Categories
Artspiration

“I draw to make a good world”

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

~ Pablo Picasso


Last week I was chatting with my daughter while she was drawing. (She’ll be 4 in December.)

She said, “I am an artist.”
I agreed, “Yes, you are.”
She said, “I am drawing and painting, so I am an artist.”
I replied, “Yes, that’s right!”
She followed up with, “You are an artist, you draw and paint. Mom is an artist.”
I affirmed, “You’re right!”
Once more, she said “Everyone is an artist.”
“Yes, they are,” I said.

(The headline above is something she said later in the conversation.)

  • This week’s artist is – Hannah Jensen – whose work I was recently discussing with a friend. Hannah layers 40-80 layers of acrylic paint and then hand carves images into the layers! To see even more, check out her website and instagram!
  • Jacob Epstein would have been 143 on Friday!
  • Here’s a history of art in 7 colors.
  • Learning to be alone is a good skill to learn.
  • I recently stumbled across the word volvelle.
  • If you still have Halloween candy floating around, here’s a credo that might apply.
  • Here’s some anatomy drawing advice for beginners.
  • This guide talks about drawing with charcoal.
  • This article details encasing natural objects (leaves and petals) in acrylic.
  • Here’s how one artists stays an artist as an adult – how she creates time to create.
  • The Bayfield Library has a series of recurring classes.
    • Community Knitting and Crochet Group | Sundays, 1-3 PM – All are welcome! Whether you have been knitting and/or crocheting for years or you would like to learn, they are happy to have you and will do their best to help you get started.
    • Open Art Studio | Thursdays, 10 AM-2 PM – Local artists of all ages and all mediums are invited to come work on their own project in a group setting at the library.
    • Typeset Writers’ Group | Monday November 6, 6-8 PM – No rules, just writing! Each month a member of the group will bring an article for discussion. Participants also have the option to bring two pages of their own writing to read aloud, but it’s not required. If you’d like to read your own writing, please bring it in manuscript format.
    • Card Making at the Pine River Senior Center | Tuesday November 14, 10-11 AM – Join at the Pine River Senior Center every second Tuesday of the month and create two beautiful handmade cards. 100% free!
  • Friday, from 1-2 is time for Cinematic Creations. Head to the Center for Innovation in the 2nd floor of the Main Mall’s for “Basic Social Media and Video-Making Support” session! This series is here to assist you in navigating the introductory aspects of social media and video production. Whether you’re just starting your online journey or looking to enhance your skills, a supportive community is here to guide you every step of the way. 
  • There’s a food drive Saturday from 10-3 in the Summit Church parking lot. Drop Your donations will be packed into care packages and delivered to individuals and families in need on the Navajo Reservation. Here’s a list of most-needed items.
  • 😎 Fun Fact: The world’s largest piggy bank was over 15 feet tall and could hold 17,000 gallons of coins.
  • Drop by Guild House Games on Monday from 6:30-9 for the free, weekly Chess Club.
  • If you’re a beginner/intermediate acoustic music player looking to play more – head to the General Palmer on Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 for the Slow Bluegrass Jam. This weekly jam is welcoming to all players, with a focus on slower tempo improvisation solos and chord changes. If you can play the I, IV and V chords in G, D and A then you know enough to play at this jam!
  • There are classes/workshops/projects available at the Dancing Spirit Center for the ArtsLet’s Letter Together, the Scrapbook NookCreate Art and Tea, Durango Sustainable Goods the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, 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.
  • We brought in more of the ready-to-go frames. A half-dozen boxes arrived over a couple of days last week and we re-arranged and generally figured out how to make them all fit. There’s a variety, ranging from 4×6 up to 11×14, including some new square sizes. If you’re looking for a quick frame, we have more options just waiting for you!

My daughter and I had a repeat of the conversation during the ride back from Durango another day as we headed home. It seemed too poignant and accurate to alter in any way. In case you needed to hear the reminder – you’re an artist (because you make art) and the world needs your art!


Matthew & the Art Supply House crew