| You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. ~ John C. Maxwell |
A switch of perspective can make a huge difference. It’s always interesting to overhear shoppers at art festivals talk, commonly about how expensive the artwork is. From their point of view, someone like a photographer took their camera out, snapped a picture, printed it out, and now they’re asking hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The photographer is looking at it from their point of view – the camera cost hundreds or thousands by itself. Over the course of a weekend trip they took hundreds of photos to get that one that turned out. Printing on quality paper with matching ink (so that the photograph lasts over time) quickly adds up. From their perspective, the limited-edition photographs are bargains.
Two different points of view, intersecting at a single piece of art.
- This week’s artist is – Olivia MacDonald – who started creating one ink drawing every day for her instagram. Now she has a collection of over 800 drawings that continues growing! I enjoyed looking through her black-and-white images and reading details about how so many of them are “portraits of the moment.” What most stood out to me was just the example of how to create a body of work – by regularly creating and sharing! Be sure to check out her website for even more!
- The county fair is currently underway. Swing by to see what’s been entered in the art section and say hi!
- This interview gives a glimpse into modeling for Norman Rockwell.
- Unison Fest is coming up soon. They’re looking for artists to share their work. If you’re interested, here’s more info.
- Painting, writing, golf, wood carving and so much more – it’s always true that you want to make every stroke count.
- This drill-bit inspired dip pen reminds me of the glass pen I got from the Joyful Nook Gallery.
- It’s fascinating to see how modern technology allows us to look at artwork in different ways. In this video, OCT scanning allows us to see the layers of paint and varnish in a painting!
- These illustrations of solid objects from the 1500s is pretty neat!
- Here’s a free guide to 31 people who can help you sell your art (if you’re into that sort of thing).
- Intimidated by printmaking? Start with your veggie scraps and an ink pad and move elsewhere from there.
- Friday, from 10-3, the Friends of the Library will be holding their sidewalk sale (at the Library sidewalks). Genres of the month: Home, Hobbies, Social Sciences, and Fiction Q-Z. $1 a pound with proceeds benefiting the Library.
- The Durango Botanic Gardens’ bulb sale is in progress, running through the 17th. Here’s their website.
- Have you visited the Art Market at 11th Street Station? Swing by Sundays from 10-2 to see a variety of local artists selling their work.
- There is also a lot of live music scattered around town. See who’s playing where here.
- Don’t want to come in to town? Head out to Fox Fire Farms from 6-9 on Friday for live music. Pack your own picnic meal – purchase wine at the winery.
- Looking for a hands-on activity? Check out the DAC’s Ceramic Saturdays.
- Have you seen our new clay area? We’re in the process of shuffling things around, making room for new goodies.
One of the things I thought stood out about today’s artist, Oliva, was how much mileage she’s gotten out of her Strathmore paper and Microns. She’s found materials that work well for her, focused on them, and is building a career from their use. I have no doubt that she plays around with other materials, just for the fun of it.
Painting is often used as an example of a creative pursuit where the costs can quickly add up. A single 40ml tube of Michael Harding Chinese Vermilion or Lapis Lazuli paint will set you back over $100. There are a lot of creative passions that don’t come cheap. Musicians pay a pretty penny for their equipment, as do photographers, etc. Beginners get by with cheaper equipment, but eventually upgrade.
The key is to have passion for your creative endeavor. If you love what you’re doing, you’ll likely find a way to pay for it. And if you get good enough, you might be able to sell your work and recoup costs.
For me, living an artful life has been worth the time and expenses. How about you? Art makes the world a better place, and the world needs yours!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew