Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.
~ Bruce Garrabrandt
I’ve been carrying around a pocket knife and bit of wood so that I can whittle during breaks on the go. If I have a few moments, I can shave off a few slivers and make progress. There’s a painting on the easel at home… that I haven’t touched since August. Yes, this is a matter of making time – but it hasn’t risen to a priority since then. However, I want to continue making something. Recently that’s been whittling. In my case, that can be something very portable and intermittent.
- This week’s artist is – Carolyn Robles – whose work I ran across long enough ago that I don’t remember where it first was. For even more, check out her website and instagram!
- Guercino would have been 433 on Thursday!
- Studio & is looking for art for an upcoming show. Here’s more info.
- Durango Sustainable Goods shared another call to artists – Earth Day “Planet vs. Plastic” art Exhibition from April 1-20. For more info, reach out to claire@livecreativestudio.com
- The logic of line weight.
- I enjoyed reading this bit of watercolor wisdom.
- The curious case of the contested Basquiats.
- Sporting a custom knitted vest, for drawing emergencies!
- Here’s a guide to the underrated pencil.
- I love seeing the things that people find fascinating. Here’s a toaster museum.
- “There’s a crucial difference between the need to be paid attention to and the desire to connect—it’s the difference between trying to one-up someone else’s story and telling one of your own to commiserate, to empathize; between saying Look at me, everybody and You’re not the only one.” Tim Kreider on the tension between making art and sharing it. (Tim’s an author, but this applies to creatives of all bents.)
Fun Fact: The first synthetic pigment was Egyptian blue, made about 5,000 years ago by heating a mixture of sand, copper, and natron. It was used in both art and decoration.- Here are all of the 8331 license plates available in the US.
- Friday is Durango’s Winter Bike to Work day. This is a day to try to leave your car at home and walk, ride, ride transit, or carpool to work or wherever. The goal of Winter Bike to Work Day is to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on the road. Download the Way to Go Durango app for commuter challenges and prizes. The Business Commuter Challenge is Feb. 3-9. There will be stations downtown with hot drinks for those who can make it there 7-9am on the 9th.
- Joseph Magnano’s solo show at Gallery 1135 is up this week (1135 Main Ave). He’s showing original artwork, Vibrant Cows and These Places Untold. Vibrant Cows are award-winning and well-collected. The cows have been Joe’s focus for the past 10 years. The titles are presented on the front of the paintings, which offer a connection to basic goodness. These Places Untold, Joseph’s new work, are quite unique and being exhibited in Durango for the first time. Every These Places Untold painting begins as scraps fabric that are playfully laid out and sewn together into quilted collages. Each quilt becomes a reference for the painting and are on display for viewing at the gallery. These Places Untold are colorful acrylic paintings that bring to life a curious world of mystery. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11am-6pm
- Head to the Animas Museum on Saturday to celebrate La Plata County’s 150th birthday! They’ll be opening a new exhibit and will have birthday cake all day long. At 1pm the Second Saturday Seminar Series will be a talk about the beginnings of the county. Join local historians Charles DiFerdinando and Susan Jones on Zoom or you can watch the presentation on the big screen in the museum classroom. There is no charge for the event which will be recorded. Register for Zoom at animasmuseum.org/events.html.
- Bayfield’s Pine River Library hosts two monthly matinees! First Friday Matinees are aimed at adults and Family Friday Matinees (third Friday of the month) will be kids’ movies.
- LPYS’s 10th annual Unchain My Heart youth art showcase is coming up. It’s a night dedicated to celebrating the talented youth in our community and raising awareness for their work support and advocate for youth struggling with challenges in school, court, or at home. Join in for a silent auction, art, music, food, drinks, and community fun. All proceeds go to LPYS. Get tickets and learn more here. Artwork must be turned in by Friday (the 9th).
- Planning Ahead – Melinda Malone will be providing guidance in April’s Quilting Class at Bayfield’s Pine River Library. The class is free but students are required to provide their own supplies and have use of their own sewing machine. It runs all Wednesdays in April from 1:30-3:30.
- The Art Guild of Create is now open to supporting emerging businesses. They are renting art studios similar to the Art Collective at the Smiley Building. The Art Guild of Create hopes you will stop by to see the spaces and share a cup of tea to hear their story. Find more info at their website at: www.CreateArtandTea.com
- Head to Lola’s Place every Sunday afternoon (from 2-5:30) when Guild House Games brings loads of board games for your pleasure! Compete in your favorite game or try a new one! Meet new friends and enjoy a taco and beverage! It’s so easy…just show up and they’ll do the rest!
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, the Bayfield Library, Create Art and Tea, the Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts, Durango Sustainable Goods, Let’s Letter Together, the MakerLab, the Scrapbook Nook, Seed Studio, and the Durango Arts Center. There are a lot more things happening that I don’t include – so if you’re ever looking for something to do, start at WhatsHappeningDurango.com.
- We have a variety of different types of paper on-hand. The lamali pads are just a delight to see and hold, the 4-color rhodia pad and the comic strip paper are new to us. None of these quite what you’re looking for, they’re just the tip of the selection! Swing on by and see what catches your eye!
I’m always creating something – writing, drawing, painting, building, coding… something. I’m scattered across a half dozen types of projects, based on personal interests, available time and energy, etc (aren’t we all?!) Sometimes that means I can block out a weekend and work on something big. Other times it’s a literal chipping away when I get a moment.
Your creative pursuits should serve you and your life. That doesn’t always mean that they have to look the same. You can adjust up and down as needed based on circumstances. Sometimes you’re working on a mural, a canvas on an easel, or a finely detailed piece. Other times you’re sketching ideas on sticky notes while on the run.
Feed your creativity and it will help keep you nourished and going. Whatever scale and form it takes, the world needs your art.
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – Would you be interested in an art coach? I was chatting with a local artist recently, sharing ideas, and they said I should be an art/business coach. I don’t know what that might look like, but it feels like there’s potential there. If you’d be interested in a sort of test convo over a hot beverage, reply and let me know.