michelle ward

mandala making

 

 

Full disclosure:  I was given a copy of this book to review.  To be perfectly honest, I probably would never have seen the book if it didn't arrive in my mailbox.  As you know, last year I went on a massive studio purge and since then I not only don't buy new books, but I don't even shop for them.  I do admit that I love books and I'm not opposed to adding to my library, but there is no longer a book store convenient to home - in addition, it seems that my last few out-of-the-way trips to look at books left me frustrated that there were less and less actual books in the store.  You gotta love that as an alternative you can visit Amazon, who offers you a preview of contents, a nice deal, and great shipping options.  For more on the book I'm going to talk about, or to order, click here: The Mandala Guidebook:  How to Paint, Draw, and Color Expressive Mandalas by Kathryn Costa.

I'm not sure of the exact date that I "met" Kathryn online, but I know it was through the Creativity Crusades I hosted back in the day. Kathryn participated in many of the challenges with her own personal flair and was always a generous and thoughtful commentor to other crusaders.  For my review, I've decided to interpret this book as a prompt, as though she is hosting a challenge, and see what happens when I run the information through my own filters, and make it my own.  You can scroll down and see the results.

I love that in the bio section of her book she describes her passion in three words "create and connect".  That's a perfect summary of her creative journey as she's been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration through several blog platforms - CollageDiva, True North Arts, and most recently 100 Mandalas.  She intentionally creates from the heart and deliberately and genuinely makes connections within the art community. My impression of Kathryn is that she would feel like an instant friend should we ever get to meet in real life.  It did not surprise me to learn she had authored a book on making mandalas - sharing her verve for the unique topic, with user-friendly teaching methods, vibrant illustrations, and authentic encouragement to discover personal style and ultimately, joy, from plugging in and applying the process in your own way.  

I've always been intrigued by beautiful and intricately drawn mandalas.  I also resonate with mandala-like structures created from natural materials, and have been mesmerized by watching videos of mandalas formed by patterns of colored sand.  As a person who had never tried drawing or designing one of my own I decided to read through the book, gather all the step-by-step instructions into my mental vault, then have a go myself.  Kathryn breaks down the process with clear illustrations and offers many wonderful examples of her own, plus a gallery of mandalas created by guest artists.  She has a gentle yet enthusiastic voice that walks you through options for designing, embellishing, and adding color to mandalas with many demonstrations, and invites you to dig even deeper moving from decorative to meditative.

Before committing to paper, I had an opportunity one afternoon to mess around with temporary mandalas.  I filled a basin with sand and sprayed with water so the surface would hold designs I marked with sticks and embellished with stones.  It was really a pleasant practice to try something, then wipe away all evidence, and try again.  Eventually I grabbed a few more tools - circle cookie cutters, a stencil, and other mark-making devices.  I documented compositions made in minutes - such a quick and easy introduction to building off a circle.  Next, I went from nature basics to high tech - and manipulated some of my artwork into digital mandalas.  It was addictive to work on an axis and move elements around then experiment with color.  The results are also below. I always have a takeaway from play on the computer - this time I recognized that I'm not into the coloring part.  I'm more interested in the fine lines of design.  So I moved forward with pens and paper.

I had to laugh - in chapter one, page 13, Kathryn admits to being a "recovering perfectionist".  I can relate.  Since I'm educated as an architect, my initial approach was to get out the templates, protractor, compass, ruler and triangles, with the intention of creating precise, perfect circles and segments on graph paper.  I did use these tools with pencil for a preliminary layout, then set aside and free-handed everything with black and white pens.  I didn't even use the graph paper!  I love the results on kraft and the imperfection proves that they were conjured up by hand, not machine.  The wonky black lines kinda bugged me until I started highlighting with the white pen and then the tension washed away and I finally began to enjoy myself.  Not only that, but I also couldn't stop!  I will definitely be carrying on with this simple interpretation.  

If you have considered jumping into mandala making then I recommend seeking out Kathryn's book.  It's a wonderful introduction to the unique art form.  Thank you Kathryn, for prompting me to try something new.  I can't wait to get back to discovering additional ways to work with black and white starting from a circle and a few basic shapes.  Maybe I'll even venture into color!

Visit Kathryn's site:  100 Mandalas  and again, the link at Amazon:

The Mandala Guidebook: How to Draw, Paint, and Color Expressive Mandala Art by Kathryn Costa

 

 

workshop updates

 

 

I will be at Pratt in June with one of my favorite classes:  Roll With It.  You can see a great evidence shot from this class below the announcement.  I will also be teaching at Pratt this Fall.  October 8:  What a Relief, and November 19:  Compose Yourself.  See all current postings on the workshop page HERE.

In August I will be returning to The Ink Pad.  Classes still to be determined.  I have a few new ideas....working them out this week!

 

happy mother's day!

and just like that, April is over

As April approached I had a grand plan to blog each week under theme of autism awareness.  Turns out the month got away from me. Here we are on the last day already.  It's been busy, but oh so fulfilling.  Thank you to our friends who have supported our new shop.  73 sales is pretty good for our launch month.  We also had two commissions - just mailed the second one off today.  I had a meeting with our DVR counselor this week.  That's a state appointed person who tracks your progress in securing a job - she had referred us to two different agencies to assist with the process.  As you know, after three years with no prospects we decided to go out on our own and build a business.  She was very kind and went to bat for us with her supervisor to see if they could support us in any way - thanks, but we don't need anything.  We got this.  While I appreciated her effort, it ended up being a frustrating experience.  Because I couldn't supply her with a tax ID and financial reports they regard our enterprise as a hobby, not employment,and have earmarked his file as a non-success.  I left the meeting feeling deflated because they don't get it.  Profit is not a goal.  It's Purpose we are after.  And Purpose we created.  And Purpose fills our days and brings satisfaction and happiness.  Who cares what the files say, we are doing it our way.

 

On launch day Sam received a bouquet of roses from our friend Janet - a sweet lady I only know through this blog and our email conversations.  Thank you Janet - not only for making April 1st a very special day, but you've introduced us to a really fabulous enterprise: Roses for Autism.  If you ever want to send roses, this is the place.  Visit the site to learn more about their exceptional staff, HERE.

 

 

Just after Sam's birthday, he participated in a talent/fashion show at our high school with his peers.  It was the most amazing evening seeing these special kids parade across the stage, and sing, and dance.  Sam had a display of his cards with two other entrepreneurs; a friend who makes candles and air fresheners, and another artist who paints and illustrates.  Super fun night and utterly heartwarming.

 

 

As I mentioned, in addition to painting cards, we were commissioned by friends to create special packages.  Veering from our usual routine was something Sam took in stride but he can't wait to get back to painting next week.  He whizzes through the labeling and packaging because he knows that once that is done he can get back to the easel.  

 

 

 

Tomorrow is May.  I remember making May Day offerings out of construction paper and filling with leftover Easter grass and a handful of treats to leave at the door of friends.  Ring the bell, hang a surprise on the doorknob, and run!  It was a tradition in my neighborhood that we continued with our kids.  Anyone else do May Day cones or baskets?  

new article

The May/June Somerset Studio has arrived!  If you subscribe you may have it by now - hits the shelves around May 1st.  My column is about using up items from my stash, and venturing into stitching.  I really loved working on this fabric book and have finished additional pages which I will show you sometime soon.  You'll recognize that my topographical interest made its way onto a spread, of course! My friends Lynne and Mary Beth have colorful fun articles for their columns - be sure to get a copy.

 

 

today is the day!

 

SAM AND I HAVE BEEN BUSY!  

We are excited to launch this new venture together, and are making our announcement today,

the beginning of Autism Awareness month.   

 

SPECIAL NEEDS is a phrase that has a double meaning. Yes, Sam has 'special needs' in the way most people think. He has autism. But don't we all have special needs? Rather than shy away from the term we are embracing it to remind us that sometimes you just need a little something special. We hope you like our offerings and will choose to purchase when you want a card to send a personal message. 

PAINTING WITH PURPOSE: Our goal is not to make profit but to cover our costs, and more importantly, give us a daily purpose.  Our products may not be perfect, but that's the beauty of being handmade with heart.  We will be donating a portion of our profit to make a difference in the lives of families who are affected by autism.

CREATING OUR OWN DESTINY: After years of working with agencies trying to find appropriate employment we've decided to create our own destiny with the self-imposed ambition to have a daily purpose. Painting with Purpose has become one of our mantras.   Sam loves to sit at the easel and paint piles of paper everyday. Painting, cutting, sorting, counting, labeling, packaging and mailing will be a fun way to insert productive activity into our day.

