To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.
~ Osho
There’s no telling how many times we hear some version of “I’m not an artist” or “I’m not creative” at the store. It’s generally a friend, parent, or spouse of someone shopping or designing a frame. Or it’s someone buying a gift certificate or other present for someone. When we have a slightly longer conversation, however, we discover that they have been building furniture for years. Or they build small scale worlds, write poetry, dance, sew, are in a band…. they do create something that would otherwise not exist in the world. And something that makes the world a better place.
- This week’s artist is – Shan Wells – a Durango artist whose work you’ve definitely seen around. For even more, check out his website!
- René Lalique would have been 164 on Saturday!
- 10 acrylic paintings – I wish there were even more styles of art shown but this is a great start!
- At first glance, I thought these were digital renderings – but they’re real life kinetic sculptures.
- Who knew bricklaying could be so satisfying to watch.
- Colorful paintings of daily life uncovered in 4,300-year-old Egyptian tomb
- Photos of March’s full Worm Moon (Also, the full moon in March is apparently called the Worm Moon!)
- NearbyWiki is a map that shows nearby things that have Wikipedia entries, with links to those entries.
- Here’s a short guide to working plein air (specifically in oils) that could be helpful for artists of all experience levels.
- How were photos transmitted by wire in 1937?
- Easy to read vs cool looking (hover over it with a mouse or long-hold on a phone for more).
- It can be hard to balance creating and sharing about creating. This is an important thing for “professionals to consider in the modern world. (You may notice we don’t actually sell on our website, or post that much on social media. You kinda have to come visit our store… in person.)
Fun Fact: The world’s most prolific painter is believed to be England’s J.M.W. Turner, who left behind over 20,000 works of art, including watercolors, sketches, and oil paintings.- There’s a paint and sip party place opening in the Main Mall. (Tonight’s opening night!) They’re having a studio tour & meet the artists of Picasso & Vino on Saturday, from 1-5.
- There’s a home-buyer education class coming up on Saturday. If you know someone who’s tired of renting.
- The Durango/La Plata Senior Center’s Spring Craft Bazaar is Saturday, from 9-3. Homemade Tamales, Handmade Crafts, Woodwork, Stained Glass, Jewelry +more!
- It’s the time of year when there are lots of live music events, open mics, live jam sessions, etc, scattered about the area throughout the week. There are too many to list here, so if you’re looking for such things, head over to WhatsHappeningDurango.com.
- 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’ve always been able to get oval frames and glass in the frame shop – but we recently brought in a sample so you can actually see what it will look like. So whether you have a “classic” style of photo like this or something more modern, we can help make it look as good as new.
We certainly focus on fine arts in the supplies that we sell. That doesn’t mean that we don’t support and appreciate other creative pursuits. There is too much debate about what constitutes “art”. Whatever type of creativity you pursue, we’re here to support you. If we know where to find the supplies and tools you need, we’ll let you know. We love to brainstorm with you. We absolutely love seeing what you’re working on!
Don’t downplay your creative pursuits. No matter what form it takes, the world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – Our Spring Clean Art Supply Drive is this month. So if you have any supplies that you won’t use, bring them to the store this month and we’ll pass them on to a nonprofit that will put them to good use, changing people’s lives.