| The child is the first artist. Out of the material around him he creates a world of his own. The prototypes of the forms which he devises exist in life, but it is the thing which he himself makes that interests him, not its original in nature. His play is his expression. ~ Carleton Noves |
Especially in today’s world of social media – of instant access to inspiration and seeing other’s creative works – it’s easy to compare ourselves with others. Sometimes favorably, sometimes not. Neil Gaiman said, “The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” Being distracted by works from others is easy. Making our own work is hard (remember, it’s called artWORK). Thinking we need to create in the form/style/technique/etc of someone else is an easy thought to fall into. But the world needs your work. Only you can create it.
- This week’s artist is – Chris Maynard – whose intricate cut feathers caught my eye and I just had to share! In an interview he said, “Feathers are symbols of our aspirations. Like a lot of us, I want to fly but I can’t, so I use feathers to try to capture an essence of flight.” His materials begin as naturally shed in private aviaries and zoos – then become metaphorical scenes of change and transformation. Be sure to check out his website and instagram for more!
- Strathmore papers give some advice on setting up your studio space.
- The comfort of a pencil.
- Some of us can really use these conversational shortcuts (I know I’m out of practice just chatting).
- Writing has always been an act of art. Now it can also be an act of music.
- Reading about the Great Wall of China, I realized I don’t know much about it…
- Have you seen this funny face? I can only see a dog, unless I’m glancing from my periphery for a second.
- Hanging art can be as simple as hammering a nail in a wall and, you now, hanging it. When it’s not, here’s some advice on choosing the right wall anchors.
- Tis the season of the pop-up and bazaar. Here are a few coming up this week:
- The Union Social House is hosting a Holiday Market on Saturday and Sunday from 2-7.
- The Smiley Building will be hopping this holiday season with 20 new artist studios and other creative spaces and businesses opened to the public for the first Smiley Holiday Bazaar! Saturday from 10-5.
- They’ll also have live music at the Smiley Building for the Community Holiday Jam Saturday from 10-5.
- Animas Museum’s Holiday Open House is this Sunday from 1-3 on the Museum grounds, at the Joy Cabin and Peterson House. Stop by to enjoy holiday decorations and treats.
- There’s live music scattered around town this week.
- The Durango Arts Center has a lot of things going on – classes and workshops for kids of all ages. Check them out here. Maybe the Art of Painting, Figure Drawing, or Pots & Pints.
- The ScrapBook Nook has a class or workshop scheduled almost every day of the week.
- Looking for just the right ornament this year? We found a hyper-local source of blank ornament kits so that you can decorate and assemble your own. Here are some finished samples of the possibilities and the blank kits themselves.
Only you are you. Only you CAN be you. When you’re unsure what/who that means, reflect on your childhood creations. What did you make then? Stay true to the child artist within you. The one who always made you smile, laugh, and express the beautiful vision that only you can share with the world. Only you can make your art, and the world needs it!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew