The history of surfaces and supports for art-making starts with the beginning of art itself. From human flesh and cave walls to a sophisticated array of canvases, papers and wood panels, the surface category has transformed in direct response to artistic movements and motivations. (Greenbery, Morriss-Kay). In addition to a diversification of materials (today an art surface may be fabric, wood, metal, slate, found objects, recycled material, cardboard, walls, glass, clothing), our industry has developed sizing techniques, primers, grounds and mediums for even more specialization and experimentation. Deviating From the Plan Over time, painters of all backgrounds have deviated from…
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Artist Spotlight: Peeta Tinay, Basket-Weaver
During National Craft Month there is no better time to learn more about the history of craft and celebrate the artists who are continuing traditional crafts, resisting readymade culture by dedicating creative energy to form and function. These makers inspire us to think beyond the label “artist” or “craftsperson” and appreciate the essence of craft: to make something in a skillful way with our hands. Peeta Tinay is an artist based in the Pacific Northwest whose love of weaving grew from her work with wicker furniture restoration. She began to teach basket-making and over the years built up her skills…
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Royal Talens Factory Tour
Our CEO Dave Schofield received a very special invitation to visit Royal Talens in Apeldoorn, Netherlands following the Frankfurt Creative World show. I was lucky enough to join along with Rich Colletti, Business Development Manager and our tireless hosts, Kyle Richardson and Kirk Gillespie. We traveled by train along with Dave’s wife Lindsay and their son Kai, who for 3 was a very well-behaved and excited first time train traveler! Beautiful Apeldoorn The first day we got a quick tour of Apeldoorn, a town of 160,000 inhabitants and locally known as the summer home and hunting lodge of the Royal…
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A Focus on Craft
You should be selling craft supplies. “But, we’re an art store…” “We don’t have the room to dedicate space.” “We don’t have the customer base.” “Crafting is so broad… How do you possibly carry everything someone needs?” I hear you, and I haven’t changed my mind. First, we need to define “craft.” Is it popsicle sticks and googly eyes? Glitter and Chenille Stems? Stickers and appliques? The short answer is yes, and so much more. Traditionally, “Craft” encompasses (and is not limited to): Fabric Design Tile Work Ceramics Furniture Making Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making Book making Stained glass Leatherwork Lacemaking…
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Poll: Which Art Dog Makes You Bark?
The Painter and his Pug, William Hogarth, 1745. From the collection of Tate Britain. Whether you are new to the art supply industry or you’ve been around the block but just never really “got” our name, here’s the scoop. From stunning photographs to iconic sculptures and paintings, dogs have captured the attention of humans since the first known cave paintings. Not only did pooches play a crucial role in our evolutionary process, they are our faithful companions who comfort us in times of need, inspire us with their curiosity and keep us present in the here and now. So when…
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Art Dog of the Month: Hope
Hope is Dragon’s Den Art’s store mascot! She is an eight year old rescue Labrador who joined Dragon’s Den, located in Penticton, British Columbia, three years ago. Her favorite medium is (clearly) chalk pastels. She uses her tail to blur all the blackboard signs for “artistic effect.” When she is not sound asleep on her sofa, she enjoys hiking with her pack: Skye the little Aussie and Milo the dachshund, who also work part-time in Dragon’s Den. Her human, shop owner Jeanette Beaven, elaborates: “Hope walks the staff (me) on my good-for-me walk around the neighborhood every morning before we…
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Artist Spotlight: Arjoon KC
Arjoon KC is an artist based out of Dallas, Texas. Specializing in colorful, expressive paintings of cities all over the world, Arjoon is fascinated by all that a city can hold. A narrative of past, present and future, stories of all the people living their lives within the city limits; color and light, nostalgia and dreams. Arjoon also happens to be one of our featured artists at NAMTA; he will be painting live at our booth the weekend of February 24th! Essential to his practice are Art Alternatives canvas, RGM knives, homemade tools and the kinetic energy of a city.…
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Artist Spotlight: Lisa Elley, “Knife Queen”
Lisa Elley’s studio smells like heaven. Art people get it, and painters in particular; the earthy, welcoming smell of oil paint, invoking the stillness of a softly lit museum hall, the tranquility of a studio or, for those of us in retail, the promise and potential of a fully stocked paint department. Painting almost exclusively with palette knives, Lisa has been nicknamed the “Knife Queen.” Her paintings are colorful, lush and inspired by the natural world. While palette knife painting can sometimes be seen as an intimidating style of painting, Lisa describes it as freeing and energizing. In hopes of…