RIPPLE EFFECT: (And the secret behind our logo)  We hope that our choice to open this shop will have a ripple effect and inspire others to do something similar. If you know of a family that is also trying to gain employment for their adult child with special needs maybe you could suggest they find an item that could be handmade and sold too. When there isn't a clear path of what to do after graduation, this could be a worthwhile endeavor. I welcome any questions on how to get launched.

 

 

See our brand new shop, HERE.

As I mentioned here on the blog, a little while ago I had an epiphany.  It wasn't a lightning bolt idea, it had actually been simmering for some time.  After meeting with our sixth job coach in nearly three years, with grand hopes of finding appropriate job placement for Sam, it was becoming clear that we needed to invent our own plan for daily purpose.  Sam has great skills and has had some work experience, but the applications and interviews were going nowhere.  We couldn't even secure a regular volunteer position.  

My first vision was to come up with a project that Sam could manage on his own, giving him a routine and a schedule - something that he loves.  I purchased a die-cut machine with the intention that he could make sets of gift tags and sell them on Etsy.  I buy tags from there all the time so it made sense.  The endeavor would be a chance for him to be productive, and see results.  Cut, sort, count, package.  We began.  Then, to explain better what we were doing this for, I pulled out some painted cards Sam had made back in middle school with his class.  His teacher, Mrs. Reiss, had her husband make the boys some tabletop easels, and they painted papers which were made into card sets.  The boys sold the cards from a table at school events, and even had a display at the church holiday bazaar.  As I was reminding Sam about the handpainted cards he got really excited, and it was a *sign* we needed to drop the die-cut tags and focus on painting.  So painting it is - and eventually we may circle back to tags, but we also have a few more project plans that will debut later in the year.  Sam has purpose.  Mom and Dad are proud.  Family is supportive, and cheering, and tolerant of the dining room take-over during the painting sessions (he paints 30-40 sheets at a time!).

• Painting with Purpose becomes a mission, check.
• Tabletop easel, check.  
• White cardstock, check.  
• Acrylic paints and brushes, check.  
• New descriptions of assignments on the calendar, check.  
• Goal:  paint, cut, fold, label, and package cards, check.
• Prepare online shop at Etsy prior to April 1st to coincide with Autism Awareness month, check.
• Begin campaign to promote the launch, check.
• LAUNCH, check!!!!  

 

A few photos from 2007 when Sam's class was selling cards.  Thanks to my friend Maureen Reiss, and the other teachers who got the boys started with the process of painting with purpose.  Who knew this would become a daily focus?  Awesome.

 

 

And a re-cap of our adventure - it's only just begun!  Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm with us.  It's made the process really fun!

 

 

Ready to ship!  See HERE.

EDIT (June):  See my story in Somerset Studio (July/August) HERE

 

 

stay tuned

getting sneaky

next....

counting and packaging.....

and then..........

labeling....lots of labeling.

cutting and folding with purpose

The last few days we have been busy cutting and folding.  Sam is doing a great job.  Stay tuned :)

warm palette - purposeful painting

Changed colors.  Still piling up.  Sam is having so much fun!

cool palette

More from our cool palette.  We've changed colors and will show you that next.  Then we'll tell you what we're doing with Sam's paintings!

 

more purpose

painting with purpose

Papers are piling up.  Paint tubes are emptying out.  Lots of Painting with Purpose over here.  
More details soon.

on a mission

I've never been one to pick a Word of the Year.  However, a few weeks ago I had an epiphany, and that came with a word.  PURPOSE. I've launched a mission that has kept us busy here at home.  I will reveal the details soon, with a few teasers as it gets closer.  It's one of those ideas that was lingering around in the corner of my mind and I wasn't sure it could work, but once I started saying it out loud and sharing the plan with loved ones it became something real, something tangible, something do-able.  

First, you stretch your way of thinking to consider all possibilities, no matter how far-fetched.  Then you reign it in and determine what can be accomplished in reality.  You weigh pros and cons, do some research, and begin to visualize a successful outcome.  You gather the supplies you need, set up a schedule, and jump in.  

As a sign that we are on a mission, I scored a handsome Word of the Year Rock + Amulet from my friend Kim Mailhot (aka The Rock Fairy) who makes and sells these in her Etsy shop HERE.  Isn't she a clever one?  This hangs over our work table and reminds us that what we do is important.  

More soon.

sending love

(security envelope art, colorized in photoshop)

Brrrrrr.  It's a cold one here today.  Hope you are nice and toasty wherever you are, and wrapped in love.

My grand plan for launching my new stencils in January got side-lined.  Some fun assignments came my way so I shelved my own stuff until these new things are done.  I'm not sure when I can tell you about all of it with the exception of a new venture that will begin in April.  I will have some sneak peeks for you in the coming weeks.  Thanks for your interest in the new stencils - I will squeeze in some production when I can and will post here when they are ready.  Gotta say, it can be crazy to be so busy, but I'm not complaining!

xoxo

embossed hearts

Yes, we are ready for the big game.  Graham has the menu planned and good smells are coming from the kitchen.  My neighbor Emma came over to make Valentines.  This year I taught her about dry embossing.  We did it the real way, with brass stencils, a lightbox, and a stylus tool.  After one I knew she'd be antsy because it takes alot of handpower and patience to complete. So then I introduced her to embossing folders and the short-cut for embossing.  We will ran our die-cut hearts through the hand-cranked pasta machine (typically used for polymer clay - I've never made pasta).  She finished a dozen in no time and then we moved on to addressing and decorating envelopes.  Assignments are finished so we will open some of the Girl Scout cookies she delivered.

 

A reminder of using embossing folders with a pasta machine from 2011.  Such a fun and fast way to get texture!

favorite new fragrance + cool packaging

I can't recall where I picked up my first fragrance from Ineke.  It may have been from Anthropologie.  I was first drawn to the package, then was sold on the scent.  When I was down to the very last drop I went searching for a replacement, and landed at Ineke.com  Suddenly everything looked tempting so I was thrilled by the opportunity to order the sampler sets.  What a treat it was when they arrived!  The two sets are packaged so handsomely, with glorious graphics and details.  I ended up with another bottle of my favorite: Scarlet Larkspur.  Curious?  Visit the website.  Be sure to stay long enough for each graphic to scroll - there are about 6 images per scent. The descriptions of the 'notes' are delicious, and as an experienced sample sniffer I can tell you that each one is a champ.

I purposely pair new fragrances with new projects.  It's a little trick that assists the subliminal to retrieve the verve and enthusiasm first felt upon initiation of the process.  When I'm ready to revisit or continue I take a little whiff and I'm transported.  You know it works. You have memories that are associated with smells.  Why not use that knowledge to help you in the studio?  

 

'tis the season?

Who would ever expect that December would permit and extended season for spray paint in NJ?  We've been lucky with the unseasonably mild weather, so I took advantage.  If you follow me on facebook you've already seen the facelift to our coffee table.  It was time for a sprucing up with a change of palette to coordinate with our revised colors in the living room.  First painted in 2007, the composition included many of my favorite stencils from that time.  Since then I've designed over 100 stencils for Green Pepper Press and Stencil Girl Products.  My intention with the do-over was to use the new stuff, but it ended up taking a turn and I went with some hand-cut chess stencils+masks from 2008 as the focus, with multiple size checkerboards, alphabets, and my damask patterns as "noise".  After revisiting the chess stencils I've decided I will be releasing them in a smaller size in January.  Stay tuned!

I admit it was hard to say goodbye to the old table top, but I had a great time spray painting the new one, and I'm pleased with the results.  You can see my post about the 2007 version HERE.  Below are the before and after views:

And some close-ups, plus a view of my outdoor work space, near the rose garden.  I finish the surface with acrylic spray varnish, and a glass top.

 

I cut these chess pieces stencil/mask sets in three sizes back in 2008.  Loved using in my journals and for art-making. HERE is an archived blog post illustrating how the chess theme has been one of my favorites.

I'm going to be getting the chess stencils and masks into production soon - to be released in January.  There will be coordinating checkerboards too!  They won't be as large as the ones I used on my table, but they will be fun to work with on all kinds of surfaces. Can't wait!!

 

big news!

 

I'm excited to announce that I'll be participating as an artist in 5th annual Creative JumpStart (CJS) 2016, hosted by Nathalie Kalbach. If you're not familiar with CJS, it's a one-of-a-kind online event to kick your creativity into high gear in January 2016.  Nathalie has extended an invitation to me for several years and I always declined as I'm not a video girl.  So how cool is this?  I made my first one!!

Learn techniques, discover new materials, and connect with artists and crafters. 

Throughout January participants get 25 downloadable videos from 24 featured artists. I'm proud to be one of those artists, called “JumpStarters.” See for yourself:

 

Creative JumpStart 2016 Teaser from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.

 

Head on over to Nathalie's site to sign up and for more details:

http://nathaliesstudio.com/cjs

You get 25 videos for just $45 (USD) for a limited time if you sign up before December 31, 2015 at 11:59 pm (EST)!  After that the fee will be $50.  

But wait – it gets better: as my valued reader, you’ll get $5 extra off today. Just use this coupon code during checkout:

cjs2016

*This is a limited offer valid from 10:00 am Dec 4, 2015 to 11:59 pm EST on Dec 11, 2015.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up here nathaliesstudio.com/cjs, and apply the coupon code during check out process.

 

 

Chime in below if you have any questions or if you want to share your enthusiasm for jumping along with us.

happy thanksgiving!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful day.

 

A fun site to visit....in case you missed my post from a few years ago: SCRIBBLER

documented life project!

 

 

 

What an honor to be invited to participate as a Guest Artist for The Documented Life Project.  These girls have been inspiring artists for almost two years with their wonderful art and generous weekly challenge site. When Roben-Marie sent my assignment back in January I was thrilled.  Stamps, Stencils & Masks are right up my alley.  Not only do I love using retail products, but I also love to custom make all of these tools for making art.  I have tutorials on both Stamp Carving and Stencil Cutting if the process is new to you or you want a refresher.  

A few words about process....I love to work spontaneously, with no plan, no agenda.  But I also love thinking about a project in specific detail, especially if I have an assignment.  I make notes and some sketches, and try to discern what I want to express, or more importantly, what is channeling into my thoughts after being prompted with a subject.  I love being immersed in the pre-project-thought-process as you give consideration to all the ways your ideas could be manifested.  Here are my notes from January:

 

 

Last week I revisited the prompts, handcarved stamp and tapestry, and still found myself focused on a mental visual of the things I jotted down earlier in the year.  Tapestry > foliage > trees > leaves > Autumn.

This is what I imagine when I think Tapestry.  Woven, worn, rich.  Lots of color, but a subtle range.

 

A word that kept repeating itself in my notes - Autumn.  A strong influence - we are in full Fall colors here.... although most leaves are now on the ground. I am drawn in by the vibrant colors....especially the reds.  I have a favorite quote that I think I will include.  We'll see.

 

 

So how to interpret this through my own filters, with my own style?  Make a few color selections and build a palette, then draw a few things that could be transferred to soft block and carved.  Then start painting and see what happens.

The tree I carved is 4" with alot of intricate details so there may be an issue getting a good imprint on a page that has already been layered with gesso and acrylic.  Going into this I knew that I wouldn't attempt to stamp the entire tree directly on the page.  Through an experience of working on a project with a large (12" x 12") carving, I stumbled upon a trick that I like to rely on when applying an image to a page.  Pre-paint loose paper (I used gessoed tissue paper) then stamp with black paint onto several sheets (paint on paint is better than ink on paint).  Cut up all the "good" portions and splice together to recreate the image. It's like a paper quilt and makes the composition more interesting.  Here is the piece where I learned my lesson of layering, 12" square framed collage painting made from a carved stamp:

 

My plan was to be tapestry-like but I ended up more quilt-like.  This is a good example of how you can take inspiration from a prompt and have some loose intentions, then let the piece begin to work itself out while you are in-process.

 

 

I really admire these girls for launching their challenge site in 2014, then beginning again with weekly prompts for 2015.  Having hosted my own monthly challenge site for six years I know how much work it is AND I know how much it means to get feedback.  It's validating and encouraging.  So be sure to chime in when you visit their site and offer your kind words.

Again, here is the link to The Documented Life Project:  Art to the 5th  Stop by and see what magic the hostesses have conjured up for this week's prompt.

 

come roll with me!

