| The goal of adulthood is to let go of the other possible existences and to make the best of the one. A successful adult is one who understands that it doesn’t matter which life you ultimately pick, only that you live it well. ~ Chris Ballas |
In last week’s email, I mentioned that I have a motorcycle – the same one that I’ve been riding since college. Especially as someone who’s naturally a researcher, it’s easy for me to start looking at motorcycles for sale and reading about different options available and what features they might offer. My bike isn’t the best for a lot of things, so I dive into rabbit holes of equipment for different purposes. Then I go for a ride, grin, and remember that what I have works just fine and more than meets my goals. I want to ride and enjoy the process. I’m not trying to summit a mountain, go as fast as possible either on either gravel or blacktop, ride across the country, or any other goals that might be easier with a different machine. Then I did the math – instead of purchasing a used motorcycle that caught my eye I can invest in some general maintenance and purchase enough gas for about 45,000 more miles. Since riding is the goal, that certainly helps get me there!
- This week’s artist is – Raku Inoue – creates portraits of animals and insects from foraged flora. (I suppose that would be making fauna from flora.) I love seeing how people use different materials! Check out his website and instagram for even more.
- America’s largest cave art has been recently discovered in Alabama.
- A little further from home, here’s the first photo of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
- I love the artistry that goes into making projects like this moving, detailed paper model of a motorcycle.
- Janet Fish turns 84 today.
- Friday morning is Free Yoga Friday at Lively (A Boutique) from 8:30-9:30. (There is limited space so please sign up at livelyaboutique.com to reserve your spot!”).
- Do you teach art classes? If so, we’d love to work with you to assemble materials kits. We recently helped Chandler put together 2 levels of kits for students of her upcoming watercolor workshops (and her students will get a discount on those materials.)
- Dancing Spirit Community Arts Center is building a permanent home and they’re looking for support.
- Tonight is the Word Honey Poetry Workshop at The Hive‘s indoor skatepark. Swing by from 6-7:30 to write, read, share, or just to listen and enjoy. Writers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join.
- This weekend is the Friends of the Library book sale, on Saturday and Sunday, from 10-3, at the Durango Library.
- In case you missed it last week, the Durango Farmer’s Market is open for the season! Saturday mornings from 8-12 at the TBK Bank parking lot. (And the Bayfield Farmer’s Market will be soon!)
- There’s still time to see the Trigger group exhibition at Studio &. It will be up through Saturday.
- Create Art and Tea’s event calendar for this month is filling up quite nicely.
- There are quite a few events 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.
- There’s live music scattered about town all week. See what’s available here.
- Not everyone uses the same size or type of easel, so we try to keep a few different options on hand at all times. We can also order a variety of other designs if you’re looking for something larger or more specialized.
I’ve probably mentioned in the past that I worked as a portrait artist for about a year… and hated it. Something that I love doing became drudgery. So I no longer work as a professional artist, I make art for fun. Testing out materials and otherwise generally just playing with art supplies. That helps me reach my goals, stay happy, enjoy the process, and generally be the best version of myself. If you want to be a professional artist, we are more than happy to encourage and support you. If you play with art supplies as stress relief after the work days, use art to capture memories or otherwise express you feelings, we are also thrilled for you!
It’s easy to get caught up in the ideas like “if I’m making art then I should try to sell it,” or “I’m not good enough to sell my work.” If those ideas (or any others) don’t align with your personal goals, feel free to let them go. Art makes the world a better place. You need to make art. How, where, when, what with…. those variables are all up to you and depend on where you’re trying to go. However you decide to make it, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew