| One begins to lose interest in any given task and slacks off just as one is beginning to get somewhere in accomplishing the task. ~ Richard Bernstein |
I recently had a conversation about planning and working ahead. As part of the process, this person was getting out everything needed for 5 projects – what they thought they could complete within their particular working timeframe. Of course, that was almost never the case and the mental over-head of seeing those partial projects in the workspace just caused to stress them out. As an experiment, they’re going to pull out 1-2 projects at a time so that they can focus and yet always be moving forward (working on project B while waiting for a process on project A to finish).
- This week’s artist is local – Lorna Meaden – a ceramic artist/potter. Everything she makes is meant to be used. After calling Durango home for ~30 years (off and on) you’ve likely run into her or at least seen her work. If not, swing by Studio & to see it in person, where she’s a member artist. Check out her website to see more pieces, jewelry, upcoming workshop schedule, and more!
- The Scrapbook Nook has a full schedule of upcoming classes! Stop by tomorrow at 1 for Ciao Bella Layouts, and Friday at 1 for the free Coloring Guild. They’ll be closed on Saturday. Then Tuesday at 1 you can make 4 cards and take home some embossing powder, and there’s an open studio session next Wednesday at 11!
- Have you been to Durango Hobby? They just recently opened on Main, near 11th Street Station. If you are, or know anyone, interested in R/C vehicles, VR driving and flying simulators, models, and more – head over to 1135 South Main and check out their new store. They’ve got some great stuff already and more is on the way. Let them know what you’re interested in and help shape what they carry!
- Did you know that Google Books has an online archive of Life Magazine?
- Letter of Recommendation – Framing These lines especially stood out to me: ” Specially made objects are a rare pleasure because they demand what is scarce: time, consideration, belated results.” and “It’s funny how adding four corners brings out the thing. But what I derive from getting things framed isn’t perfection; it’s completing a task that comes with rules, consideration for light and an opportunity to preserve — and not in my cluttered, humming mind, but with a tactile compromise. …. Formerly, it was a piece of cardboard floundering on my fridge door. Now, it’s a proposition; the satisfaction of something made-ready.“
- I probably put too much thought and energy into coffee… but between that and art supplies my chemical dependencies are covered. This is a new recipe I’ll have to give a try: fluffy coffee. I’m going to use a roast from 81301, personally.
- The Durango Arts Center is currently looking to display new artists. They’re looking for out of the box, funky, creative, and experimental art with an eye for presentation – collaborations are encouraged! To apply, email a short bio and 3 photos to tiffany@durangoarts.org by March 1st.
- There’s a satisfaction that comes from solving problems with your hands. I once learned how to solve a rubik’s cube in under a minute – but probably couldn’t do it at all now!
- Jack Richeson School of Art is having a casein art contest. You have to enter a casein piece and there’s an entry fee – but every entry receives a casein set worth more than the fee so it may be worth considering. The last entry date is May 19.
- You’ve already seen some of the largest paintings ever created (video).
- You may know that we have a Frequent Shopper program – you can earn 10% of all purchases back as store credit. We’re expanding it. We have cloth re-usable shopping bags available, in a few colors. You can’t buy one, however, you have to join the frequent shopper program to get one. These bags will come in handy during every month that has a 5th Saturday. We will be having special deals each of those days, including a discount on everything that fits into the bags. So come get yours to find out more!
- Clouds can be hard to paint. Here’s a tutorial (in video or written form).
- Maybe you’d like to paint something more solid – how about Mt. Sneffels. Here’s a video tutorial.
- Need to get moving? Here are three options:
- Friday nights at the VFW Hall from 7-10pm join in Ecstatic Dance Durango – a free form dance party happening every Friday, rooted in the intention of a safe, sacred, and fun experience for all! Set to the soundscape of a different DJ every week, live mixing music from around the world, it is an expressive and accepting atmosphere, invoking deep journeys into self-awareness, spirit, and connections with others. NO SHOES. NO BOOZE. JUST DANCE. ($10 – $25 sliding scale $5 student)
- Monday from 6:30-7:30 at Smiley Building – Interplay Studio Room 15 join the Beginning East Coast Swing Class to learn the basic steps, essentials of how to lead and follow, fundamental turns and some basic combinations you can use on the dance floor. Each week of this 6 week series builds on the lesson from the week before so be sure to clear your schedule for Monday evenings for the entire series. We strongly recommend you plan to miss no more than one session. This class is a prerequisite for the Swing 2 series. (reserve your spot here)
- Then immediately following is a Social Dance / Swing Practice Dance Session. The studio will be open for dance practice for a $5 donation. They will play music based on consensus of the participants. Instructors will be available for pointers or for getting through stuck spots on an individual basis.
- The Winter Farmer’s & Maker’s Market at River Bend Ranch is Saturday from 10-2. The ranch is at 27846 Hwy 550.
- Also Saturday, the Four Corners Gem & Mineral Club will be having a shop orientation from 9-10. If you’re looking for a new area of interest, take advantage of this opportunity.
- This week’s featured products are Manikins! We try to keep a variety available – sizes of people, hands, cat and dog. Pose assistants for whatever you might want to draw!
The opening quote made me think of this image. At least for me it’s easy to distract myself and cause me to reach “dark night of the soul” faster than if I was focused and committed. There’s a lot to be said for picking a project and simply moving forward with little bits of process consistently over time. In general, don’t think that you fill a sketchbook all at once – it’s filled one drawing at a time. Whatever approach you take, both you and the world need your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter, please forward it to a friend. If you’d like to receive a weekly newsletter in your email, you can subscribe below.