Be curious. Read widely. Try new things. I think a lot of what people call intelligence just boils down to curiosity.
~ Aaron Swartz
Have you recovered from Snowdown yet?
I’ve always been curious, wondering what was around the next corner, what happens if you combine X and C, and everything else. I was definitely the kid who asked “why” constantly. Now I’m the adult who does the same. While writing the headline, I had to look up where that phrase came from. According to this page, it was actually “Worry killed the cat”, back in 1598. Sometimes experiments don’t turn out as we hope – like that time seeing what was around just one more corner simply added a few more miles to the hike. Sometimes, like with today’s featured artist, wondering “what if” and then experimenting with painting led to a whole new career as an artist!
- The artist of the week is not an actor – Matt LeBlanc – is a Canadian artist that I ran across a few years ago. As an adult with no formal art training he transitioned from marketing to full-time professional artist. He started FUSION, an art show/production company and then a charity foundation. Who knows what’s next – but check out his art and enjoy the show!
- The ladies at the Scrapbook Nook have quite a busy month scheduled for February! They started a contest on the 1st and are also restarting their blog – complete with tutorials, new products, and more! Check out their Facebook page for more info. Otherwise, on Tuesday at 1 they’re making some beautiful cards and Thursday at 1 you can play with some new 2-page layouts. Saturday from 10-5 will be a work day for their month-long charity card drive in honor of Jerri’s mother-in-law. Then another card class next Tuesday at 1. Whew! There’s more going on this month – be sure and stop by the Nook to catch up! And check out their blog for their current art contest.
- Local creative Business spotlight – Seed Studio – We have a few businesses in Durango that focus on supporting local creatives. Seed Studio is “Planting seeds of mindfulness, creativity & self-expression through art, yoga & nature based programs“. They focus on helping children create a balance between their inner world and the everchanging world around us. They strive to offer healthy, creative outlets of self-expression and mindfulness practices that they can continue to use throughout their lives. Don’t we all need that? Here are their current programs, and ways you can get involved. Check out some of their art in the online gallery or get in touch if you have more questions.
- Not sure how to get started? Here are suggestions from artists and illustrators. Personally, I cycle between a handful of geometric designs and sketching whatever happens to be in front of me. Sort of like Gurney’s suggestion in #04.
- Life-sized, rainbow colored, feather covered polar bears?How fun are these guys! (I first ran across them here.) I also rather enjoyed the artist’s website.
- We’re still accepting entries for the art contest! Show us something you love!
- New product of the week – We recently brought in a handful of gallery/plein air frames. They’re originally intended for plein air work on panels – but whatever you happen to put in them, they’re simply gorgrous! These are just a small sample of what we can order if you’re looking for something different.
Sometimes wondering “what if” leads to a muddy mess of paints on the paper/canvas. Othertimes that same question and willingness to experiment results in an amazing new technique that defines years worth of work. Life is more fun when you experiment – and if it doesn’t turn out as you expected, then at least you’ll get a good story out of it! If I hadn’t acted on a “what if” question I wouldn’t have ended up here in Durango, or working at the Art Supply House. Here’s to all of you intrepid, creative adventurers!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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