michelle ward

The Raven with a Tell-Tale Heart

A few months ago a showed you my plaster covered hands.  I was involved in a MakeItYourOwn project.  You can read about it in the Sept/Oct Somerset Studio.  I loved trying to figure out how to make a raven from a few simple supplies.  I admit in the article that I would do a few things differently, like cutting smaller feathers.  My guy seems to look more like a Goth Bald Eagle than a sinister Raven....or maybe he even looks like a penguin recovering from an oil spill.  When I put him in context with my other Halloween decorations, which includes lots of black birds and Poe figures, I think he will pass as a raven. 

 

 

I didn't include stepped out directions in the article because that would have meant stopping to take great pictures, or sending along several versions of the raven-in-process.  Sometimes you just gotta stay in the groove and keep working, right?  I did manage a few quickie shots - not good enough for publication but they serve as a record for myself, and maybe they'll be useful should you take it on yourself.  With my own visuals I can clarify a few things....like what is that white unidentified object in the photo above?  It's the balloon body, covered in plaster strips....scroll down, you'll see.

First, the journal pages.  I started by attaching some of my sketches as I was formulating ideas.  One page actually has all the samplings of materials, evidence right from the table, including the plaster dripped scrap paper that protected my work surface.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.W.

Aha!  Look, same initials as me!  My go-to dictionary online or in real life is Merriam Webster.  Their website is fun to visit for lots of reasons.  Recently they posted some of the new official word entries....did you see?  They have a section on the site, the Open Dictionary, to submit words you think you should be added.... one was fangirl, but as a verb.  I can see that, but shouldn't it also be a noun?

 EDIT:  oops, forgot to include this......

Come join us Nearby, as we go to Far Away Places

Join Lynne and I in Connecticut in May for the Far Away Places three-day workshop!  We have booked two weekends at a great place - within driving distance for locals.  I love that!  You can pack supplies with reckless abandon, not worrying about what will fit in your suitcase.  The two options:  May 3 - 5, OR May 10 - 12.  Hey!  May 12th is Mother's Day - why not treat yourself to a getaway, or hint around that you've found the perfect gift *wink*.  Lynne and I have collaborated together for years, but this will be our very first workshop co-teaching.  A three day event is such a different experience than your typical class.  It means really being able to immerse yourself - you get to spread out at your own table, and leave your stuff there!  No rushing to pack and move on to another class.  Settle in, shed your cares, and be a full time artist all day long...for three days!  I can't wait!! 

Registration begins NOW!  Email Lynne at [email protected] to reserve a spot, and to get more details.  She has an information document covering all the particulars that she'll send you.  Any questions, send either of us a note.  Hope to see you there!  EDIT:  the first weekend, May 3-5, is now full. 

save the date!

It's been one of those weeks!  After returning home from vacation I had to get back on the deadline treadmill to prepare and propose workshops for Create NJ 2013, and wrap up some details on a new corporate identity assignment.  Next I will be completing my class samples for an upcoming event with Lynne Perrella.  We are both so excited to be offering this in our neck of the woods.  What could be more fun than co-teaching a special friend, who is also an amazing talent??!!  It's sure to be an excellent experience.  This is definitely one of the occasions that fits "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life".  Stay tuned as we will reveal the announcement and registration information next week. 

getting back in the groove

We're back from a nice long road trip to and from Minnesota.  We had an action packed time - visiting with family and friends, time with Grandma, my parents, my brother and his family, my brother-in-law, some cousins, days by the lake at the cabin, a few views of the Olympics, and a 30th class reunion.  Lots of memories made in the sun.  Love the time with Graham and the kids on the drive.  We listen to comedy, our playlists, and the radio.  "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye has become a fave, heard often during the 20-something hours it takes to get to the midwest.  Just learned about this video - amazingly clever.  Take a look:

 

 

And I'm sure you've become addicted like me to the darling Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe".  How can you sit still when this one comes on?  Some great youtube finds with that track....this is my fave, with Jimmy Fallon:

 

 

It was great to be away, but great to be home too.  I'm getting back in the groove - lots to catch up on, like laundry and emails!  Workshop proposals for next year's CREATE are due Friday, yikes!  Thanks for all the comments on the post below which I had scheduled while I was away.  It means alot to hear your words of friendship.