| There is no formula for success—you just begin and then you continue. I’m often asked how to have a career in stand-up and the answer is confoundingly simple: Do the work. Over and over again, just do the work. ~ Cameron Esposito |
Last week I asked, “what are you learning?” As time passes, hopefully we aren’t just growing older, but continuing to learn and experience new things. New knowledge and wisdom (hopefully) helps us grow. Perhaps we don’t realize it in the moment, but growth means change. As we grow and change toward something, we are often growing away from something else.
- This week’s artist is – Chandler Strange – who’s a regular at the Art Supply House. It’s funny how we are accustomed to seeing an artist’s work (and the artist themselves!) and just assume that others are equally familiar. In case you aren’t familiar with Chandler’s work, visit her studio in the Smiley Building, check out her website, and instagram for more!
- Last week I was chatting with an artist on the importance of having an email mailing list for customers/interested people to sign up to. In short, it’s invaluable, do it!
- Here are artistic views of the future (living in space), from the 70s.
- The Butterfly Artist Collective’s February contest is themed LOVE AND CONNECTION. The medium is up to you and the contest will be judged by Butterfly Collective Members who attend next month’s meeting. It will be a blind vote. Please spread the word and this contest is open to all of Durango. If someone would like to participate the only qualification is to attend one of our meetings to become a Butterfly Artist Collective Member.
- The Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club are offering one day a workshop for metal-on-metal inlay on both Saturday and Sunday. If you’re interested, check out their calendar of events for more information.
- LaPlata Youth Services is currently looking for Youth Artists for the upcoming Unchain My HeART youth exhibition. They’re accepting art until Feb 11th. Use this form to enter.
- Here’s a reminder not to waste the good days.
- This weekend is the 43rd annual Snowdown. Here’s the official website with schedule and other info. Don’t forget to check for cancelled events before heading out.
- Maybe trying something new is creating your own bobbl
- Claes Oldenburg will be 93 on Friday.e-head toy.
- Here are two origami dueling knights folded from one piece of paper (and a video timelapse of the 100 hour process)
- There are 5 Saturdays in January, which means that the 29th is Customer Appreciation day at the Art Supply House (that’s this week!) Be sure to bring your bag!
- The Scrapbook Nook has a week full of classes and projects, if you’re looking for something creative to do. Call them to reserve your spot.
- We’ve had quite a few books, journals, coloring, books, etc trickling in over the last week. They’re scattered about the store in their respective locations… so I probably haven’t even seen them all. My favorite that I’ve stumbled across is definitely the graphic journal that teaches how to draw.
Sometimes growing away from something means that we need to let that thing go in order to move closer to something else. Old things, even if they were good at the time, could be holding us back. Maybe you, like me, have a pile of sketches to turn into finished projects, a folder of inspiration on my computer, and a list of ideas. Some of those “to-do” lists no longer provide inspiration, but some sort of feeling of dread when I look at them. The time for those ideas have passed. I recently read about an author who decided to have an honoring ceremony for his old ideas before releasing (ie: deleting) them. This allowed him to clear up years of backlogged ideas that were no longer serving him – allowing him up to work freely into the future.
Learn and grow. Ultimately, keep creating. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew