Most people tell themselves that if they felt better, they’d do the thing—when it’s actually doing the thing that makes you feel better.
~ Mark Manson
We often tell ourselves that we’ll finally start creating when we feel more inspired, more confident, or “ready.” But the truth is, it’s the act of making art that brings the inspiration, not the other way around. Waiting for the perfect moment? It’ll never come. The permission to create has always been yours to give—no one else can grant you that.
- This week’s artist is – Sabina Tamburrino – who’s a local artist who just moved back to Durango after graduating from Western Colorado University. She stopped by the store recently and I just had to share her work with you. For even more, check out her website and instagram!
- Gertrude Partington Albright would have been 150 today!
- Here’s a short video overview of differences between oil and acrylic paints.
- Each year, Southwest Art’s “21 Under 31” issue highlights a new crop of emerging talents. Ranging from recent graduates to early-career professionals, these 21 rising stars demonstrate a promising future for Western art.
- There’s a 2,000-year-old marble mosaic floor emerging from the sea in Italy.
- Here are 3 tips for improving print quality when printing your artwork. (The overall process is technical, that’s why we work with Lisa Mackey when we need printing.)
- This year’s ocean photographer of the year finalists.
- This stellar image captures the Perseid Meteor shower raining down on Stonehenge.
- Useful time travel is impossible. But fun to think about. Here’s a time travel video that’s notable for its concise, intuitive explanation and visualization of our constant speed through spacetime (special relativity).
- Speaking of time, here’s the oldest world map in the world. (This is even older than the marble floor linked above). I’m pretty sure Mr. Finkel could not look more like a British Museum curator than he does. More info about the Map of the World.
- This is a website you can only visit once. (I mean, technically you can visit many times. But embracing constraints is worthwhile.)
- Another video – from Sesame Street this time. What’s the name of that song?
- I just found out I’m colorblind. The diagnosis came completely out of the purple.
Fun Fact: The invention of photography in the 19th century greatly influenced painters, leading them to explore subjects and styles that couldn’t be captured by cameras.- Durango Arts Month has begun! Durango is buzzing with creativity this September, offering over 100 events across the city. Whether you’re an art lover, a curious explorer, or just looking for some inspiration, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the full event list here.
- The Colorado Grand is an annual classic car charity tour that visits Durango every 5-6 years. And it’s time to see those beautiful classic cars again! Stroll on down to Rio Grande Land (500 block of Main Ave.) to see over 85 vintage cars from 1960 and earlier. There will be these sports and race cars of distinction – Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Porsche, Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, Bently, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Maserati and Allard. Today from 10-2.
- Writers & Scribblers is a group for writers of all kinds to learn, practice, and share the art and craft of writing. Today from 6-8 at the Durango Library.
- Crafternoons (for Adults!) is tomorrow (Thurs) from 4-5 at the Durango Library. Crafting isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental for mental health, relaxation, and happiness! Go and explore their awesome craft supplies each month. Follow a suggested project or free play and create your own masterpiece! This space is reserved for adults (17+)
- Beads & Beyond has a free demo on Friday – learn to make super strong stretchy bracelets. The demo only takes a few minutes so pop in any time between 11-1pm.
- Jack-a-lope acres is open for the season. Here are upcoming events.
- Saturday from 11-4 is the White Rabbit Fall Book Sale, in the White Rabbit garden. They have a mountain of great books in need of good homes. Take what you need, pay what you want & tell your friends!
- Wanted, Youth Entrepreneurs! Are you an amazing youth baker, a youth artist with artwork to sell or a youth that offers a service like babysitting or balloon making? Join the Youth Makers Market! The Durango Youth Makers Market is a unique one-day youth marketplace which will showcase the creative arts, goods, and services of local Youth Entrepreneurs between 8-17 years of age. In addition to creating a product or service, participants are encouraged to develop their own brand, build a marketing strategy and utilize their communication skills while interacting with potential customers at the one-day marketplace! Fee for Youth Entrepreneur: $10.00 Durango Youth Arts Festival & Youth Makers Market, 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.
- One of the fun things we found at the trade show a few months ago was Fabriano’s Cromia paper. It’s a long-life, acid-free paper ideal for pastel, pencil, and charcoal drawing. It also works with light water media and mixed techniques. Each sheet has two deckled edges and measures 19.6″x25.5″ We were able to test it out and immediately fell in love. Apparently it was also used by quite a few pastel artists at the IAPS Convention in Albuquerque back in June.
Maybe you’ve been holding back, thinking you’re not good enough yet or that the world isn’t waiting for your work. But what have you been neglecting because you didn’t feel worthy of making it? That painting, poem, or project isn’t going to wait for the right time—you’ve got to take that first step now, even if you’re unsure.
This is your art, and the world needs to see it. You don’t need anyone’s approval to create, and you certainly don’t need to feel “ready” to start. Give yourself permission to make something today, and when you do, let me know how it feels. The world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – We’re launching an online store with a curated selection (separate from our in-person store.) Want to be the first to know? Sign up for the waiting list.