| Ego is the enemy of what you want and of what you have: Of mastering a craft. Of real creative insight. Of working well with others. Of building loyalty and support. Of longevity. Of repeating and retaining your success. It repulses advantages and opportunities. It’s a magnet for enemies and errors. ~ Ryan Holiday |
We all have egos. We want our work to be admired and valued by others. A little bit of ego is a good thing. It pushes us to achieve and improve. To care about what we produce. But egos also get us in a lot of trouble. They can cause jealousy, frustration, negativity, and deep embarrassment
- This week’s artist is – James Holmes – an artist who I recently listened to on a podcast. It was interesting to hear him discuss “how you know when you’re an artist” and his journey to today. Be sure to check out his website and instagram for even more!
- Studio & is featuring a solo show of Lorna Meaden’s work: Tools of Habitation. The opening reception is Friday from 5-9pm. All the (remaining) work will be available in Studio &’s online shop.
- Lisa Mackey’s art photography is on exhibit at Animas Chocolate & Coffee this month! Swing by and take a gander while you enjoy their amazing chocolate.
- Welcome back to the Scrapbook Nook! They’ve been busy – but now you can go and visit the Nook in person!
- There’s a lot going on this weekend – Men who Grill, Ride the Rockies, Cowboy Poetry Gathering Barn Dance & Picnic, and live music at Friday Nights at FireFox Farms.
- Of course, that’s not all. There are a series of art classes at the Dancing Spirit Community Arts gallery, Ceramic Saturdays at the DAC, at least one artist will be at the Durango Flea Market, and even some adult acting classes!
- Strathmore recently shared a free intro to gouache video course.
- Here’s one artist’s sketchbook tour featuring line and wash (pen and watercolor).
- Tomorrow is Ballpoint Pen Day!
- The second artist installed her work for the Empty Storefronts project. Come by and see Camela’s lovely paintings of regional flora.
- These pearlescent watercolors arrived recently. How amazing are these colors! They look just as good on paper as they do in the palette.
It’s so easy to hesitate when sharing our artwork, cautious about what others will think:
“They won’t think it’s any good.”
“They’ll laugh at me.”
Which is our ego trying to protect us. But if we want to sell artwork, someone has to see it! If we want feedback – the opportunity to learn and grow, we have to let others see it. If we just want to brighten someone’s day with our art, they have to see it. We’ve all been there; we’ve all made a garage full of art that is less-than-our-best, and understand that it’s a necessary part of the process. Your ego can help you push forward, to improve your work. Don’t let it have too much control and hold you back. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew