Creativity takes courage.
~ Henri Matisse
I recently read something that basically said – creating is hard no matter what tools you use. I’m under no illusions that were a mystical device to materialize in front of me that it would remove any of the fundamental barriers to creating that we all deal with every day. Thinking and creating are hard, and they generally require effort.
- This week’s artist is – Polina Bright– whose work recently came into the frame shop. For even more, check out her website or instagram!
- Joseph Wolf would have been 203 on Monday! (His name fits with his specialty.)
- The city has a call for artists for bike racks and benches at Schneider Park. Proposals must be submitted by Jan 21st. Here’s more info.
- Studio & has put out a call to artists: Delicate will be an open group show on display from February 23 – March 2. Work has to be dropped off by the 21st. Here is more info on eligibility and other such details.
- The Art Guild of Create is now open to supporting emerging businesses. They are renting art studios similar to the Art Collective at the Smiley Building. The Art Guild of Create hopes you will stop by to see the spaces and share a cup of tea to hear their story. Find more info at their website at: www.CreateArtandTea.com
- I struggled to identify these famous pixelated paintings.
- Here are pros and cons of multi-generational living.
- How people laugh online is not universal.
- Here’s a contextual calendar.
- Wild World is a hand-drawn world map of nature – “here are 1,642 animals roaming its jungles and deserts, swimming its oceans”. The map took three years from start to finish.
- This is a cool photo of the moon behind the hilltop Basilica of Superga.
Fun Fact: In 1860, the Female School of Art, the first art school specifically for women, was established in London.- This is a short history of the daily planner, if you’re into such things.
- How about a fun look back at retro kitchens of the future.
- Here are the 2023 comedy pet photography awards. Is it a seal or a dog? caught my attention.
- It’s my party and I’ll read if I want to.
- Here are 19 colors that are less commonly known.
- Planning Ahead – Melinda Malone will be providing guidance in April’s Quilting Class at Bayfield’s Pine River Library. The class is free but students are required to provide their own supplies and have use of their own sewing machine. It runs all Wednesdays in April from 1:30-3:30.
- World-renowned photographer David Yarrow returns to Durango for a one-man show opening. Artist reception as well as an art talk, and book signing. Thursday from 5-7 at Sorrel Sky Gallery.
- There’s a free avalanche awareness clinic at the Durango library Thursday at 6. Know before you go. When was the last time you refreshed your avalanche skills?
- Durango Creative District’s Incubator for Emerging Artists presents “Heliotropic,” a solo exhibition featuring cyanotype photography by local artist Courtney Lane. The opening reception is Friday from 5:30-7 and the exhibition runs until Feb 26. Check it out at Stillwater Music.
- Head to Lola’s Place every Sunday afternoon (from 2-5:30) when Guild House Games brings loads of board games for your pleasure! Compete in your favorite game or try a new one! Meet new friends and enjoy a taco and beverage! It’s so easy…just show up and they’ll do the rest!
- Christmas tree drop off is running through Jan. 31, at Santa Rita Park
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at the Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts, Let’s Letter Together, the Scrapbook Nook, Create Art and Tea, Durango Sustainable Goods the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, Seed Studio, the Bayfield Library, 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.
- We were thrilled to finally receive these oil sticks by Sennellier (we’ve been waiting since… summer.) Technically speaking, they’re made from pure pigment, safflower oil and high quality mineral wax. Less technically, they’re designed for uninhibited application of oil paint directly to the painting surface. You can use them for quick sketches or complete works of art. The sets come in some fabulous colors. Want to try something old in a new format? Come see them for yourself!
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all pursue these things using a tool perfectly suited for that pursuit? Wouldn’t it be nice if that mystical device were to materialize in front of us that would make creating effortless? We’ll help you get the tools you need, but that magic doesn’t exist. When it feels hard to create, that’s because it is. Don’t be hard on yourself. Creating is hard. It’s worth it, though, because the world needs your art.
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew