| The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is – it’s to imagine what is possible. ~ Bell Hooks |
The power that our mindset plays on our lives cannot be overstated. We can make ourselves miserable or contented – simply by changing how we look at a situation. As a father, there’s a lot of my life that is not under my decision any longer. That is both humbling and freeing. Now I can simply be. I can enjoy the experiences of life. Because I’ve agreed to it.
Looking at it from the other side, only I can allow a situation to get me down or someone to anger me. “If someone succeeds in provoking you,” Epictetus said, “realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation.” My reaction to situations determines their affect on me in such a large way. No one can make me upset – that’s my choice. No one can make me angry, only I have that power.
- This week’s artist is – Charles Muench – whose work was introduced to me by Robin. She had the pleasure of framing a lot of his work when she lived in the Sierra mountains and rightfully thought I’d appreciate seeing it. I only read one of the articles that he wrote, but there are a lot of great quotes in this one! Check out his website and instagram for more!
- Did you know that today is Ballpoint Pen Day? Far from being just for work, they’re great for art, too!
- Studio & is open! Swing by to visit. They’re open Mon, Wed, and Friday from 11-5pm and Saturays from 12-5pm.
- Monday is Nature Photography Day. So get out, away from it all, and snap some photos!
- In memory of an artist – you can draw whatever you want.
- Here are 3 tips for surviving the current time as an artist.
- Advice from a caterpillar.
- This seems like a great goal – To be fundamentally more invested in finding nourishment than identifying poison.
- Getting out and about? Play BID Bingo! This fun game is running until the 20th, and there are $2,500 in prizes!
- Here are 6 ideas for your next painting, or other creative pursuits.
- Make art with your salad. Or, play with your food. 😀
- How to draw what is invisible.
- The book of the week is – Pastel: Basics: Learn fundamental techniques for using this fun and colorful medium by Alain Picard. I’m certainly not a great pastel artist. What I do know I learned from researching online or from this book. If I had the time I would sit down with this book as my guide – working through the projects and fully expect to be fully comfortable with pastels at the end of that exploration. Get your copy. Already know your pastels? Alain also wrote Mastering Pastel.
Taking the idea of our emotions and thoughts managing our lives even further – we can use our ideas to affect the world. Like the opening quote above, we can use our art to show the world other possibilities. Science fiction has done this in the past – pointed the way to modern technical marvels. The Star Trek communicator looks primitive to a modern smart phone! As creatives, not only can we envision a better world than exists today, we can share our vision with others! The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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