| If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. ~ Vincent Van Gogh |
A common theme in the replies as you’ve shared your biggest art-making challenges has been some version of “fear of making something less than it could be” – whether that was expressed as the fear of the blank canvas or trying something new that you might not be good at. This is a common thought. Life is too short to fear making mistakes – and you can always get new art materials.
In an interview I recently listened to, the artist mentioned going to a museum to see some of his favorite artist’s work. It was not on display. If a famous artist’s work ends up in the basement storage, what chance does our art have of being displayed in a few hundred years? That knowledge can be incredibly freeing. Those sketches that I filled up a notebook with? No one ever has to see them. And yet, they help me get “brush mileage” – time and repetitions spent making art that will make my future art even better. As with writing to learn what you think – creating is how you discover your unique voice. The more you create, the more creative you become.
- This week’s artist is a Telluride photographer – Carl Marcus – whose work captured my attention as it came through the frame shop. I enjoyed the landscape series and loved the landscapes. The children’s portrait series is excellent and definitely worth checking out. See his website for more!
- There is a full week of classes at the Scrapbook Nook. Join the gals tomorrow at 11 to make a Country Christmas Album! Then on Saturday at 10 for the final session of the 2020 wall calendar. Tuesday at 1 to make some birthday cards! Next week they’ll be closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, but will be open on Friday with a Black Friday event.
- Speaking of schedules, the Art Supply House will be closed next Thursday-Sunday for the holiday weekend.
- If you’re thinking about getting something custom framed for a gift, don’t delay! Spots are already filling up as we approach the holidays. After next week there will be a rush fee applied to Christmas orders and December 11th is the last day to get a custom order placed with a guarantee for Christmas delivery.
- Sketchbook of a WWII soldier.
- The Thanksgiving Farmer’s Market is this Saturday at the county fairgrounds. They will feature locally grown veggies, meats, cheeses and more for your Thanksgiving dinner! Plus, get a jump on your holiday shopping with unique and useful items from our local artisans.
- The Durango Arts Centers’ Winter Solstice Invitational Artisans’ Market is running from November 22-December 23, 2019. Stop by Monday-Saturdays, from 10am-5pm.
- Teach thy tongue to say I do not know and thou shalt progress.
- Studio & is hosting the Crystal Hartman Truck Show Tuesday from 12-6pm. If you know Crystal Hartman, her art, or sculptural jewelry, you already know you will not want to miss this one-day event.
- Thinking of “brush mileage” mentioned in the opening paragraph – here are a few thoughts on comparing ourselves with the best.
- Are you ready to put your photography out into the world, but wondering where to begin? Tomorrow (Thursday) from 6-9pm the Durango Photography Club will be presenting how to Put on a Gallery Show and An Introduction to Glicee Printing. Hosted at the TBK Bank Community Room at 259 W 9th Street.
- Here are a few thoughts on keeping your work a secret until you’re ready to share it.
- Looking to get holiday shopping covered with an eclectic blend of hand-crafted work by local artisans? The 22nd annual Artisan’s holiday gift show and sale at the Strater Hotel Oak Room will be this Saturday from 9-4pm.
- For the final art contest of the year, let’s take some time to retreat from the retail rush. Use your favorite art materials to show us what you’re most grateful for! Contest runs until December 13th. Can’t wait to see what you share with us!
- This week’s featured products are blank card sets. If you want to send out some cards but and want them to be customized by you, we’ve got what you need. The variety of sizes and papers keep you covered for your different types of projects. Each pack comes with cards and matching envelopes.
I recently re-read some letters from someone who had a huge influence on my life and have been giving them a lot of thought. There are many questions I would ask them, some things I would say and some I would like to take back. Those conversations will never happen, though, as they passed away about 15 years ago. Their life still affects mine, just as mine goes on to affect those around me now. This is part of the difference between lineage and legacy. You, your work, your life, helps to carry on the creative lineage. As always, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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