Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.
~ Pearl S. Buck
I have been encouraged to consider the above question before pursuing some new thing, whether it’s a goal, a job, or a project. Is it leading to more money, but at the expense of drastically less time? Is it an exciting opportunity, that requires moving away from family and friends? Is it going to take some time and effort now but pay dividends well into the future?
- This week’s artist is – Jimi Gleason – whose work Kristen shared with me recently. Jimi has spent his career exploring the reflective possibilities of a painterly surface. He mixes nontraditional materials with acrylic paints (like silver). Be sure to check out his instagram for even more!
- Find photography interesting? Here’s a history.
- Speaking of history, 10,000 classic movie posters are being made available for free download.
- Think big, even when working small.
- Here are 6 tips to get in the creative zone.
- I like to get out and about when making art. Here’s one artist’s simple plein air set-up.
- As of yesterday, the Animas History Museum is open again! They’re open Tuesday and Thursday from 10-3.
- Compared to fuel costs in the south pole, we have nothing to complain about at the pumps locally.
- James Abbott McNeil Whistler would have been 187 on Sunday.
- The 67th Annual Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show is this weekend at the fairgrounds. There are a lot of mini workshops scheduled, like lapidary and metalsmith classes!
- The Rocky Mountain Uke Fest starts tomorrow and runs till the 11th. Tickets and more info here.
- Starting Sunday, check out what Music in the Mountains has to offer!
- There is also a lot of live music scattered around town. See who’s playing where here.
- Friday from 6-9 there will be live music at Fox Fire Farms. Pack your own picnic meal – purchase wine at the winery.
- This Sunday kicks off the Durango Art Market! Swing by 11th Street Station from 10-2 each Sunday this summer to find several artists selling and displaying their work. The type of art you can expect to find: stickers, clothing, functional ceramics, beadwork, jewelry, postcards, and much more. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy a cocktail, live music and art.
- Last week I showed the Mi-Tientes Pastel Papers – they pair well with these Faber-Castel soft pastels we’ve started carrying.
One of my current projects is the completion of a century ride (100 miles on my bicycle). This requires some training to get back into riding shape. So I’m spending a few hours each week getting the miles in. Completing a century ride has been on my to-do goal list for a few years now, and I decided it’s time to focus and complete it. The time and energy sacrificed is worth it, to me. Another goal for the future is to complete a long-distance motorcycle ride. Right now, it would be fun to go on the ride but I would regret the time away from family. It’s not worth the sacrifice at this time.
Considering art, you might not be surprised to hear that I don’t like professionally making art. When I am focused on commissions, art becomes a chore rather than a pleasant exercise that helps me be the best version of myself on a daily basis. I like the process of making art more than sharing my art with others. Perhaps you’re different – you need to make and share your art. In that case, you might follow “To what end” to the conclusion of working as an artist in order to share your art with others.
Wherever “To what end” takes you, intentionally create your life. As always, the world needs you and your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – The county fair is coming up in August and we’ll be running the art show! If you’re planning on entering a piece, it’s time to start getting ready. If you would be able to help volunteer, we could use some assistance (mainly watching the art and making sure people don’t touch it).