| A picture is a poem without words. ~ Cornificius |
I recently re-heard this quote: “talking about art is like dancing about architecture.” I have yet to conclude my thoughts on it. My first reaction is to chuckle and agree, but upon longer reflection it doesn’t sit as quite right. There is so much depth behind many pieces of art – the thousands of choices about mixing colors, deciding on materials, making marks, and so much more. It is hard to discuss those – especially with someone who doesn’t have an experiential understanding of their own. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s impossible to discuss. Perhaps it would be more accurate to compare art with languages – “talking about art is like explaining Mandarin using Spanish.” (Neither of which I know – so I would be even more confused in this conversation!)
- This week’s artist is – Michael Heath – a watercolor painter from up in the northwest corner of the contiguous US. This link has all that I know about Michael and is all I can point you to. As a confirmed luddite, Michael can only be reached by phone or mail. So feel free to reach out to learn more if you’re so inclined!
- The Scrapbook Nook has a full schedule of upcoming classes! Stop by tomorrow at 1 to make two 2-page Photoplay layouts. Friday at 12 the Coloring Guild is meeting. At 10 on Saturday join everyone in making cards using rice paper. Then Tuesday at 1 is your chance to make some spring-themed cards!
- Thinking on blackboards – an ode to chalk.
- Here is a video with some details about the making of Winsor & Newton’s Series 7 brushes – which helps explain why they’re so expensive! (Thanks for sharing, Suz!)
- On turning your books into time capsules. I will have to change my reading habits to do this – so much of my reading is digital.
- Researchers unearth the world’s oldest figurative artwork in an Indonesian cave.
- Speaking of history – artist’s paintings can help historians.
- Here’s an idea, in case you need a sense of perspective.
- What do you need to create art? Virginia Woolf said a room of one’s own and money. So, time and money. I don’t think that’s changed any over the years.
- Recently I was chatting with a friend about zines. Here’s how to make a simple one.
- In a few short days, on March 11, Studio & will turn 10 years old!! WHHHAAT? To celebrate, Tim Kapustka‘s new show, 10 Years: The Posters of Studio & – 2010-2019, will be opening Friday from 5-9. Swing on by to celebrate! If you can’t make it, the show will be up until March 22.
- The Durango Arts Center’s bi-monthly figure-drawing session is Tuesday from 6:30-8:30. Bring your own art supplies to the Education Studio and discover two hours of intense drawing with a live model. No instructor, this is an open studio. First and third Tuesday of each month. Drop-in $20.
- Support your local, independent business owners at Local First‘s FREE Monthly Mixer, with FREE coffee provided by Smiley Cafe! Connect with members of Local First, hear updates on the organization and hear stories from local, -independent business owners! Wednesday, March 18 from 7-9am at the Smiley Cafe.
- This week is the 5th annual One Week 100 People sketch event, from March 9-13. So we’re about half-way through. The simple goal is: Draw 100 People in One Week. You can still sit down and knock out a bunch of quick figure sketches if you want – even if you haven’t started yet! Pencil drawings, or pen and ink, maybe watercolor sketches. Whatever it is that you’d like to practice most. There’s a Facebook Group – or – if that’s not your thing, just use the hashtag #OneWeek100People on any social media. More info available here.
- This week’s featured products are the variety of clay tools that we offer! With everything from ribbon cutters to sponges and more, we try to keep a little bit of everything on hand. And, of course, we have clay as well – Sculpey, air dry clay, and 25lb bags for your wheel.
The important part of art is simply participating in the discussion. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to actually say anything. Andy Warhol said, “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” There’s wisdom in the recommendation to not get distracted by others’ opinions, but to focus on making your art. After all, the world needs it!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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