You’ll have a lot more respect for a bird after you try making a nest.
~ Cynthia Lewis
Sometimes, life gets hard. That’s just a part of the process. In those times, it can be easy to be caught with tunnel vision – focused on whatever seems most urgent at the time. It’s been said that the way out of a mess is through the middle way. Which means that we avoid extremes, acknowledge the truths in opposing views, and bend toward compromise. In short, seek win/win scenarios. This can be hard when you believe you’re in the right, but there can never be lasting peace if one party ends up the loser. Compromise and fairness can make life less hard, and restore your spirit.
- This week’s artist is – John Fenerov – whose work I recently stumbled across. As both a reader and an artist I love how he combines his artwork and readings. Be sure to check out his website and instagram for even more!
- This is the article where I ran across John’s art. It’s about combining your passions.
- This article was a lot of fun to read. It discusses the birth of self portraits (the original selfies!)
- The DAC has Art for Homeschoolers on Tuesdays, grades 3-5. Check out their socially distanced classes.
- I probably drink too much coffee. If you’re like me (or know someone who is), here’s your chance to keep the habit going strong while doing good. Desert Sun Coffee is selling bags as a fundraiser for Durango’s Early Learning Center. More info here.
- Curious what dinosaurs lived in this area? This map will show you!
- A friend shared this video ad, saying it’s “one of the funniest demo/promos for an art supply I have ever seen.” I used to ahve one of those… I wonder where it wandered off to.
- This month’s Spark Series is tomorrow from 9-10am. Learn about grants, low-interest loans, education and coaching services that are available in Durango and statewide. Southwest CO SBDC and First Southwest Community Fund will discuss resources available to help creative entrepreneurs and art businesses survive the pandemic. Register for the Zoom call here.
- Like comics? Then you might like a series of free Friday night comic drawing classes.
- I’m redesigning my workspace and will be keeping these 4 tips for designing a creative studio space in mind.
- Here’s a video guide to painting autumn foliage.
- Sometimes just watching the live jelly cam makes for a better day (since they’re live jelly fish, sometimes you just get to enjoy a blue screen.)
- There are quite a few live music options coming up this week. Check out What’s Happening Durango to see the different shows.
- After a few months of debate, Kristen managed to bring in the whole selection of the Angelus leather acrylic paints. Based on her testing, she says they’re woefully under-marketed. Acrylic paint with fabric medium – it works on leather, fabric, canvas, wood… anywhere you would normally use acrylic paint plus more! They provide great coverage and bright colors. Looking to play with something new? Check these guys out!
There are other things you can do to restore your spirit when the going gets tough. Here are a few ideas.
- Help someone: It’s amazing what happens when we step outside of ourselves and help other people.
- Keep learning: Education is often the key to solving many of our problems. When life is hard, it’s often because something is broken in our lives. Keep learning, and it can change your life.
- Get moving: There’s just something magical about exercise once you get into the habit of it. Exercise is not only good for you, but it releases natural endorphins and has been shown to combat depression. Regular exercise will lift your spirit and help you through the hard times.
- Find beauty: There’s a reason people gravitate towards nature, parks, and art museums. We instinctively sense a kind of divinity in nature, and a celebration of something greater than ourselves in fine art.
Perhaps you make the beauty around you through your art. This will not only help lift your spirits, but can also all you to help someone as they view it. Art make the world a better place. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter, please forward it to a friend. If you’d like to receive a weekly newsletter in your email, you can subscribe below.