| So you’re a little weird? Work it! A little different? OWN it! Better to be a nerd than one of the herd! ~ Mandy Hale |
You are one of a kind, with unique talents, quirks, and gifts (I think I’m mostly quirks). You were not born to blend in and be one of the herd. To truly stand out, you have to leverage and hone your uniqueness. And uniqueness is found in your quirks, your particular aesthetic vision, your unorthodox approach, your talents, etc.
- This week’s artist is – Tahlia Stanton – who I recently listened to in a podcast interview. She’s really embraced her individual outlook and dreams… pursued her art, and is thriving as an individual and as an professional artist! Want to hear about the business side of art from a 22 year old who’s sold over $1million of art? Check out that podcast episode. Check out her website and instagram for more!
- Great advice for writers, don’t just write words, write music. (There’s probably a corollary for visual artists, something along the lines of – don’t just draw lines, draw pictures.)
- Peter Paul Rubens would have been 445 on Tuesday.
- Unattributed collaborative pieces. I first interpreted “shot” as “photographed.”
- Speaking of Warhol pieces (as above), I don’t recall hearing about this “forged” series before.
- As an artist (especially one who loves stick figures) I appreciate symbols and marks. I’ve never heard of the Krul before but think it would be a great addition to the interactions of reading and writing.
- I purchased a rain gauge in early spring… it finally got wet over the weekend! Otherwise, I’ve been hearing how hot it is – might be time to estivate.
- Think that impasto painting isn’t textured enough? Here are a few ways to push your paint even further!
- Want to know more about what makes acrylics (and other materials) hold their brush strokes or not? Check out this article about rheology: the feel of acrylics.
- Hermosa Cafe’s Community Art Market is Saturday, from 10-2:30.
- Create Art and Tea’s event calendar for this month is filling up quite nicely.
- There are quite a few events/classes/workshops available for everyone at the Durango Arts Center.
- 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.
- At least some of the artists at The ArtRoom in the Smiley Building offer classes (like Heather’s brushlettering).
- There’s live music scattered about town all week. Like tomorrow’s concert at Buckley Park, and Friday at Fox Fire Farms. See what else is available here.
- There are a lot of local events/classes/workshops happening that I don’t include (like most things that require a ticket purchase) – so if you’re ever looking for something to do, start at WhatsHappeningDurango.com
- Did you know they make refillable paint markers? They come in a wide array of sizes and different tip shapes. You can use colors straight out of the bottle or mix your own custom blends! Similarly, you can grab the ready-to-go bottles or mix-and match materials (like acrylic inks or the SoFlat’s with airbrush medium added). So many options!
Honing your uniqueness requires effort. You can dress to shock or act weird for attention, but you’ll only be a novelty. The goal should be to nurture and develop your uniqueness into something worthwhile, elegant, and of value. There’s plenty of conformity out there. Plenty of blending in. Do yourself and the world a favor. Show us the real you. The world needs the real you, and your real art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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