| Nothing we do is better than the work of handmind. When mind uses itself without the hands it runs the circle and may go too fast; even speech using the voice only may go too fast. The hand that shapes the mind into clay or written word slows thought to the gait of things and lets it be subject to accident and time. ~ Ursula K. Le Guin |
As Hemingway writes in A Farewell to Arms, the world eventually breaks all of us. “Afterward,” he says, “many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills.” So much of what happens is out of our control: The markets. Supply chains. What our neighbors do. Pandemics. World leaders. We are defeated in things that we want to win so badly. Which hurts.
We can only focus on what we can control: our response. Repairing. Learning lessons from our experiences. Preparing for the future with the advantage of additional wisdom. We become better because of what we went through. Because of this, we have true strength. Because those who cannot break, cannot learn and cannot be improved by what happened.
- This week’s artist is – Irena – a colouring enthusiast from Zagreb, Croatia. Yes, these are filled-in coloring books! It really opens up the idea of what coloring can mean. Hopefully her work encourages you to think about coloring outside the lines (even when working inside the lines). Be sure to check out her facebook and instagram for even more!
- Looking to see some art on a larger scale? Head up to Purgatory over the weekend for Carve Wars. Check out the chainsaw carvers in action and see what kind of work they make this year!
- If you want to hear/see/experience live music, head out to FoxFire Farms on Friday from 6-9 where Black Velvet will be playing a wide range of rock, blues, jazz and country – and Back Porch B.B.Q. will be catering.
- Art courses used to be offered via mail. Want to experience something similar? Check out this Rokeby art course.
- Do you think life is boring?
- I know we don’t have a lot of oceanscapes here, but the advice in this oil-painting video could be handy for our pebble-filled rivers and the spray of the waterfalls.
- Can you use aggravation as a muse?
- Here’s some advice on being insanely successful. (Warning – it’s filled with sarcasm and cursing.)
- Fill the rest of your summer with art – though the article is about kids, take the opportunity to act as your own parent and set the stage for your art making.
- A friend of a friend has a kiln for sale. If you’re looking for one (or know someone who is), call or stop by the store for more info.
- This week’s book is (in honor of today’s artist) is the Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Coloring Book for Adults by Johanna Basford. We try to keep these on-hand at the store, or you can order one online.
In the article above about filling the rest of your summer with art, the author mentions that for his kids (5 and 7) making a lot of art is their way of processing fear and anxiety about what is going on outside of their house. Combined with the opening quote about the hand and mind working together to slow down the speed of thought and we see some of the importance of being creative for our personal well-being. Writing in a journal, making bread, quilting, painting, sculpting, working with wood, playing in the garden, coloring, … There are so many ways that we can be creative, and they all serve to help us center ourselves and process through whatever life is throwing our way. As always, the world needs the best version of you – and your need your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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