| Vincent reminds us of what is really important in art and it is, in my opinion, not what the artist gains, but what the artist gives to people. ~ Marta Malachowska, a collector of Vincent’s work |
You probably won’t argue with the idea that art is valuable. In case you had any doubts – here are some thoughts as to why art is so important. This doesn’t even mention the advantages of having art around us – in our homes and workplaces. It only discusses the process, ignoring the resulting items that are created. I often say that the best part of working in the frame shop is getting to see the art that people bring in. Today’s artist was brought to my attention because some of his work came in to be framed. It’s colorful and attention-grabbing, so we had to look it up and learn more. The best part was the client’s enthusiasm as they told us the story of finding the art and their connection with it. That excitement will be re-lived every time they see it hanging on their wall.
- This week’s artist is – Neal Crosbie – a painter, a cartoonist, a poet and a musician who “has a black belt in tea and a masters degree in outer space” and introduces humor in the gravitas of the painting as well as the spontaneity of drawings. His icon, coyote-man, drawn from his Shoshone background turns up everywhere in his works. He walks around in landscapes where sometimes the only visible sign is the wind in a pine tree. He thinks aloud, talks, declaims, makes fun at himself,or at the whole universe! He is somewhat wise, somewhat Buddhist, sometimes kranky always a poet. His work is an invitation to profundity in a burst of exuberant colors and energies. I was introduced to Coyote Man when he came into the frame shop – full of color energy! See more of Neal’s work here.
- The Scrapbook Nook has a full schedule of upcoming classes! Stop by tomorrow at 11 to make an 8×8″ Insta album! Then Friday at 1 is the next meeting of the Coloring Guild. Saturday at 10 is the next Art Journal session, featuring crackle texture paste. Tuesday at 1 they’ll be making 4 cards using a variety of stamps and Wednesday is a chance to get together with other creators for the Open Session at 1!
- Paws for Celebration is tomorrow (Thursday) from 5:30-9:30 at the Wildhorse Saloon. It’s the annual fundraising event to benefit Lisa Parker’s Puppies.
- If you’re curious about light temperatures – here is a great visual and explanation.
- Come to The Powerhouse Friday from 5-7:30 to Gather at the River and enjoy free local beer and whiskey tastings while learning about our community’s innovative approaches to tackling statewide water issues. Cash bar available.
- There’s still a little more time to let the Durango Arts Center know if you’re interested in being displayed as one their new artists. They’re looking for out of the box, funky, creative, and experimental art with an eye for presentation – collaborations are encouraged! To apply, email a short bio and 3 photos to tiffany@durangoarts.org by March 1st.
- Need something to read? Durango Book Rescue is giving away Free Books on Sunday from 11-3 at Downtown Security Storage.
- I think that optical illusions are fun. Here is a breathing illusion, a dual-axis illusion, and some sloping blue stripes – or are they?.
- Want to look at some art online – or download it? The Smithsonian has released 2.8 million high resolution images into the public domain and has some 200,000 more on their way over this year.
- There seems to be a trend here. Paris Musées has released 100,000 images of artworks for unrestricted public use.
- Since it’s becoming more common, here’s a handy list of open libraries of images.
- While attending college, I spent a semester studying in Ireland. It was an amazing experience! Because of that, I always enjoy heading to the Irish Embassy. You could swing by Sunday from 12:30-4 for their traditional Irish Music Jam Session for a taste of that experience (though the accents won’t quite be the same).
- Here is one artist’s interpretation of the creative process in 8 steps (a TEDx video).
- You may want to head to the DAC on Tuesday from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, and join in the Open Studio Figure Drawing session. Bring your own art supplies to the Education Studio and discover two hours of intense drawing with a live model. No instructor, it’s an open studio. First and third Tuesday of each month. There’s a discount if you’re a DAC member.
- Next Wednesday (March 4th) from 6-7 at the Durango Public Library, check out the current Durango Diaries: Alternative living structures. As someone who lived in an RV for 2 years and looked into building a tiny house, this sounds pretty interesting to me. Presenters will be people who have lived off the grid, in yurts, teepees and tiny homes – sharing the stories of why they opted to live in nontraditional ways.
- Next week is the 15th annual Durango Film Festival – from the 4-8th. Here’s more info.
- On Leap day (this Saturday!), we’ll be having our first 5th Saturday event at the Art Supply House. You can’t participate without a bag, so be sure to pick yours up! You know, unless you don’t want to get a discount on anything that will fit in the bag.
- Coming up soon is the 5th annual One Week 100 People sketch event, from March 9-13. The simple goal is: Draw 100 People in One Week. You can do it any way you want. Pencil drawings, or pen and ink, maybe watercolor sketches. Whatever it is that you’d like to practice most. There’s a Facebook Group – or – if that’s not your thing, just use the hashtag #OneWeek100People on any social media. More info available here.
- This week’s featured products are the Ciao line of markers by Copic! If I haven’t mentioned these, they’re the exact same ink as in the sketch markers, but in a smaller handle (container). Which means they’re more affordable. Still the Copic quality you expect, still refillable, just a little lighter on the pocket book.
The article in the opening paragraph talks about the value of making art, no matter your level of ability. I certainly agree with it. If you pursue a creative activity you will gain something valuable from that experience. If you share your art, others can also receive some of those benefits. In short, you should engage in creative pursuits for your own, selfish, personal gain. After all, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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