| Being solitary is being alone well: being alone luxuriously immersed in doings of your own choice, aware of the fullness of your won presence rather than of the absence of others. Because solitude is an achievement.”-Alice Koller |
A few years ago, I bicycled across the state of Iowa. Since then, I’ve definitely gotten out of the habit of regularly pedaling around. Last week, I hopped back on the bike to start training again. It was rough, since I’m a couple years out of practice, but also felt good to be riding once more. My habit is to listen to something (generally a podcast) while riding, but I’m trying to balance that with just being there for the ride. Monday morning I was cruising along and watched a small herd of elk lope beside me for about 1/4 of a mile before they crossed the road in front of me and headed into the woods. Though I often take the same route in my car, I wouldn’t have noticed them trotting along.
- This week’s artist is – Kristin Godwin – of Red Point Art, who I just met on Monday when she came in to pick up some supplies. I enjoyed chatting with her and then perusing her artwork – and hope you will too. Be sure to check out her website and instagram for even more!
- Artist call – Applications due by tomorrow at 5:00. The Durango Creative District is introducing a new Art Market that will take place on Sundays at 11th Street and Main Avenue, beginning in early July 2021. Running from 10am-2pm, the Durango Art Market will provide affordable options for emerging and experienced artists to display and sell their work. Apply today!
- Here’s a fun video of a watercolor painting in the making – and a “salt and pepper” exercise to practice.
- Strathmore has a 4-part mixed media course available here for free.
- This is a great behind-the-scenes video of the process for creating a cartoon – in the 1930s!
- What art can do – create a portal between two cities to connect us and them.
- If you like optical illusions, you’ll love the Ames Window.
- The 4th annual Free Veterans Float & Picnic will be Sunday from 11-3. Alas, I’ll be out of town or I’d check it out!
- Friday from 6-9 there will be live music at Fox Fire Farms.
- There is also a lot of live music scattered around town. See who’s playing where here.
- Looking for an art activity with friends/kids? Try playing exquisite corpse. Here’s a sample from playing with Picasso.
- Speaking of making art with kids, I’ll have to try this with my daughter…
- If you’re looking for an activity this weekend, the DAC has Ceramic Saturdays!
- During the virtual trade show last month, we got to try out a lot of different (some new) materials. One that particularly caught our attention was Talens’ line of sketchbooks. You can see Kristen’s decorated book (a process which she thoroughly enjoyed) in the bottom-right corner.
Healthy solitude and isolation are not necessarily about withdrawing from people and society. Even a micro-break in our day, sitting quietly in the car or taking a brief stroll outside, can benefit our health and well-being. Practicing solitude allows us to practice being alone with ourselves, but not being lonely. It can help lower stress, calm our spirits, and even improve our creativity. Healthy solitude and isolation invite contemplation and observation, which help us see the world and people more clearly. This can help inform our art. Our art, in turn, can help others see the world in a different way, as we see it. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – The county fair is coming up in August and we’ll be running the art show! If you’re planning on entering a piece, it’s time to start getting ready. If you would be able to help volunteer, we could use some assistance (mainly watching the art and making sure people don’t touch it).