michelle ward

Blog Bonus

One of the cool things about having a blog is that you can address, with visuals, questions that get asked.  I've had some inquiries, in response to the Somerset Studio article Lisa and I did on spray paint.  The picture above illustrates the difference between a mask and a stencil.  If you decide to cut your own stencils why not be clever and make sure the image you cut can be used as both a mask and a stencil - a positive and a negative.  Not all images work out this way but you're the designer, make it happen. 

The picture above illustrates both masks and stencils.  You can see I made the scrolly image as a positive and negative.  I've pointed out each so you can see how they can be combined.  The manila background helps you to identify the the masks....harder to pick out if I had sprayed more color on the surface. 

 

Here's an up close view of some of the tags shown in the article.  The DANGER tag was attributed to me but Lisa is the one who cut the barbed wire stencil  What a great gift.  The word was created from an alphabet punch set - a very cool tool to have when you want to add text.  If you've seen the article, you had to notice the cool box Lisa had sent me with "OH MY GOTH" stenciled in over the thorny roses.....is she just the coolest?  The little alphabet in tag #3 is a brass stencil, the negative was created by taking the wet stencil and flipping it over as a mono-print.  You can use brass stencils, plastic stencils, and paper stencils.  Think about all the cool die-cuts that are out there for the scrappers - all usable as masks!  A little shot of temporary spray adhesive to hold them in place and you're good to go. 

Be sure to visit KRYLON to see all the cool products they offer, from iridescent sprays, to suede finishes, spray GESSO, and even a spray product to make your creations acid free.  They have a new product that is water based too.  I also recommend you try RANGER'S spray washes.  They really rock - much different than spray paint and you don't have to form an entire "spray station" to use these.  And a heat cutting tool?  I got mine at Michael's, it's from Plaid.  They are sold near the stencils, and you can pick up the "blanks" to cut there too.

More spray talk later this week.  Check Lisa's blog as she's talkin' aerosol too.

What do you do with........

inspiration?  It's a valuable commodity.  It's sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle.  What we do with it is up to us.  INSPIRATION.  It can come in the least likely of times.  Or, as expected, when we visit a museum.  As artists we are visual beings and thirst for images or ideas that will fill our desire for moving forward.  New things to try, new discoveries of technique, form, medium, ....new ways of seeing. 

Here are some works by Joseph Cornell, as seen in the show this weekend.  His work was not new to me.  I have many books on his works.  I think he has influenced anyone who works dimensionally in assemblage.  He was an original.  It was a rare treat to see such a large body of his work in one place.....in addition to the familiar pieces we also got a voyeuristic view into his process.  Boxes and files and loose papers  - remnants from his studio table, scraps from the floor.  Hand scribbled notes, yellowed typed labels, strewn bits of evidence that someone was at work, was a collector, and was just as messy as we are.  You could lightly browse or seriously investigate these offerings.  Taking the time to read the provided information revealed a clever, funny man.  Very cool.  When my friend Julie introduced me to his work, years ago, I was inspired.  What did I learn, and what did I do with the discovery of him?  It was a short, sweet, and simple lesson:  art can be made in boxes.  That's it.  I didn't start making look-alike art....didn't start using cordial glasses and paper parrots in my work.  I just started thinking outside the box, that art could be made inside a box.  Thanks Joe.

So was I inspired on Saturday?  Of course.  I walked away with one inspiration - one epiphany, one morsel.  Just one.  How to take that information and make it my own will require some thinking.  It may be years before I actually take this new thought and put it to work in my own manner.  Personalizing the inspiration is important to me....and I may never find a way to incorporate this vision, but I have no doubt the idea will twist and turn several times before it either surfaces in my work, or spurs an additional thought or two or three.  I've looked at this piece numerous times in the pages of books.  I admit I hardly ever read the text that accompanies artwork in books so I never knew the secret this piece was holding.  I did, however, read the description at the museum.  For the first time I discovered that there is an opening at the top and bottom of this box.  The ball, that is shown stationary, is actually meant to be rolled through the piece.  I'm guessing this genius man also fabricated the box in such a way so the little covered cubes pop forward as the ball passes by.  HOW COOL IS THAT?

The architectural designer in me planted that thought, that inspiration, that seed, that will grow within me until it bursts and just has to be cultivated.  I felt an urge to build something immediately, and began making sketches.  "I've gotta try that!" is often a sentiment we feel when we experience or see something this cool.  How we interpret it and make it our own - that's the challenge.  Processing inspiration through our own filters is what keeps us authentic and true and original.  Again, thanks Mr. Cornell.  You continue to inspire us.

{graphic on  "Penny Arcade Portrait of Lauren Bacall" added by me to illustrate the ball movement}'

Anticipation...........

Of course....I'm leaving for out of town this afternoon, and what you do guess my Somerset arrives just after I've left?  Can't wait to see this issue!  Lisa and I did an article we are so psyched about.  I did get a sneak peek....and have to say I love that Deandra, who styles the pages, "gets it" and really makes us look good.  She did a great job with this, and with an earlier article I did on Maximalism.  Deandra Rocks. 

I'm off to see Anne and the Cornell exhibit at the Smithsonian, then plan to see Factory Girl since we are Warhol fans.  A long overdue get together with my bud. 

Have a great weekend!

Fascinating.......

It takes only 5 minutes to watch this.  There's so much we have yet to learn about our brains - autistic or not.   HOW COOL IS THIS???

Stephen Wiltshire's website:  HERE

Going Paperless

For my husband and kids, I did manage to buy those cool new Hallmark cards that play music.  Groovy man.  For everyone else?  Nothing.  Pathetic.  Not one card got mailed this year.  And I even got the new kisses postage stamps!  To my sweet friends (you know who you are) that sent cards and gifts, You Rock.  When the kids were little we made all our Valentine's for the decorated shoeboxes.  Thought I was so clever when I had a stamp made, "Won't You Be My Fallontine?"  Cool Mom aren't I?   Just didn't get it together this year with the mailing thing, so I'm claiming "going paperless".  Happy Valentine's Day.

Let your LOVE show

Found these LOVE prompt cards at the dollar store a few years ago.  Fun little cards to use in my journal.  Even better, terrific reminders that you can show your love in many different ways.  My husband warming up the car for me on these cold mornings?  Makes me feel loved. 

More..........

A reader sent me the link to an NPR interview with Roy Richard Grinker, author of Unstrange Minds:  Remapping the World of Autism.  (Scroll down to Feb 8)  It's a good listen.  My favorite part is around minute 34 where the family visits France.  How cool are they?  If you've been reading my blog, you'll know that's a Marineland moment.  I don't have his book, I'm skipping off to Amazon now to get it. 

When I was first doing research, and reading anything I could find, I stumbled across a book list.  There was a title that stopped me in my tracks.  I never read the book....but the title was enough to adjust my perspective.  WHEN SLOW IS FAST ENOUGH.  Priceless.

What are the chances?

When Sam was officially diagnosed at age 3, almost 12 years ago the stats were 1 in 1000 or more.  More prevalent in boys.  Last year statistics changed and the results clocked in at 1 in 166.  Now they are saying 1 in 150.  But what's a number, really, when it comes to your child?  IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE.  It could be 1 in a bazillion.  The world stops.  It's difficult to hear, even though you knew it was coming.  The process of getting a diagnosis can be long, emotionally draining, and yet you already knew what the outcome might be or wouldn't have sought the help.  We knew there was a difference in Sam before he was six months but I didn't push for assistance until 9 months.  "Come back after 12 months....he may start talking....you're comparing him to Peter, who started everything early....every child is different".  12 months.  18 months.  24 months.  I'll spare you the gorey details.  I can't even bare to think of those days without feeling rage, and sadness, and emptiness, and yet determination.  I can tell you two things - first, the pain never leaves.  If you reflect on the word, AUTISM, you'll do your head in.  You'll sob daily.  It's important to get over it, or maybe I should say, get past it, because you never really get over it.  Second, it gets easier.  REALLY it does.  I wish, I wish, I wish, that when we were new to this unfamiliar territory, that I had met someone like myself, as I am now.  It might have been easier to move forward faster if I could see ahead a few years.  If I could have met someone with autism, like Sam right now. 

I mean, he is the COOLEST kid.  He is absolutely a joy.  BLESSING.  He fascinates me DAILY.  He has mastered language enough to communicate with us.  To have his needs met.  To be conversational to a degree.  To even make jokes.  It amazes me how far we've come.  To think I had to use pictures to talk with him....in conjunction with sign language.  I remember a time when most of his words were echolalic (repeating what you say vs. giving you an answer).  For more than I year I would say "Good Morning Sam" and he would say "Good Morning Sam".  Then I would follow it with "Good Morning Mom" and he would say "Good Morning Mom".  You just were used to it but didn't give up on patterning for him what he should be saying.  Then one morning....he must have been six, I said "Good Morning Sam", and HE SAID "Good Morning Mom".  I fell to my knees.  Fallon, then 3, knew he got it right.  Peter, then 8, fell to Sam's feet and hugged his legs.  It was so unexpected.  Such a miracle.  One of many.  MANY.  We recently discovered Sam has a splinter skill, which means he has a talent that is highly functional.  You've heard of savants?  Rain Man was one.  Well I wouldn't call Sam savant, but he can do calendar calculations.  Give him a year, and a date, and he'll tell you the day.  It could be 1960, or 2010, he'll know it.  Honestly.  Fascinating.  Trying to figure out right now how to take that skill and turn it to an advantage with learning other things.  Miracle. 

My point for today.....since I could really write so much more....is that if you, or someone you know, has recently learned they are a parent of a 1 in 150, it's time to get moving!  Early intervention is crucial.  It's available.  GET PAST THE DIAGNOSIS.  It may even change...you may have gotten mis-labeled.  The important thing is to get help.  If it's behavior, or language delay, pervasive developmental disorder (a catch-all term), or really is autism, TAKE the help you are offered.  Get enrolled in programs.  Don't settle.  Ask for more.  Make it happen.  You can't believe what a pain in the a** I was at the beginning....but I got all kinds of things rolling for our local program that didn't exist.  Ok, I'm getting wordy.  Let me simplify and say:

Be Constructive ~ Be Creative ~  Be Positive  ~  Be Productive

You will hear you have to be your childs advocate.  They aren't kidding.  In some communities they are very tuned in with autism and have different programs that are appropriate.  In some communities you may have to get more involved and get them to adapt or adjust programs to meet your childs needs.  Sadly, in some communities the schools are clueless, and you will have a battle on your hands. 

1 in 150.  That's not such good news.  But Awareness is good.  The fact that the population of children with autism is higher doesn't necessarily mean there are more and more - it's partly because we are getting better at recognizing it.  And recognizing it means that schools need to address and assess their programs to educate our very special kids. 

I'm under no delusion that Sam will be cured.  Honestly, I can't imagine him any other way.  He is what he is - and he brings so much joy to our lives.  I am grateful daily that he has had the best teachers and continues to grow both academically and socially.  I do hope, however, that some day we may be able to prevent more occurances.  And if you have questions, or need to vent, or want to share one of your miracles, write me. 

"Not being able to speak, is the not the same as not having anything to say".

Rock Your Body

A great way to catch a little energy.  Click on the arrow.  I dare ya.  Then...go HERE to see the newest ipod ad.  Then go to youtube to search for more, plus see some homemade ones!  LOVE ALL OF THEM.  The ultimate in cleverness.

Put a little dance in your step today.  Let me guess....you will be singing Vertigo all day.  <grin>

Team Talk

   Our Top Hat Pick for Crusade No. 4 is Carlene Federer!  We were journaling about our Rock Star Moments.  Our teamers are having some fun while sharing their art - it ROCKS.  Crusade No. 5 will be posted soon, so come play.  Don't know what I'm talking about?  Click on the GPP Street Team link on the right.  If you come by before Saturday night you'll see we're having a quickie give-away. 

EDIT:  CRUSADE No. 5 posted.  Come and play.