If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together
There was an art supply trade show in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. So… some of us went to it (including Matthew’s 4-year old daughter – who was absolutely the hit of the show – pretty sure we’re not allowed back next year if she doesn’t come.) Kristen’s phenomenal at her job, so there were no new-to-us products, even if there were some we hadn’t yet seen in person.
The best part was being around others show are as passionate about art supplies in all their forms as we are. Being able to speak with others who understand the joys and frustrations of working with vendors, shipping companies, and frustrating customers (which you never are – thank you for that!)
- This week’s artist is – Dominique Giglio – an independent stained glass artist here in Durango. For even more, check out her website and instagram!
- Berenice Abbott would have been 126 today!
- Here are 15 tips to promote color confidence.
- Ever wonder if art paper has a “right” side?
- Keep these 5 ways to stop being your worst creative critic in mind.
- Chaos in the medium: Watercolour plotting. “I’m mostly thinking about ways I can make the most of the combination of the exactitude of the robotic method with the chaos of the physical medium.”
- Here are the 2024 drone photo award nominees.
- Birds start in spectacular scenes for the 15th annual Audubon Photography Awards.
- Colorful Crows.
- Welcome to FROGLAND!
- Faking William Morris, generative forgery, and the erosion of art history.
- Here are some mesmerizing animations by Tomohiro Okazaki.
- The French post office releases scratch-and-sniff baguette stamp.
- A 4000-year-old Minoan structure with labyrinthine walls has been uncovered in Crete. (Could this be the legendary maze of King Minos? (Probably not…wrong location.))
- New Pompeii excavations reveal frescoes & mosaics about the Trojan War. “The flickering light of the lamps had the effect of making the images appear to move, especially after a few glasses of good Campanian wine.”
- What’s blue and doesn’t weigh very much? Light blue.
Fun Fact: Leonardo da Vinci started “The Last Supper” in 1495 and finished it in 1517. It took 22 years to complete!- The Word Honey Poetry Workshop is this evening at Durango library at 6. Join in for a fun poetry workshop.
- Concert Hall @ The Park presents Levi Platero – Thursday at 5:30 in Buckley Park. Picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs are encouraged and Fired Up Pizzeria and Grassburger will offer a selection of food and beverages throughout the evening.
- The Christmas in July Holiday Market is Saturday fro 10-4 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Join in for a festive day of holiday cheer in the heart of summer! This event will feature: Local Artisans Galore, Live Music to Delight, Family-Friendly Fun, Delicious Eats & Treats, and a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza.
- Durango’s 89th Fiesta Days is happening this weekend. More info on their facebook page.
- 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.
- Following the trade show, we decided to change out some of our products – so some of our least favorites are currently on sale (30-40%) to make room for some up-an-coming new favorites. We’ll keep the new goodies a surprise until they’re actually here and available, but below are a few of the things that need a new, better home than what we can provide.
Being at the trade show was sort of like being back in the best parts of art school. There’s just something about the energy of being around others who are working in the same direction you are, who understand the joys and frustrations from experience, and who are also just excited about the same things.
Creative pursuits in a group come with their own frustrations and challenges, but the energy and inspiration shared through a group is different than what one has on their own.
The quote at the beginning of this email is probably wrong, it’s likely a balance between time spent working together and also in a group. So if you’re working alone and need inspiration, maybe it’s time for a group session. Likewise, if you only find yourself working in group, you might need some solo studio time. Whether it’s created by yourself or with others, the world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew