| The reflection on the surface of the water is often mistaken for the mysteries that lie beneath. Likewise, the reflection of the moon is mistaken for its own light. In the quest for wisdom, each person must emerge from the illusions of the world and begin the journey towards the sacred mountain. ~ Thomas Lloyd Qualls, Painted Oxen |
I sometimes forget that we have art galleries showing the work of widely known artists. It’s easy to get caught in the day-to-day. It’s a lot of fun to work with art – photos of works-in-progress, finished pieces being framed, and framed pieces ready to be picked up. Yesterday I stopped in a couple of galleries on Main Street. It was a lot of fun to see collections of work by single artists (when I normally see them making their way through the frame shop) in addition to multiple artist’s work displayed together.
- This week’s artist is – Renee Cornue – a Durango street photographer. She’s currently in the process of publishing a photo book (here’s the link if you want to back the project). Here’s an interview about Fever Dream. Be sure to check out her website and instagram for even more!
- Sean Lotze’s solo exhibition, Back Burner, Templates & Auras, will be on display at Studio & until Saturday, if you haven’t seen it yet.
- Here’s a detailed look at Starry Night and Vincent’s life.
- Do you believe in impossible colors?
- Personally, I don’t like blue holiday lights, they’re always blurry. This article helped me understand why we have a hard time seeing blue.
- Sometimes sketchbooks are specific to a project or series. The Godfather Notebook is just a sketchbook for a different kind of artist’s project. (Especially when contrasted with Twyla Tharp’s bankers boxes.)
- Last week I tested different black paints and then a friend shared this article about the different black pigments that helped me understand them even more.
- Man Ray would have been 131 on Friday.
- One of Mesa Verde’s fee-free days is today!
- Create Art & Tea is having a grand re-opening ribbon cutting today. Join them at 5 for art, refreshments, and celebration! (They’ve also got some upcoming workshops).
- Do you like seeing behind the scenes? Merely Players wants to share their new space. Swing by on Saturday from 10-1 to see Merely Underground. Here’s more info.
- The Animas City Passeggiata is Saturday from 5-8! This month’s theme is “Game Night + Scavenger Hunt”. If you’re looking guidance, they have a mobile map available.
- The San Juan Brewfest is this weekend, if you’re interested in such things.
- 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.
- It feels like we ordered our new Golden Paints eons ago. They arrived unexpectedly this week! To say we’re excited is the understatement of the year. While this is the “in-progress” photo from yesterday, they’re all set up and just waiting for you to swing by and see the newly expanded acrylic section!
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, to be distracted by the “reflection on the surface of the water” and forget to look closer, beneath those reflections. I generally avoid the traffic and crowds on Main Street. By doing so, however, I am also avoiding the art galleries and missing out on what they have to offer. Seeing the art yesterday excited me – it made me think of the importance of Artist Dates. That energy will go into my own creative practice. I need to create in order to be my best self. The world needs my art, just like it needs yours!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew