| Artists are driven by the tension between the desire to communicate and the desire to hide. ~ DW Winnicott |
I was recently in a conversation where the topic of what makes art “art” came up. While I don’t think that I agree with the definition that was presented, I also don’t have a definition of my own. Of course, I also don’t know that there is a singular definition, even with a particular time or zeitgeist. I do feel that a sign of “art” is that it evokes one’s feelings – whether those of the artist or the viewer. It might even be said to cause positive feelings. Either way, this is a discussion that may never have a conclusion and certainly won’t fit within a single email.
- This week’s artist is – Silvia Pina – from Cortez. She’s a decorative painter – as one happy client said, “she will transform your space into anything you dream of.” She more info. Check out her website for more info and examples (like the glow-in-the-dark pieces)!
- The Scrapbook Nook has a full schedule of upcoming classes! Stop by tomorrow at 1 to make an album featuring cute dog prints – perfect for your favorite furball! Then Saturday at 10 is the next Coloring Class, featuring the new Dream Drops from Nuvo. Tuesday at 1 they’ll be making 4 wildlife-themed cards!
- If you’re looking for options, here are 6 ways to sharpen pencils.
- With those freshly sharpened pencils, you might want to draw, but it might be cold out there. Here’s how to make a winter drawing glove.
- Swing by the Durango Library tonight from 6-7 for the Durango Diaries: Growing a Business. Hear from 3 local business owners who have grown startups from small, scrappy companies to major organizations will share how they accomplished their dreams.
- The La Plata Youth Services presents the Unchain My Heart youth art show and fundraiser tomorrow (Thursday) from 4-7 at Rochester’s R-Space. Appetizers, mock-tails, live entertainment and a silent auction to purchase young artist’s work.
- If you’re missing the summer farmer’s market, check out the Seven Rivers Farmers Market at the Powerhouse Science Center, a bi-weekly indoor market features farmers and vendors from the area selling poultry, meat, cheese, eggs, jams and jellies, pickles, baked goods, honey, pottery, skincare, and crafts. It’s tomorrow from 2:30-5:30.
- There’s still more time to let the Durango Arts Center know if you’re interested in being displayed as one their new artists. They’re looking for out of the box, funky, creative, and experimental art with an eye for presentation – collaborations are encouraged! To apply, email a short bio and 3 photos to tiffany@durangoarts.org by March 1st.
- Check out the Spark Series: Inspirational Conversations with Local Creatives by the Durango Creative District. It will be held at the Durango Arts Center Thursday (tomorrow!) from 6-8pm. This month’s theme is “Origin Stories” and will feature 5 local speakers. More info at www.durangocreativedistrict.org/.
- Speaking of the Durango Creative District, their ribbon cutting ceremony is Tuesday at from 5-5:30 in front the Durango Arts Center, home of their new offices. A celebration party will be held inside the Durango Arts Center gallery with refreshments following the cutting!
- I just recently mentioned Lorna Meaden‘s work – if you’re curious about it be sure to check out her Kiln Opening Pop Up exhibition (and sale!) on Thursday from 3-8 at the Studio & gallery.
- Speaking of Studio &, don’t forget to check out Marissa Hunt‘s show, Far out West in The Recess Gallery. Her exhibit runs through February 29th.
- There’s an online trove of 150,000 free Natural History Images.
- If that’s too many images, what about checking out 2019 in photos?
- While I mentioned the bags in last week’s email, the little detail that I forgot was that on Leap day (in 2 Saturdays), we’ll be having our first 5th Saturday event. You can’t participate without a bag, so be sure to pick yours up!
- You may know that we have a Frequent Shopper program – you can earn 10% of all purchases back as store credit. We’re expanding it. We have cloth re-usable shopping bags available, in a few colors. You can’t buy one, however, you have to join the frequent shopper program to get one. These bags will come in handy during every month that has a 5th Saturday. We will be having special deals each of those days, including a discount on everything that fits into the bags. So come get yours to find out more!
- Here are a few thoughts on picturing history.
- If you’re struggling with a process – consider how yesses outweigh nos.
- This week’s featured product are pencil cases and rolls! It’s easy to lose a pencil or pen on their own – or have one be damaged in a pack of some sort. A pencil case or bag or roll not only protects them but also helps you organize and be able to find them whenever you need. If your writing instruments are just floating around, they deserve the protection!
The opening quote mentions the tension of the desires to communicate and hide. That seems to be true, no matter what experience, age, or skill an artist has. I’ve met new artists who are scared to share their first project, phenomenal artists who are still surprised that anyone likes their work, and everyone in between. If you have work, or the idea for a project – don’t hesitate to share it with us at the Art Supply House. We’re all artists, we understand. No, we won’t laugh at you. And if you share it with non-artists – they think that what we do is some form of magic, so they’ll be in awe, even if they don’t happen to understand. No matter what, even if you don’t share your work with anyone, you should make it. You need your creative practice – and the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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