes it will look like maximalism, and sometimes it will be elsewhere within the spectrum of possibilities. ~ Steve Pavlina |
I have inherited and collected quite a few tools. My garage has a rack of nothing but pliers. I often think there are too many and that I should get rid of some of them. Then I need one, a particular one, to complete some job or another (like the long, skinny ones that let me retrieve a bead that rolled into a crack in the trim after my daughter dropped it.) The right tool can help make a particular task easier.
- This week’s artist is – Dave Santillanes – from who I’m currently watching a video workshop. I always find it interesting to see how different artists approach similar subjects and materials. It’s also fun that he’s a Colorado artist, so I keep discovering that I recognize landscapes in his works. Check out his website and instagam for even more.
- Looking for an artist grant? The City of Durango’s Lodger’s Tax: Arts and Culture (LTAC) Funding Request Application is available. There will be two funding cycles this year, with June 30 and then August 31 deadlines. More info about the LTAC and the application is available in both English and Spanish on the City’s websites.
- Colorado Clay has some classes and workshops coming up soon!
- Frank Lloyd Wright would have been 155 today.
- Friday morning is Free Yoga Friday at Lively (A Boutique) from 8:30-9:30. (There is limited space so please sign up at livelyaboutique.com to reserve your spot!”).
- What did the painting say to the wall? I’ve got you covered!
- Apparently, the sound of the Honda hybrid is synthetic, created to replace the engine noise of a traditional car. Which means someone had to make that sound – artists, in other words.
- Here’s an article looking into some details of the life of a painting, historically, currently, and into the future.
- This look at the form of comic strips through an art history lens is pretty interesting.
- Sitting within view of Smelter, it didn’t right to delve too deeply into these radioactive consumer products (hopefully they’re all historic).
- Today, from 4-6, you can learn more about the Durango Botanic Gardens, from concept to the current day. At the Durango Public Library.
- Free outdoor movie nights are returning! Head to the 3 Springs Plaza tomorrow (Thursday) for for the first movie — Spirit Untamed. Hang out on the plaza lawn with a picnic. Movie begins at dusk! Invite your friends and family, bring your lawn chair and blanket.
- Men who Grill is back for its 19th year! Saturday, from 11-2:30 at Buckley Park.
- The Silverton Creative District’s Arts Festival is next weekend, the 17-19.
- Create Art and Tea’s event calendar for this month is filling up quite nicely.
- There are quite a few events available for everyone at the Durango Arts Center.
- The Scrapbook Nook has a week full of classes and projects, if you’re looking for something creative to do. Call them to reserve your spot.
- There’s live music scattered about town all week. See what’s available here.
- There are a lot of local events/classes/workshops happening that I don’t include (like most things that require a ticket purchase) – so if you’re ever looking for something to do, start at WhatsHappeningDurango.com
- Last week Kristen placed the routine order for art supplies, with some goodies added in that we’ve been waiting to finally arrive at the warehouse. Then she heard about a potential shortage and a few more things arrived that have been on back-order, so she jumped on the opportunity to stock up while it was available. Yesterday we had two larger-than-normal orders arrive. Today’s featured products are lots of boxes (61!) that we’re in the process of sorting, pricing, and putting out on shelves and in backstock. It’s a process to keep a whole bunch of everything available and Kristen’s been doing a phenomenal job navigating availability difficulties, price fluctuations, and more. If you’ve found what you’re looking for on the shelves, Kristen made sure that was possible. (Also, if you ever need boxes, we keep a stash of uniformly sized ones on hand in case anyone can put them to use.)
Having the right tool can make a job easier. But it doesn’t always mean that you can’t do the job without it. I could have probably retrieved the missing bead with chopsticks. The right tools are different for everyone. Don’t own a motorcycle? Then you probably don’t need a crate full of “motorcycle oils and tools.” If you only oil paint sometimes, then you could comfortably be a painting minimalist. If you work with pastels, you probably can’t have too many colors – you should be a pastel maximalist. Your tool set will change over time, as your interests, available time, etc vary. Don’t forget to take stock of what you have, what you use, and what you wish you had. Your supplies are tools to help you create – make sure they enable that creation! The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – I’ve recently had a series of conversations about making art daily. Would you be interested in joining me in a challenge to spend 1% of every day creating? If so, reply to this email and let me know how long (for a week, a month, or some other time frame).