| I know that I shall not live very long. But I wonder, is that sad? Is a celebration more beautiful because it lasts longer? And my life is a celebration, a short, intense celebration. ~ Paula Modersohn-Becker |
How suddenly life can take from us all the things we took for granted. Whatever the reason, much can be taken from us. Our ability to see our friends. Our financial security. Even our freedom of movement. That sucks. But it sucks even more if we don’t learn from it, if we don’t take this moment as instructive and eye opening.
- This week’s artist is – Lynda Conley – who visited the Art Supply House a couple of weeks ago. We chatted about pastels and I just had to learn more about her. I’m so glad that I did. Her work is gorgeous! Be sure to check out her website for even more!
- The great Animas City Passeggiata is tonight from 5-8. Hit the streets for a neighborhood stroll, using the new mobile-enabled map, and a twist on an Italian tradition that is the perfect solution to physically-distant fun. From a petting zoo, live music and art, to a variety of food and beverages – it promises to be a great time! Check out the schedule here.
- On Friday, head out to FoxFire Farms from 6-9 where You Knew Me When will be playing a fusion of folk and Indie rock, rich with pulsing and stirring beats – and Back Porch B.B.Q. will be catering.
- Did you know that the Japanese have a word for light streaming through a forest: komorebi.
- There’s a lot more live music available around town. Check out www.WhatsHappeningDurango.com for more info.
- Movies at the Durango Drive In start tomorrow night! You can get tickets and more information at their website.
- The Durango Arts Center’s Autumn Arts Festival is coming up next month! Be sure to set some time aside on September 19-20 to check it out.
- Alone Together is a social arts project – the Giant Dolls’ House Project explores our sense of home and community, distributed across the world.
- This article on light and color based on location was really interesting. And since I didn’t grow up here in the west and have also traveled across most of the United States, I can attest to how differently greens show up depending on where you are!
- Not sure you can mix the right colors to represent where you are? Check out this video challenge self-imposed by the artist.
- Fortunately, even if you can’t travel right now, we have some amazing landscapes surrounding us!
- Here are two pieces of advice on how to skyrocket your creative growth – that aren’t “practice more”.
- These sand gardens by Yuki Kawae might be the most calming Instagram account out there (and this video is only a minute long).
- Have to say that I never even thought about ski mountain maps being hand-painted, but this is a fun artist’s bio!
- This week’s book is ze book by ze writery. More info about ze book. Get your digital or paper copy today.
We need to learn from the current situation in the world instead of bemoaning it – however it is affecting us. Remind ourselves that even when we could get out freely we don’t see our friends often enough. Or get out for a hike often enough. Some sense of normalcy will return eventually. The question we have to ask ourselves, when that happens, are we going to go right back to our self-obsessed, ungrateful, closed off lives? Or are we going to start appreciating the little things? Are we going to start noticing? Are we going to stop putting things off or taking stuff for granted? Go for a walk around the block, have dinner with a friend, or leisurely browse a bookstore. Those “ordinary”, everyday things are really special. Life is short. It can be interrupted. Don’t take it for granted. Appreciate it while you can.
That means your art, too. Don’t wait too long on that art project you’ve been thinking about. After all, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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