| Not one of your pertinent ancestors was squashed, devoured, drowned, starved, stranded, stuck fast, untimely wounded, or otherwise deflected from its life’s quest of delivering a tiny charge of genetic material to the right partner at the right moment in order to perpetuate the only possible sequence of hereditary combinations that could result — eventually, astoundingly, and all too briefly — in you. ~ Bill Bryson, on the remarkable odds of your existence: |
I’m looking forward to the weekend. Between my wife and I working from home and taking care of a 3-month old it’s been a busy couple of weeks. So weekends are a nice break to just spend time together as a family, do some yard work, chores about the house, and catch up on naps. There’s been a lot going on, behind the scenes. Local businesses and organizations are gearing up to make as much accessible as possible in a safe manner. I’ve watched more webinars and attended more zoom conference calls these last two weeks than the rest of my life combined (and I worked in IT and online marketing!) So I’ve got some art projects lined up and a short hike planned on a nearby trail.
- Local First has partnered with local businesses to bring you a Bundle Box, filled with local goodies!
- A few thoughts on perspective – never being closer to those you live with and further away from everyone else. After living with my wife in an RV for 2 years, my current house feels huge!
- Local First, BID, and the Chamber of Commerce have partnered with local businesses to provide an online marketplace. It’s live now (and still being added to). We’ve put some art supplies in there…
- These comments on children being aliens from a different planet should serve as inspiration for artists (and they specifically mention us in the article.)
- The Spark Series by the Durango Creative District has gone virtual! Join them on Zoom at April 16th from 6-8pm to discuss “Taking the Jump: Starting a Creative Business.” More info available here.
- Artist Keri Smith is posting a daily creative prompt, if you need some inspiration
- Local artist Dan Groth (a regular at Studio &) is offering free downloads of pages from his Colorin’ Book. He is offering these free pages to kids and adults alike, but donations are always welcome!
- Here’s the guided acrylic portrait painting challenge that is just beginning, in case you’re interested in such things. The subject photo has been chosen and we’re poised to begin
- This week’s book recommendation: Art Before Breakfast by Danny Gregory. This week summed up a college semester of drawing class in about 4 pages. Danny does a great job of making drawing approachable and fun! If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow book with some daily exercises, Art Before Breakfast is a great place to start.
I hope you’re keeping busy. Creative projects, work tasks, chores around the house… something. Keep up with the news, certainly, but don’t live there or on social media. Learn a new skill, read a book, write a letter, work in your yard/garden, get out for some fresh air, or generally keep busy in some way that nourishes you. Do something creative – you need your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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