| Always do the very best you can. If you’ll just make a commitment to improving the quality of your work, incrementally, you’ll see enormous changes over the span of years. ~ Tom Tischler |
I suspect you’ve heard the fable of the tortoise and the hare. They race and the hare gets such a large lead that he stops for a nap. The tortoise, walking steadily – ends up beating the hare to the finish line. As with so many fables, there are life lessons hidden in the fun children’s story. Many people start a new project/career/hobby fired up and putting everything they’ve got into it. Once they hit become successful or comfortable they start coasting. But you generally only coast well one way… downhill. It’s the concept of incremental gains – 1% better or worse doesn’t make a huge difference on a single decision but drastically adds up over time.
- This week’s artist is – Lexis Loeb – whose work you’ve certainly seen. From super-Bob at the front of the store to the mural on the back of Kroeger’s – the store is surrounded by her art! I got to know Lexis as we worked on the Town Plaza mural together and was thrilled when she joined us at the Art Supply House. She not only has a lot of talent as an artist and designer, but also couples those with a big heart and a great sense of humor. When not creating and designing she can often be found helping a variety of causes and non-profits around town. Check out more of her art and designs on her website.
- There is a full week of classes at the Scrapbook Nook. Join the gals tomorrow at 1 to focus on making some Christmas Cards. Then on Saturday at 10 you can learn to use embossing powder (and take home your own set!) Tuesday at 1 it’s another chance to make more Christmas-themed cards.
- Yarns, Threads, and More has a variety of classes coming up (and filling up fast!) so if you’re interested in knitting, crocheting, macrame, or other fiber arts – check out their schedule and reserve your spot!
- If you’re anything like… most of the people I know, you probably spend too much time on your smartphone. Here’s a radical guide to spending less time there.
- Where do you find your inspiration? Bob Ross loved his viewers who never planned on painting.
- This fella paints music with a piano that paints.
- Know any kids who like to make art? K-12th graders are invited to submit entries for the annual Friends of the Library Bookmark Contest. Get more details and entry forms at the Durango Public Library or online at DurangoGov.org . Entries due to the Library by Sept. 27.
- The Durango Arts Center‘s 25th annual Autumn Arts Festival is getting close – be sure to mark Sept 21-22 so that you don’t miss it! (Here’s more info, if you need any details.)
- Speaking of upcoming events – the Fall Gallery Walk is the same weekend as the Arts Festival – Friday, September 20th.
- If that’s not enough – maybe you’re inspired to make art of your own after seeing everyone else’s – perhaps you’ll be interested in hopping on the train for the 30th Annual Fall Photographer’s Special. They let you get off, grab photos (perhaps you could use them as reference for future other art pieces?) and even provide some food for the day!
- Last week I mentioned that we have art hanging on the walls. John, a new local artist, brought us quite a collection to display. It’s for sale and proceeds go to the On The Spectrum Foundation – benefiting children and adults diagnosed with Aspergers or on the spectrum. Here’s one piece:
- Not sure what to work on? Start by figuring out what you don’t want.
- Still not sure? Here are 10 tips for cultivating creativity.
- Our next art contest is live. We’ve been pretty painting-focused for the rest of the year so this go-round we’re switching it up. The theme is Draw Something. Check out the contest page on our website.
- This week’s featured product are some fun pens! Sure, we have some “serious” art pens – but sometimes you just need to have some fun when you write. Feathers, keys, monkeys and more…
Once you decided what you want to do (perhaps by figuring out what you don’t want) it’s time to focus on it. Tom, quoted at the top of this email, put all of his energy into his family and art. His son learned from that example. As an artist, he realized “that there is no substitute for the sheer amount of hours required.” He just “puts one foot in front of the other” and keeps moving toward becoming the best artist he can. Maybe you don’t want to be a professional artist. That’s perfectly fine – but I believe in your capability to be the best version of yourself, in whatever arena you decide to focus on. You can do it!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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