There is nothing like drawing to see. Likewise, there is nothing like writing in order to understand.
~ SoHyun Bae
I’ve been blogging since at least 2009 (and writing longer than that). It’s fascinating to go back and read old posts and rediscover things about myself. Those posts show what I as thinking about, who my influences were, what I was doing at the particular time. I’ve heard it said that, “I write in order to find out what I think.” The process of writing, of getting thoughts down on paper and organizing them, allows me to discover what I believe, recognize patterns in my thinking, and gain clarity on things that I care about.
- This week’s artist is – Robert Kelley – whose work I stumbled across when following an artist’s inspirations. I really enjoyed looking through his instagram to see the variety of his subjects. Be sure to check out his website for even more!
- Artist call – The Durango Creative District is introducing a new Art Market that will take place on Sundays at 11th Street and Main Avenue, beginning in early July 2021. Running from 10am-2pm, the Durango Art Market will provide affordable options for emerging and experienced artists to display and sell their work. Apply today! Applications due by Thursday, June 24 at 5:00.
Lisa Mackey’s art photography is on exhibit at Animas Chocolate & Coffee this month! Swing by and take a gander while you enjoy their amazing chocolate. - Here’s a portrait painting video critique. It’s long but worth watching to give you questions to ask about your pieces!
- Miss the ocean? Here are Michal Pelka’s photos of breaking waves at dusk..
- Need help with your green thumb? Here are guides to caring for popular plants.
- Have you seen Raptors Wild on main street?
- The Friends of the Library Book Sale is this Friday from 10-3 at the DGO library. $1 per pound of books (cash or checks only).
- Friday from 6-9 there will be live music at Fox Fire Farms.
- There is also a lot of live music scattered around town. See who’s playing where here.
- The second movie park series is Friday from 8-10:30 at the Rec Center Lawn. this week it’s Frozen II.
- If you’re looking for an activity this weekend, the DAC has Ceramic Saturdays!
- On Sunday, the VFW has a Father’s Day Brunch that’s open to the public. So if you’re looking for a meal, they’re open from 9-1. More details here.
- This week’s featured product might seem to be hiding in the upper right of the photo below. It’s not the Pearl Ex, but the UV-resin! Kristen brought these in recently and made sure that I highlighted them in this week’s email. They do work wonderfully with the pigment powders, so they make a natural pairing.
It could be argued that my writings are a fuller, more thorough reflection of my than I am. Most people only know me in a particular context, only see a sliver of who I am. When I arrive on a motorcycle, or mention that I was in the Army, or share any of a dozen other things, people are often surprised. Yet, those experiences influence who I am, how I look at the world, and inform my art. The author Christina Baldwin once described journal writing as “a voyage to the interior.” I believe that the same journey can be taken in a sketchbook. We learn about people (about ourselves) when we look through their sketchbooks. We discover what captures their attention and how they view the world. Are you journaling or sketching in some fashion? Are you taking that voyage inside yourself? Your art allows you to more fully know who you are, and the world needs the best version of you. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – The county fair is coming up in August and we’ll be running the art show! If you’re planning on entering a piece, it’s time to start getting ready. If you would be able to help volunteer, we could use some assistance (mainly watching the art and making sure people don’t touch it).