When we focus too hard on being a little better every day, we destroy the ability to be inspired.
~ Evan Armstrong
Self-improvement is great and productivity is wonderful, but sometimes we need to pursue the unoptimized life. Sometimes we need to give ourselves space, and permission. We can ignore all the things we’re “supposed to do” in our creative lives in order to pursue something called “afflatus.” Afflatus is a Latin word that refers to a sudden rush or inspiration, seemingly from the divine or supernatural. Moments of afflatus are euphoric and intoxicating.
- This week’s artist is – Adrienne Stein – whose work I ran across in one of the stories linked below (thoughts on composition) and her work caught my attention. For even more, check out her website and instagram!
- Ensio Seppänen would have been 100 on Monday!
- “When I’m cutting glass, time doesn’t exist.” It took her 70 years to find her inner artist. At 82, she’s in her studio every day.
- One artist’s thoughts on composition.
- This whiteboard spin art by Yohei Kisanuki is mesmerizing to watch.
- The bizarre history of Tyrian Purple, the ancient royal dye worth more than gold.
- Here’s one version of the Pixar Story Rules.
- This video tells the full Gamblin paints story.
- Some homework assignments I stumbled across: collecting color and the 30-minute noticing workout.
- Here’s an 8-minute drone video of a coast of antartica.
- A previously unknown 12 minute Mozart piece as recently discovered.
- Which came first? (a game) Here’s another game – wikitrivia.
- Why are vampires bad at art? They only draw blood.
Fun Fact: Historically, purple dye was extremely expensive and difficult to produce, which is why it was associated with royalty and wealth.- The Durango Open Studio Tour is Friday-Saturday! Emerging and professional artists will opening their doors all over town – it’s a great chance to explore local art studios, discover inspirational art and connect with artists. https://www.durangoopenstudiotour.com/
- Coming up next weekend is the Super Amazing Extraordinary Biggest Little Art Show in Durango on Saturday, October 12th from 10-6 in the Newman Building (downstairs, formerly Rose Duds). Refreshments will be served. Featuring small works by Cindy Coleman, Miki Harder, Mariah Kaminsky, Elizabeth Kinahan, Allison Leigh-Smith, and Amy Vaclav.
- The Word Honey Poetry Workshop is this evening, from 6:30-8 at the Durango Library.
- The Durango Cowboy Gathering is from today through Sunday.
- The Jordan World Circus is at the fair grounds tomorrow (Thursday) at 6:30.
- Jack-A-Lope Acres Farm is open for pumpkin season, starting this Friday.
- Also, this is the first Friday of the month, so it’s officially a time to celebrate Durango’s creative side! Find live music, original performances, featured artist showcases, and artisan pop-up markets all across town. Learn more about events happening this month at local-first.org/first-friday (Scattered around town from 4-7.)
- The Aztec Highland Games & Celtic Festival is this weekend, at Riverside Park in Aztec, NM.
- Wanted, Youth Entrepreneurs for the Durango Youth Makers Market. It’s coming up soon, on Saturday October 19th, 2024 at Buckley Park.
- 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, Picasso & Vino, 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.
- These watercolor kits by Sennelier are ideal for travel and plein air painting. The paints are nearly pocket size and include a universal screw at the bottom, so they can be attached to any type of tripod or support. If you have a tripod with a standard screw, you can use that, or purchase the “magic arm” to go with any of the paint sets.
You’ve seen some of my artwork – there are bits scattered throughout the store. I focused on commissioned portraits for about a year. It turned something that I love into drudgery. So I don’t do commissioned work any longer. I’ve set aside what I’m “supposed to do” as an artist in pursuit of afflatus. I create when the inspiration strikes (and I have time).
It seems that our default state of life is that we get filled up with small things. Whether small productivity improvements or minor inconveniences, it doesn’t matter. Either take away our chance to focus on something more.
Making space allows us to be filled up with inspiration (filling our creative wells). It allows us time for something like a noticing workout.
Design your life however it best suits you. Whether that’s regimented or free-flowing, make sure there’s space to create. The world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – We want everyone to make art. So we’re putting together a kit of supplies and guides on how to use them – enabling everyone to make art, no matter where they are, no matter how much time they have available. Want to be the first to know and see behind the scenes? Sign up for the waiting list.