| We often avoid taking action because we think “I need to learn more,” but the best way to learn is often by taking action. ~ James Clear |
There’s always more to learn. That can be disheartening, at times. It can also be greatly inspiring! I know that I look at work by other artists and think that I’ll never learn to master my materials as well as they have. When I pause to think about it, I also know they are look at someone else and thinking the same thing.
- This week’s artist is – El Anatsui – whose work I was just recently shown. I love the finished pieces, the story behind the recycled materials, and how the community is integrated into the process. Be sure to check out his website for more!
- Some thoughts on abstracted realism with more in the comments below the examples.
- Thinking about a career in art? Here’s one artist’s advice.
- The Butterfly Artist Collective just announced their February contest – The theme is LOVE AND CONNECTION. The medium is up to you and the contest will be judged by Butterfly Collective Members who attend next month’s meeting. It will be a blind vote. Please spread the word and this contest is open to all of Durango. If someone would like to participate the only qualification is to attend one of our meetings to become a Butterfly Artist Collective Member.
- I love the visualizations on this page – and while I’ve never really thought about it, am now glad that someone thought about fried potatoes and what makes them different. Which is your favorite?
- I wish Chris (the fry guy) would work on visuals for this timeline of the human condition.
- Robert Motherwell would have been 107 on Monday the 24th.
- Interested in paint pouring? Watch your paints dance and swirl with Chris over at Create Art and Tea on Saturday from 2-4. Limited seating, so grab yours now if you’re interested.
- Join The Hive and In The Weeds in supporting local families with financial assistance through the winter! In partnership with Lola’s Cafe and The Soup Pallete, they will be having a local Guest Chef cook up fresh soup Thursday for a $10 minimum donation per quart. Come warm your hearts with delicious soup at 725 E 2nd Ave!
- There are 5 Saturdays in January, which means that the 29th is Customer Appreciation day at the Art Supply House! Be sure to bring your bag!
- 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.
- We’ve been waiting for these new paint-by-numbers to arrive, and they finally have! Great for kids of all ages!
There’s always more to learn. There are also a lot of different ways TO learn. From a mentor or teacher, directly, by looking at others’ work, from books, from videos, from school, directly (from experiments, mistakes and happy accidents). It’s never too late to learn. We are never too old to go to school. Education is something we are doing for life, not for graduating. We must never stop. We must never think we’ve learned all there is to know. Those experiments, that continuing education? It helps us better express ourselves through our creations. The world needs to hear your message. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew