michelle ward

Cardboard classes in NY

I'm excited to announce that I will be teaching two classes in October at The Ink Pad in New York City.  The subject:  cardboard, of course!  The first is What A Relief - thought it was a clever title since we will be building dimensional relief sculptures, but won't it be a relief to only have to bring a few tools to class?!  The second is DeComposition Journal.  If you've taken my Debris Journal you'll recognize that it is similar, but I have some new tricks to share, plus the added bonus is that the location of the workshop allows us to go outside and spray paint, and even light the page edges on fire.  Can't wait!  Hope you'll join me.

Registration is open today!

Cardboard Compositions

I've shown you some of the cardboard I've been collecting and hoarding, but I've been using it too!  In my recent column in Somerset Studio (March/April) you can see some of my relief sculptures.  The article opens with a sampler I created using all kinds of cardboard clippings and natural materials.  Similar to my "me first" style of journaling, this printer's tray makes me so happy to look at, plus it frees me up to use the remaining stash since I've saved a little piece of each offering for myself.  The article continues with some examples of my assemblages of dimensional, deliberate cuttings and piercings.  Influenced by the monochromatic works of Louise Nevelson, which she fashioned from found objects, then painted to let the shadows tell the story, I found a way to use my favorite supply, and made it my own.

I will be presenting workshops that focus on cardboard later this year.  If you're interested, stay tuned!

 

CREATE NJ - site is live!

The website for CREATE NJ went live today and registration begins TOMORROW!  I'm teaching three classes.  There are lots of fabulous offerings from twenty instructors.  Check it all out HERE.

On Wednesday, July 9th - the return of a class I've taught many times beginning ten years ago.  Roll With It is a painting class where many techniques get covered, and a 25 foot roll of paper is completed then assembled into a journal.  It's super fun because we review some techniques that either revive your love for painting or get you to become comfortable with it if you haven't gotten there yet.  The added bonus is how cool the page compositions turn out as we create the journal. 

Here are some of the rolls from a few years ago at Valley Ridge. 

On Thursday, July 10th I will be introducing a new class:  Color Collision.  Using just two colors of paint + black and white, we will build a palette of scales then put them to use with stencils to guide application.  Choice of placement can be random or deliberate, with subtle or contrasting transitions.  I love that you can generate so many options with just a few simple supplies.

Then Friday, July 11th - Compose Yourself.  This class evolved from an experience at last years event.  I began a workshop (Less is More...More or Less) with a quick composition lesson, using black and white images, scissors and a glue stick, meant to inform and motivate, but the exercise took on a life of its own and we spent way more time on it than I planned.  It was really cool to observe how everyone was engaged - so I built off that concept and developed this class.  In the ten years I've been teaching I have come to learn that artists still have questions about composition, so this is my answer.  Plus, won't it be nice to have a minimal supply list?  I can't wait for this one!

Hope to see you in Jersey!

happy heart day

olympic graphics

I'm fully into Olympic-watching mode....assuming you are too.  The opening ceremonies were theatrical, colorful, and fabulous.  Those dancing onion domes that became balloons were my favorite.  I love that in recent years both film and lighting have enhanced the performance. As I observe the various venues for skiing, skating, snowboarding, and other winter sports, I am amazed by the immense planning and building of each, and how graphic design is present and prevelant.  The  screenprinted banners are everywhere - on location, in town, on transport vehicles, jackets, athlete's numerical vests - it's a visual feast.  I had to do some research to find out the history of the emblem and the "look of the games".

The emblem, Sochi.ru, is by Christoph Marti, a Swiss member of the design team at Interbrand Agency.  I love that it is so simple, that it directs you to a comprehensive website, and that the "4" is a rotation of the "H".  Clever.  Read more about it HERE.  Below is the philosophy behind the graphics we are seeing everywhere.  You can see for yourself HERE.  More HERE.  I love that Bosco is honoring the tradition of folk arts and crafts with this quilt-like design. 

 

 

I found this amazing video clip.  There was no sound, and the text is Russian, but you are treated to a look through previous Olympic graphic details, then it goes on to WOW you with the evolution toward 2014.  Very cool. 

 

 

 

I'm looking forward to watching more of the competitions, plus all the sidebar pieces that will highlight all things Russian.  My friend Anne told me Mary Carillo has an upcoming feature on Faberge eggs, and I read there will be additional features on Vodka, and the TransSiberian Railway!  Loving this visit to Sochi.  Go team USA!

still rolling along

Thanks again to eveyone who stopped by for the introduction of the new stencil series.  More new stuff coming this month.  For now, I'm rolling along....with my favorite supply:  cardboard.  Ooooh, these make my heart race!  I'll show you what they are for very soon.  Coming out from another storm yesterday....more snow tomorrow, and another big one Sunday.  Sheesh, this is getting OLD.