Hey there.  Just surfacing from my studio overhaul to talk about my next class.  I'm really excited to be teaching at Pratt School of Continuing and Professional Studies in Manhattan this fall.  It's such a cool place, and the studios are amazing.  How cool would be to say you took a class at Pratt?  

So first up is ROLL WITH IT, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH.  I started teaching this one over ten years ago and it is still one of my favorites. It has evolved over the years to include new tricks.  First debuting at Artfest 2004, then Artwerx, Valley Ridge, The Ink Pad, CREATE,...it's definitely a crowd pleaser.  If you want a fun day of learning lots of painting tricks, or you want to refresh your view of using paint, come roll with me!  (Scroll down for some evidence of past workshops).

 

 

ROLL WITH IT workshop, is fast moving class where I demo a technique and then you try it. In my own experiments with creating texture I have found the magic properties of gesso.  Gesso affords movement, lifting, resisting, but most of all it allows forgiveness.  We will learn why it's an important foundation. For example, on a section of roll, we will try a two-step painting process.  Next, we’ll reverse the process with step two first, followed by step one.  This will allow us to learn from our observations.  There is no right or wrong way to lay paint, but hopefully these exercises will inform your future work.  We will scrape, stencil, resist, stamp, and so much more.  The swift pace will leave the inner critique out of the process as it's all about doing the work.  The completed length will then be assembled as a journal.  As you fold the page you end up with serendipitous compositions that you never would have planned as the techniques segue from one to another.  

 

 

FORMAT:  I will demo a technique then you will try it on your paper.  Then I demo again, and you try it. Repeat.  Repeat.  Repeat.  We will be moving fast so we can complete many different things.  It’s important to let go of your concern for perfect composition since this is not the focus of the class.  There are no rules here, except to move swiftly so we can plow through the assignments, leaving time toward the end of class for the finishing touch of creating a book from our roll.  It always amazes me, with each time I teach this class, how different each journal can look even though we all followed the same directions. Each artist has a different hand and an unique way of interpreting the exercises with their own color palette.

 

 

ORIGIN:  When I was in college, one of my drawing classes began each morning with an exercise in gesture drawing of the nude models.  The models made quick, thirty second poses, which we scribbled onto a roll of paper.  After about five minutes(ten gesture drawings), we rolled the paper back up and continued with the day’s assignment.  At the end of the course, we posted our rolls of paper onto a display wall, and it was amazing to chart our growth as sketch artists, across the length of the roll.  Remembering the impact of this exercise, I began imagining how cool it would be to compose something similar with paint, for a short amount of time everyday, on a roll of paper.  I could experiment randomly on the roll, and also use it to catch evidence of work-in-progress on my studio table (cleaning off my brush, clippings of collage, etc).....then, the completed roll could be manipulated into a book, a foundation for journaling.  I ended up finishing about 30 feet of painted roll and got excited to see what it would look like as a journal so I stopped and figured out how to fold the length into a book - and a class was born!

 

 

Hope you'll join me!

 

 

 

I'll be back on track soon

I will get back to my series about the Evolution of an Idea once I complete my studio purge.  Do you ever get to the point where you are just sick of yourself and the piles of stuff that impede your process?  It has to get to a breaking point then you cave in and start organizing, sorting, putting things where they should be, and along the way you realize you just don't want some of it anymore.  Why does it take so long to get started?  I guess it's because I'd rather be creating than cleaning.  

But you have to do it.  Your style has evolved, your tastes have changes, and some of the materials you gathered are no longer candidates for inclusion in art making.  You decide you would rather enjoy the space than the stuff.  Don't get me wrong, I will never be a full-on minimalist.  I love my stuff.  I love being able to see my stuff.  I just have way too much of it.  I want a clear work table.  I want to move stations around so that what is important to me now is easily accessible.  When I first started using this space as a studio my focus was different, my supplies were different.  As I evolved and accumulated new tools I didn't stop to reevaluate where they should go.  Stuff got shoved in wherever there was space, without thought to making it easy for myself.  As I make time to shift the supplies, I am also allowing time to really consider what I can part with and it feels so good.  You know why?  Attached to some of the "stuff" is an unspoken connection to projects that either never got launched or never got finished.  It was like a slowly tightening noose to constantly bump into these items and visualize what potential they once had. Gathering is fun.  It's part of the creative ritual.  We tend to collect more than is actually needed, and that's ok.  I will never regret being a collector.  Being able to part with once-precious things feels like I'm making a personal and private claim for what kind of artist I am now, and what kind of artist I want to continue to be.  

The dangling carrot for me in getting this studio revamped is to be able to embark on another new project. I've had gigantic drill press sitting in a box since Christmas.  There is nowhere to install it.  I can't begin the work until I can use the tool.  A clear table means room for my drill, and the freedom to start something I've been visualizing for over a year.  Be gone old stuff.....I have new things to do.  

Another intention is to try filming myself.  Maybe just for tutorials.  Maybe for classes.  If I have a clear table I will have room for a tripod.  I've been visualizing that since I got a camera way too long ago. 

I'm entering week three of the purge.  Ok, it hasn't been a full time project, but now I am so far into it that I am getting ruthless about what stays, and what goes.  As with most things that are worth the effort, it often looks worse just before it's better.  That's where I'm at.  One look and you'd never believe I have already pitched bags of stuff.  But I know I'm getting close.  There is light flickering at the end of the tunnel. And I feel lighter, more free.  

You know I like rock+roll.  It's usually playing in here to keep me upbeat, motivated, moving swiftly.  I love that music transports me, distracts my thoughts so I can tend to tasks - whether it's creating or cleaning. However, the past few weeks have a soundtrack of a different order.  I've pulled up my Zen sounds. Remember when I shared about the Six Healing Sounds gifted to me from Pnina and Richard Gold?  That is what I'm listening to - peaceful, calming, and driving my enthusiasm for less chaos.  I've also pulled up the New Age channel on DirectTv.  (The Zen channel is too frantic, New Age is more my speed.)  The music is literally compelling me to free my attachment from 'the stuff' and toss without regard.  Ahhhh. Feels good.

As I said, I will be back to continue my series.  Just have to stay off the computer for a few more days so I can complete this overhaul.  *waves*

 

p.s.  Love this quote.  The more you use, the more you have - is about creativity, not stuff.  You don't need alot of stuff to make art.  

 

more floating above the earth

Whew!  It's been a busy few weeks.  I haven't forgotten about the series I started a few weeks ago. Let's get back on track.  We will pick up again where we began, looking at topographical maps.  This time we are hovering over Ireland, Tuscany, and China.  The regional variations of land forms is fascinating to me.  If you've been to Ireland, you know the divisions and borders of farm land is typically walls of stones, likely gathered from the fields.  In Tuscany, you can see the orderly lines of trees - or perhaps rows of vines.  And then the area of China I have captured shows vegetation growing in tiers.  Much different than what we saw with the crop circles of Kansas, and the undulating curves of Wisconsin.

 

 

 

I admit I pick a location nearly every week and just prowl around thanks to the satellite views of Google maps.  It's not always farmland that I seek - love looking at cities too - especially ones I've been to or hope to visit.  I think that will be enough of showing maps....I'll move on to how my painting was influenced next.

save the date!

I will be getting back to my ongoing posts on The Evolution of an Idea.  This week I have a few deadlines - both concrete and self-imposed so I'm tending to business.  One thing I wanted to share - very exciting news...I will be teaching five workshops this fall in the big apple.  I can't begin to describe the thrill of being invited to teach at Pratt Institute's School of Continuing and Professional Studies this fall.  Thank you to my friend Karen for facilitating this connection.  Below is an infographic with the dates.  I will be uploading the class descriptions and photos to my Workshop page soon - they selected some of my faves plus a new one, Sticks & Stones, inspired by the current mindset I'm in.  Pratt's fall catalog is in the works and as soon as I have details for registration I will post here.

 

 

There has already been some interest since I posted this on my workshop page a week or two ago.  I'm collecting email addresses from anyone that wants updates on registration.  If you want to be added to the list send me a note or comment below.  

There are some mixed media courses available at Pratt this summer!  Take a class with my friends Nathalie Kalbach (July 12, July 19) or Seth Apter (July 18-19) or both!  See the Pratt CCPS summer catalog HERE.  It is a fabulous venue and the classrooms are superb.  

Hope to see you this fall!!

next, research + study

So I've got my inspiration, the music.  Then I have my manipulatives.  I begin making some sketches, thinking about the elements I want to use for some paintings, or journal pages, or assemblages.  

 

 

I'm curious to know more about shapes and details and I want to feed my need for more visuals. I turn to books.  I go down a deep rabbit hole when I find the WoodenBooks.com site.  Lovely little books, beautifully presented, and packed with fabulous images.  BTW, they are not made of wood.  The site gives thorough previews - you'll want them all.  Let me recommend their "epic bind-ups", Sciencia,  Quadrivium, and Designa - more than 400 pages per book!  The other titles are much smaller - 64 pages each.

 

Along the way I got interested in Andy Goldsworthy.  Ordered a few books and a dvd.  This man is amazing. Poke around online and look at his installations if you aren't familiar with his work.  Love his rock formations. Hope to go visit Storm King this summer!  I had told Lynne about my interest in his work and she sent a photo she took of his cairn/cone she got to see!  Into the journal it went.

 

 

 

more to come....evolution of an idea....thoughts behind the process....

supporting my visions

As I said earlier, the new sounds prompted a shift - in my imagination, and in my drive to create visuals that were prompted by what I was hearing.  I began collecting what I call "manipulatives".  Remember using those in grade school?  Colored rods of varying lengths, foam die-cuts of geometric shapes, and even building blocks - meant to reinforce mathematical concepts.  

So here are some manipulatives for grown-ups....organic and natural materials that will support my visions, assist me in creating compositions, and inform and inspire the new direction for my artmaking.  I even set up a little zen sanctuary at the entrance to my studio.  Love clanging the chimes as a ritual on my way in to play.

 

 

Next:  the process of evolving ideas continue

then everything shifted

I think the universe knows when we are ready for a shift.  An opportunity presents itself and we can either pay attention, or shrug it off and carry on.  What is it that makes us engage and embrace?  Timing perhaps.  Being open minded.  Recognizing a connection, whether defined or abstract.  Our willingness to dive into new territory can be driven by many different forces, interior or exterior or both.  Why do we impulsively get distracted by a new concept when we already have enough commitments and responsibilities and unfinished work?  The universe knows.

 

 

So we are still back in September 2014 and I’m teaching Frond Chronicles for the San Diego Book Arts group.  Pnina Gold, a wonderful artist and warm soul, hosted the workshop in her studio.  She gifted me with Six Healing Sounds, a cd produced by her husband, Richard.  The intention of her generous gesture was that I would play it for my son Sam.  I learned from his website:  Dr. Richard Gold is a psychologist and a teacher, practitioner, writer, researcher, and life-long student of the Asian Healing Arts, including acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Qi Gong, T’ai Chi, shiatsu and traditional Thai bodywork. He has studied neuroscience and the evolving scientific understanding of the effects of sound and meditation on brain function.  Foreign stuff to me, but fancy and fascinating.  

 

Upon my return home I played the cd.  Immediately I had a connection to the sounds.  Peaceful.  Relaxing.  Piled on my nightstand there are collections of zen category discs – falling rain, gentle ocean waves, whale calls…. Each work their magic and lull me into restful sleep.  However, Six Healing Sounds was even better.  I listen to it every night, and nearly every morning.  It makes me feel centered, balanced, deliberate, focused.  You can hear a sampling here: MettaMindfulnessMusic.com

 

From the liner notes (Six Healing Sounds), ways to use this music:  Enhancement of mental focus and openness to artistic inspiration while immersed in the creative process of writing, creating visual art, dancing, writing poetry, etc.  They were talking to me!  

 

 

The music had a profound impact on me.  I didn't feel a gradual shift of influence; it was drastic.  I postponed all plans and projects that were on my desk or still developing in my mind, and blasted head on into unfamiliar territory.  I yearned to explore and discover more about the impressions that were forming in my imagination simply because I was listening to new sounds.  I’ve always had that sensory connection between sound and visuals.  I welcomed the bombardment of ideas that were channeling in, and was curious to know how this direction would manifest in my art.

 

 

So my crop circles and farmland got shelved for a bit....had to make room for the introduction of another new perspective, a shift in awareness.  Lots of things will eventually collide and overlap as the Evolution of an Idea continues to unfold.  More on that soon.

In the meantime, go have a listen to Six Healing Sounds and see if it resonates with you as deeply as it did with me.