Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for – in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it.
~ Ellen Goodman
I’ve heard (and said) something about going back to normal. But what is that? Is it the ability to fitter away my time in whatever way suits me in the moment? Normal has been described as a mirage, by one who realized that while removed from daily life, “when we were home, we did not enjoy the whole earth, nor did we have contact with all men.” Just because we could have done things in the past, doesn’t mean that we did. That was said by Musonius Rufus, during one of the 4 times he was exiled from Rome.
- This week’s artist is – Joe Toledo – who stopped by the art store recently – and I realized that I haven’t yet shared his work! Joe’s a local artist whose work just happens to be known world-wide. You can even find it on Pendleton. Be sure to check out his website for even more!
- It can be hard to give and receive critiques on our artwork. Here’s some advice for the giving end.
- If you haven’t visited Create Art and Tea in it’s new location, they’ve moved to 1015 Main Ave. Check out their beautiful new building and all the new artist works. They have an event calendar so you can see what’s upcoming. They’re still looking for artists, if you know someone who’s interested.
- Here’s a behind the scenes video of restoring one of Rothko’s paintings.
- If it was still possible to be a garden hermit, I might have found my dream job.
- This is a cool video – exploring the Alps from an eagle’s point of view.
- First you make the maps, ancient trade and the importance of cartography.
- I love when science “discovers” things that have been represented in art for a long time. This comparison of art and astronomical drawings from the 1800s is pretty interesting.
- Golden Paints make a lot of really cool grounds for use in your paints. Want to add texture without piling on the paint? Start with a ground then paint over it. Here’s a great overview of just a few of the options available (and you can use acrylic as well as oil paints).
- I stumbled across these 12 tips to remove painting frustration. I especially like #2 – if you saw me at the fair last week then you probably saw my Sta-Wet Palette. I love that thing and recommend it to everyone who paints with acrylics.
- Uh oh! The world seems to be getting less creative. Sounds like it’s time to get really bored.
- Unison Fest is coming up soon. They’re looking for artists to share their work. If you’re interested, here’s more info.
- Isn’t technology amazing?! We can check out the international juried exhibition from the Society of Canadian Artists, from the comfort of our own homes. We can zoom in to the artwork, look at is as long as we’d like, all from the comfort of our home! It wasn’t that long ago that even seeing the work would have required travel with all of its requisite planning and disruption to our schedules. Yay for technology! (Also, the best of show winner is an artist whose work I follow.)
- One podcaster that I listen to says that “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it certainly rhymes.” In general, I believe we’d all do well to pay attention to cycles – in the world, the world around us, and our personal worlds.
- I haven’t played chess in a few years. Maybe I should head over to Guild House Games (upstairs in the Main Mall) for Monday night’s free chess club, from 6:30-9.
- It’s that time of year – the Fruit Glean Happy Hour is starting up. Join in every Thursday from 5:00-7:00 for our FREE Community Fruit Glean Happy Hour to harvest excess fruit from Durango’s backyard trees. Spots are limited, so if you’re interested, RSVP on their website.
- Friday is the last free Movie in the Park at the Rec Center. This week they’re featuring the original Karate Kid. Bring your blankets, chairs, family and friends to enjoy a movie together under the stars. Popcorn and beverages will be available for purchase, but feel welcome to bring your own meal and snacks. Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset and seating begins at 7:45
- Have you visited the Art Market at 11th Street Station? Swing by Sundays from 10-2 to see a variety of local artists selling their work.
- There is also a lot of live music scattered around town. See who’s playing where here.
- Don’t want to come in to town? Head out to Fox Fire Farms from 6-9 on Friday for live music. Pack your own picnic meal – purchase wine at the winery.
- Looking for a hands-on activity? Check out the DAC’s Ceramic Saturdays.
- We’ve updated our carving section. A few new wood kits, some new blades to choose from, etc. The different linoleums go fast but we try to keep a variety on hand. Swing by to see what’s available!
Just because the world today looks differently than it did in the past, doesn’t mean that it is better or worse. We still have access to sun, water, and air. We can still do good. We can study and create. We can find a way to be happy.
As we continue to move forward into our lives, we should be creating a better life. We should be preserving the things we’ve learned – about ourselves, others, and the world around us. We should be stronger and more prepared for things to change again. Because they will.
Perhaps we’ve learned what helps us create, or what gets in our way. As we build our future lives, we should make sure to design in creative time and the inspiration needed to make. Because art makes the world a better place, and the world needs yours!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew