michelle ward

Finally....evidence of Crowning Glories

This is a long post.....visually loaded. I'm finally getting caught up on presenting all the terrific students and their work from the two Crowning Glories workshops back in May.  I intended to do a montage of photos but we had so many, and my hand was ailing, so it was easier to take advantage of the photo albums here.  I'm sorry it took so long to manage the uploads.  These ladies created fabulous stuff!  You can see the artists and their work from the first weekend here:  Crowning Glories One.  And the artists and their work from the second weekend here:  Crowning Glories Two.  (When you get to the albums you can click on the thumbnails to enlarge.)

Since Lynne and I are about to announce our next workshop for May 2015, I thought I better get the evidence from our recent one posted.  Below you will find the work we did prior to the workshop.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Again, the link to the photos albums, CROWNING GLORIES ONE (May 2-4) HERE and CROWNING GLORIES TWO (May 9-11) HERE.  (When you get to the albums you can click on the thumbnails to enlarge.)

 

Next up:  our announcement for the workshops in May 2015!!

 

Evidence of a terrific Event

It's such a privilege to spend time with artists both in the classroom and at an event.  What a terrific group of ladies that came from near and far to join me and the other instructors for some creative time together.  Of course we hope to learn something, and leave with enthusiasm to keep at it, and even pick up the pace, but to me the greatest take-away is the connections we make with other makers.  Outside of the venue, like in real life, it's likely we have a handful of creative friends....but here, for five days, we are in a hub of creative energy.  What happens in the classroom fulfills me in such a unique way and I can hardly wait to do it again.  

I didn't stop to take many photos along the way but I did manage to pause for group photos.  I have to say that the Roll With It class picture has to be the best group shot ever.  I've taught this class a number of times in the last twelve years, and we try to get a composite of all the rolls prior to journal assembly - not always easy to get 25 feet x 25 students in one photo....so thankful for a hotel balcony this year.  The collest, right?  It was a fast-paced with lots of techniques and they did an amazing job keeping up, and cranked out some stellar pages.  Well done ladies!

 

 

Next was Color Collision where we mixed paints, then applied them using stencils.  Beautiful paintings!  I wish I had taken close-up photos to show you how fabulous they all were.  Here are the artists:

 

Last was Compose Yourself - we went through a series of exercises to practice collage in black and white. We all learned so much from the simple assignments, and from each other during the review sessions.  I did get a photo of the Notan collages.  Super cool.  Awesome job ladies!

 

 

I also got to be a student!  I had a really wonderful time making a mini clay crown with the amazing Laurie Mika.  We've known each other a long time, we even collaborated on a project for an article years ago, but this was only our second real life meeting.  I learned so much and had a blast!!!  

 

 

Thanks to Maggie and Sally and Jeannine and everyone at Interweave/Create for presenting fabulous event. Thanks to the students who joined me, friends who popped in to say hello, and all the shoppers who stopped by at the Vendor Faire.  Hope we'll see you all again next year!

more Crowning Glories

Last weekend was the second edition of our Crowning Glories workshop.  It was another spectacular event.  I can't wait to show you the evidence of creativity, for now here is the fabulous group of women who joined us in Connecticut.  Lynne and I are already conjuring up plans for next year, with the same weekends booked at the Inn.  Can't wait!  Thanks to all the artists who attended and immersed themselves in art-making for three full days (and some even played long into the evening) in the most wonderful studio.  We hope to see you again!

 

 

firsts....for 2014

It's May!  One of my favorite months.  In addition to all the special dates that mark up the calendar, it is when things really start to bloom in the yard.  Today the lilacs opened up, and I found my first batch of four leaf clovers!  Next week I may see a rose!

May also means the start of Workshop Season, beginning with the second annual event with my friend and teaching partner Lynne Perrella. Last weekend we hosted Crowning Glories and it was an outstanding class, with remarkable women.  We met with lots of familiar faces and made a handful of new friends.  I love the ripple effect that occurs, and the positive energy that grows, as we march forward on a project, picking up new tricks and techniques along the way because we are invested in learning, sharing, and elevating our process of creating.  The enthusiasm was apparent, with each final outcome so personal and unique, as we set up an impromptu photoshoot to celebrate both the artist and their work.  I will share at a later date as we want to keep it a surprise until we've completed the encore class next weekend.  Thank you ladies for a memorable three days.  Looking forward to more Crowning Glories on Friday.

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!

new form of self-expression: the shelfie

Let me introduce you to a new campaign.  The Shelfie.

Here's how it started:  remember when I showed you, just after Christmas, some new reads?  The book "Unpacking My Library:  Architects and Their Books" got my attention because I loved the simple format of the photos of shelves, filled with books....and it includes a fave:  Michael Graves.  Some of the pages have highlighted specific books with front cover views and credentials.  Here is the book description from Amazon:

What does a library say about the mind of its owner? How do books map the intellectual interests, curiosities, tastes, and personalities of their readers? What does the collecting of books have in common with the practice of architecture? Unpacking My Library provides an intimate look at the personal libraries of twelve of the world’s leading architects, alongside conversations about the significance of books to their careers and lives.

Photographs of bookshelves—displaying well-loved and rare volumes, eclectic organizational schemes, and the individual touches that make a bookshelf one’s own—provide an evocative glimpse of their owner’s personal life. Each architect also presents a reading list of top ten influential titles, from architectural history to theory to fiction and nonfiction, that serves as a personal philosophy of literature and history, and advice on what every young architect, scholar, and lover of architecture should read.

An inspiring cross-section of notable libraries, this beautiful book celebrates the arts of reading and collecting.

You'll see they also published a Writers version.

I got to thinking what a mess my own shelves are, and that I should make it a goal to start getting them organized.  By topic, by size?  Then I thought it would be cool to photograph my shelves and make a journal about it so I could write some of the stories behind the collections.  Why did I get this one?  Who gave me that one?  It would be a chronicle of my interests and influences, plus I would have evidence of the full array, possibly saving me from duplicating (again).  But most of all, this project would re-introduce me to some gems that have been unopened in a while.  Don't you love your books?  And your shelves?  Mine are peppered with all kinds of things - cool stuff filling in the space at the face of shelf, shoved over top, and other cool things are pinned right into the wood, dangling for my visual stimulation.  What we read, what we select for our personal libraries, says alot about us.  Topics of interest, places, hobbies, fantasies....we have learned from, been informed by, and just plain entertained by thousands of pages under cover and standing at attention on shelves. 

So I'm paging through the book, motivated to make these grand plans for myself, when a news program came on tv with a retrospective of 2013.  Half listening, I notice that the presenters are doing a segment on "selfies".  Bleh.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not casting judgement.  Personally, I don't like to have my photo taken so applause to those who are comfortable with it.  And it came to me:  Shelfies!  I burst out loud laughing.  I could see it roll out before me - a new wave of shared photos featuring shelves not selves. 

I did a quick serach online and discovered I was not the only person to think of this.  Click HERE to see submissions of shelfies as requested by The Guardian. 

And for a peek into some celebrity libraries, click HERE.  OMG!  So cool!  I've been looking at alot of libraries - I think the first (unattributed) library belongs to actress Diane Keaton.  Check out Keith Richards, Rod Stewart, and Karl Lagerfeld. 

 

You are cordially invited to share your shelfies.  Do something different this year!  Just post the photos or take the opportunity to talk about the content of the photo.  Pick an entire bookcase or single out one shelf or one subject.  Tell us a story about a particular score, sentimental connections to a book, where it came from, how long you've had it, or just let the spine talk.  If you're like me, you will need to get things in order - but that's a good thing, and was part of the inspiration for the campaign.  We will gather up monthly, but you can participate at any time.

I've asked a few good friends to help me launch this campaign.  Judi, Julie, Lisa, and Lynne.  Below are small peeks into their collections.  In the following months I will continue to share photos of books from my studio and I will likely segue into shelves of tschotskes...you know, the collections of stuff on shelves.  And I'm going to continue to ask friends to share.  Why?  Because it's just another way to get to know someone better.  I looked at Lisa's shelves and nodded along, "got it, got it, need it, got it."  I've never been to her home, but now I'm getting an intimate look at her, in a different way.  I'm impressed with Julie's neat rows of thread, but it doesn't surprise me because she is the same way with her paint.  (She would pass out if she ever came to my studio).  I've been a guest in both Judi's and Lynne's homes - beautiful studios and books of every kind that overflow to every corner.  You just want to tell them to forget dinner plans, let's go look at books.

How fun will this be?  Can't wait to see what we have in common, to see what I need to read, and what surprises await us with what you are comfortable sharing from your shelves. 

Here are two of mine.  Sorted slightly by topic, and a little by size.  I wish there was room on some shelves to keep an entire category together but some books are just too big, and some are too small.  I even fanned out some of my favorite books and magazines by David Carson.  The Maribor book is a very special find - a publication documenting a workshop.  I sent for it from Slovenia.  More next month!

 

 

JUDI RIESCH'S SITE:  www.itsmysite.com/judiriesch

 

VISIT JULIE PRICHARD'S SITE:  www.TheLandOfLostLuggage.com 

Julie's Shelfie post:  CLICK HERE

 

 

VISIT LISA HOFFMAN'S SITE:  www.LisaHoffman.typepad.com

 

VISIT LYNNE PERRELLA'S SITE:  www.LKPerrella.com

 

If you decide to play along and share your Shelfies somewhere, leave a comment here with a link so we can come visit.  I'm setting up a Pinterest page (ShelfiesPosted) to gather all the photos in one place, including yours.  And for those of you who prefer to post on Facebook, I have set up a page:  ShelfiesPosted. Start snapping!

Oh, and if you want a label to add to a photo, or a blog post, here is a large and small label to right click and save.

monumental

Watching morning tv, I learned of some new books and of some movies being made from books.  There is so much I want to read, and so much to see!  (By the way, did you see Frozen?  I loved it!)  One that caught my attention is The Monuments Men.  Did you read this one?  Men and women risking their lives to save art during the war.  I clicked around and found the movie trailer.  It comes out in February.   Check your theaters for this one.  I'm looking forward to it.  I think I will send out for the book too.  Speaking of books....that's a little clue for my campaign you are invited to join in.  Might even call it a crusade.  Details later this week :) 

Links:  MonumentsMen.com, MonumentsMenFoundation.org  Lots of fascinating stuff, I was caught up on these sites for quite a while.

 

 

new reads and more crowning glories

It was a terrific Christmas and a nice few days of just enjoying family time.  Today I'm catching up on loose ends, wrapping up a few deadlines, and planning to do some reading.  A fabulous graphic book from Lynne looks amazing,  a cool book of architect's libraries from Santa, and a handful of magazines are piled on the table.  I've been hearing about Flow magazine (for paper lovers) from Lisa and Julie so I ordered from the Netherlands and they arrived in two days!

 

The Jan/Feb Somerset Studio arrived and like last year, Lynne and I collaborated on an article.  The title of our workshop Crowning Glories is not meant to be literal or limiting, and we each presented different ways you could interpret the title.  Lynne describes and illustrates how impressed she was at seeing pages on exhibit from The Persian Book of Kings.  For my part of the article I took on a self-imposed challenge to incorporate faces, something I rarely do, and found inspiration from playing iPad Solitaire!  Whether you're traveling to see something unique at a museum or gallery, or you're procrastinating on the couch while playing games, you can find new directions to influence your work.

 

I decided to leave my panels in black and white for the article, but I've been working additional pieces in color, which I will show you another time.  This design style has become addicting and I can't stop making them.  Here are the original four colorized in Photoshop.

 

And a reminder about our workshop, which is filling up!  I think there is only one spot left in the first weekend before we start the waiting list, and a handful of spots left in the second weekend.  If you are interested, email Lynne, lkperrella (at) aol (dot) com for the packet of details.

Back from Art-Is-You

Last week my mom flew into town and we headed up to Stamford for our first Art-Is-You.  We had a great time together and loved meeting many new friends, and getting to connect with old ones.  It was also fun to finally attach real people to names and faces I've gotten to know online.  There is always something special about these artful gatherings - because we are there for art-making but the friendships forged over a shared experience end up being way more valuable than anything you could offer in the goodie bag or class kit.  I'm sure you'll agree, if you've attended a similar retreat, that while you might return home wiped out from all the activity, you are filled with a refreshed verve to keep the momentum and creative energy going.

I'm bummed that my camera remained in my apron pocket for most of the three days I taught...I don't even have one photo from Parlor Tricks.  I also missed getting the whole group for Linear Equations.  I've got all but one for Recess.  The day flies by and before you know it the supplies are being packed up, we hug goodbye, and I smack my head that the photos didn't get taken.  It should be a rule that you have to take a class photo before you break for lunch.  I'm writing that into my itineraries from now on.

 

Art-Is-You will be returning next year at four locations.  My next gig is at The Ink Pad in November for a two-day workshop with the teaching team of Mary Beth Shaw, Andrew Borloz, and Pam Carriker.  Then I have a break in the schedule until the two workshops I'm cohosting with Lynne Perrella in May.  You can read more about Crowning Glories HERE.

Thanks to all the wonderful artists who joined me in class last weekend.  It truly was a privilege to spend time with you. 

inspiration over coffee

I feel some new fronds coming on.  In a hotel breakfast room these beauties were humbly poised at attention beneath a large screen tv that rattled away the morning news.  I couldn't take my eyes off them.  Loved the simple arrangement - the clear glass tube vases with the spikey full color floral stalks, and then those random vine/twig things, and the rocks.  Great composition.  Interesting shapes.  Made me want to come right home and cut some stencils to interpret that mental picture.  Who knew I should have had a camera with me?  (Popped back in on the way to the elevator to snap a quick photo to remind me of the inspiration.) 

Some years ago I took several online tests to determine whether I was right- or left-brain dominant.  It was not surprising to learn I am equal-brained.  Makes sense as I am an architect and an artist.  And it might illustrate that I found inspiration from these hip exotic flowers just moments after tearing out a magazine page that depicted a fine specimen of European architecture carved from stone.  While I tend to prefer linear images, structured composition, and symmetrical shapes, I am also really intrigued by natural organic forms, irregular contours, and how to create balance while maintaining space.

What inspired you this morning?  Take a walk through this glorious day and see what awaits you.  It's FALL!

p.s  Anyone know what these plants are called?

countdown to art-is-you

In one month I will be on the road to Connecticut to teach at my first Art-Is-You event.  I'm looking forward to attending this event - have heard great things about it.  I've met Sallianne, one of the co-hosts, and she is a doll.  This was news to me - they actually close registration in two weeks.  I love their philosophy that this will allow teachers to prepare their class materials, knowing the number of attendees.  I also love that they have shared the names of the students, and provided their email addresses so that we may begin communication.  Isn't that terrific?  I think that makes for a much more intimate experience, and gets everyone into event-mode.  So if you've signed up to take a workshop with me in October you will be hearing from me soon.  And if you've been on the fence about getting registered it's time to jump off and join the fun.  My mom is coming too!

Link:  Art-IsYou.com

gifted

Today is my friend Linda Warlyn's birthday.  It was exactly one year ago that I gifted her with the beginnings of a website.  Thanks to many of her friends, who answered the call to share their photos, I was able to launch the site in secret.  Across many years, several of us have been lucky recipients of Linda's precious work.  Believe me, these gems are keepers.  On the site you'll see evidence of her charming cards, generous gifts, figures and assemblages, and lovely items for swaps or collaborative projects - each meticulously detailed, full of magic, and recognizable to those who love and admire her work, as so very Linda.  She is a clever one - not only with her inventive compositions, and handsome displays, but in the manner in which she demonstrates that she gets you.  Her choice of color, her selection of subject matter, her insertion of little secrets, prove that she observes, listens, and never forgets.  And you should see how she wraps the offereings!  She is a master of details so I gave her website the tiny title "it's the little things". 

I had the best of intentions to keep up with additions to the site, as I have alot more images to share of Linda's work.  I thought I would roll out a big announcement last year once I was completed - but it's still a work-in-progess, and as I turned the calendar page over to today, I realized I never publicly shared the link here.  Please visit, and see why we think she is so gifted.  You've seen her work in Somerset Studio many times, and she appears in books too.  Perhaps you've sat near her in a workshop and marveled at her intricate handling of the artful process....or maybe you're just meeting her today.  Let me formally introduce you - here is the birthday girl,  Linda Warlyn.

 

A recent gift, from Linda to me, is the newest update....I told you, she's gets you.  The colors - black and white and red, all those fabulous patterns - diamond, dot, stripe, and check, a Top Hat, those wings!, pleated paper and fabulous little dangles and tucked-in treats, and then (gasp) that tiny toy theater.  She's got my number, don't you agree?  OMG.  Right? 

 

 

Happy Birthday sweet friend, and many many more!  xoxo

Announcing - Crowning Glories

Lynne and I are excited to announce our workshop taking place in May 2014 in Connecticut.  We had an amazing experience last year with two stellar groups of artists, and we look forward to presenting another two weekends with Crowning Glories.  An information dossier is available upon request from Lynne, LKPerrella (at) aol (dot) com beginning today.  Registration will begin September 1st.  Hope to see you there!

Here is a sneak peek at our studio tables as we prepare the materials and samples.  We love sharing our favorite techniques and we love digging into the art-making process, and have conjured up a multi-layered project that we will build upon across the three-day event.  The beautiful thing that happens in a real-life workshop is the connections we make with other artists, and the many peripheral learning opportunities that occur as we interpret the assignments with our individual perspective. 

We are happy to answer any questions you have about the workshop or the venue.  Just ask!

LINKS:  Lynne Perrella's site:  LKPerrella.com, and the Interlaken Inn.

THAT was fun

I am such a lucky girl - CREATE Mixed Media Art Retreats hosts one of its events practically in my back yard.  For four days I got to teach an amazing collection of women just down the road, then had dinner with my family and slept in my own bed each night.  The students were awesome - some were in more than one class, and a handful took three.  Some were repeat students, and some were new-to-me, and some totally new to this kind of venue.  It was so rewarding to see how each artist interpreted the assignments and projects, bringing their own personal flair to the table.  I thoroughly understand that it can be difficult to create-on-demand and often a student may experience performance anxiety but while we may be there to learn technique or make a specific project, I think the most important thing is to come away with the momentum to keep going.  I've said this before, sharing your enthusiasm for creativity is more important than what you create.  I hope I did that last weekend.  The other beautiful thing that happens at these events is we get to widen our circle of friends - making connections with fellow artists through a shared experience can be life-long.  I know because I've done it.

Here are most of the students I was privileged to spend time with - some got away before we took pictures.

I will never forget this event and some of the very cool things that happened in the workshops.  I witnessed big break-throughs and many subtle a-ha's.  Lots of eager girls who tried lots of new things and shared freely their discoveries so that we all could learn even more.  That's what happens when you are in the classroom - the energy is so positive, so thick, it's nearly as visible as the hanging humidity outside.  I always depart feeling motivated to do it all over again, with a notebook of scribbled ideas for next year.  In one class I presented a little start-up assignment that became its own thing, took on a life of its own, and we ran with it because it was constructive, productive, and a really useful tool to review and remark on the results as a group.  I think that assignment could become a whole class and I can't wait to start planning it.

A special thanks to all my students, the event planners, and the entire community of artists who were present to make this such a remarkable retreat.  There was an Artist's Faire Friday night and it was a great success for my little GPP table.  Fallon was a terrific helper - thank you to our customers for your patience as we got you through the line.  Here are some more of my displays - these were spray painted with all the stencils I sell, in the extreme heat we suffered through recently.  A few of the shots of paint never made it to the surface as it actually dried mid-air.  Crazy.

 

Doesn't it look like the stencil sheets are hanging there?  I love how the edges show so you can see exactly what the sheet looks like.

Next big teaching gig for me is Art-Is-You in Connecticut on October.  Hope to see some of you there!  For details on my classes click on the WORKSHOPS button in the toolbar on top. 

 

Coming soon - new STENCIL

I will be introducing one new stencil at the Artist Faire during the CREATE NJ event next week.  This is the first in a series where the design was driven by my current interest of cutting into cardboard.  This one is called Duets because there is a square and circle that can be painted or drawn in first, then a second image can be layered over.  Available in my online shop soon - current inventory is intended for the show next week.

 

It's been too hot to be spray painting this summer.  I tried it a few times and the paint was nearly dry before hitting the surface.  The last few days were cooler so I finally had a chance to make some displays for the event next week.  Loved using the new Gothic Collection!  I have some large panels I will show you later - here are a handful of clipboards:

 

Couldn't you just lick them?  Oh, it's makes me happy to be spraying again!

Far Away Places ~ Second Edition

Above:  two happy instructors following another wonderful weekend as we took on Far Away Places.  Another enthusiastic group of artists met us in the generous studio space where we sprawled out and got messy for three full days of numerous creative projects.  Some stellar work and special memories forged at our lovely venue.  Oh, if we could just bottle up that energy and feed off it every day!  We extend our thanks all the courageous voyagers and hope to meet you again, here or anywhere!  Lynne and I had an utter blast and are already looking forward to next year, with lots of ideas for what that will entail.  Stay tuned to our websites if you are interested in joining us - annoucement likely in just a few months.  We need to catch our breath and soak in all the good vibes generated over these past two weekends.

 

Unfortunately, I never did the rounds with my camera on the first weekend, my apologies to the artists.  Below are just some of the art pieces being made in the second weekend.  Most students created three or more works of art - so fun to revisit the work spaces and busy hands through these photos!

Winner for the book giveaway:  Diana Wilson! 

Thanks to all who entered, and thanks to Julie for the generous offering. 

Far Away Places ~ First Edition

Just back from Connecticut where Lynne and I hosted an enthusiastic and talented group of artists for the first edition of our workshop.  This is the only evidence photo I have - so you'll have to believe me when I say it was an utterly delightful crew of travelers, a fantastic venue, and a very special experience to teach, learn, create, and explore together for three full days.

 

It was such a pleasure to meet new friends and reconnect with returning students.  Thank you ladies, for a memorable weekend.  It was such a treat to see each of you express yourself so beautifully with individual flare and finesse.  Keep the momentum going!

We are looking forward to a repeat adventure next weekend!  Plus, Lynne and I have already been conjuring up our agenda for next year!  The question is:  how do we top this?  Ha!  I'm cracking myself up because that statement might be hint for our preliminary plans.  I will keep you posted as we flesh out the concept and prepare to announce the workshops for 2014. 

art love

As soon as the calendar page turns to February I get all excited about red, of course, but I also reflect on the people and things I love.  Valentine's Day isn't until mid-month but I feel my heart open....having survived the holidays and the lull that January can bring, this month gets me motivated about the things ahead in the coming year, and the promise of Spring.  I look around this messy studio and want to break out with new work and maybe cross some things off my to-do list of making stuff I've been wanting to make.  I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such cool supplies, I want to be using them all the time.  With the new year I tend to do some clean-up on my computer and review the completed projects from the past year.  I loved seeing the archives of all the work I've done.  It is clear that I love art and I love being an artist.  I decided to take this month and make a daily declaration about it. I will show both old and new work....to celebrate where I've been and where I'm going.

 

REMINDERS:  Today the registration begins for Art Is You in Stamford, CT.  Hope to see you there! 

Just a few spots left in the Far Away Places workshop I am co-hosting with my friend Lynne Perrella - a three day event May 10-12, click HERE for info.  It's going to be amazing!!

more workshops....connecticut in october

I didn't expect to have several posts in a row all about the upcoming workshops but each venue has posted the class listings so I wanted to give you the latest news.  Just up today:  Art Is....You in Stamford, Connecticut in October.  Registration for this event begins February 1st.  Visit the site to see the list of instructors, workshops, and events.  Lots to consider!  Below are quick-reference visuals of the workshops I'll be teaching.  For full descriptions visit my Workshop page, or Art-Is-You.com.

There are a few spots left in the 3-day May workshop, Far Away Places, I'm co-hosting with Lynne Perrella in CT.  First weekend is full!  If you are interested, click on the workshop link at the left sidebar, or top navigation bar, for workshop description.  Full dossier of registration and lodging details available by request, LKPerrella@aol.com

 

 

collaborating

The current issue of Somerset Studio is on the shelves.  You'll see my friend Lynne and I each swapped our regular columns to collaborate on an article:  Far Away Places.  It's a subject we love and we enjoyed exploring it with words and visuals for the publication, and we are co-hosting two workshops in Connecticut this May on the same theme.  It's going to be a wonderful experience to work together, and share our passion for making cool stuff with fellow creatives.  Come away with us!

See the workshop description by clicking on the sidebar link or on navigation bar on top.

Visit Lynne's site to see more of her Far Away Places artwork, HERE.

trying to land

Since our theme last weekend was all about suns, moons and stars, I can’t help but rely on celestial terms to attempt a description.  It was almost like being on another planet, a mini universe of unique features, that you can visit for just a short time, embrace all there is to offer, then carry the experience forever.  With many familiar faces, and some not-yet-known, we embarked on a journey to this place where the environment shifts and the routines of daily life are quickly forgotten.  Our destination appeared friendly, inviting, even domestic with its farmhouse, red barn, and fading garden....trees lining the perimeter of the property and colorful fields framing the panoramic view.  Valley Ridge may seem no different than scenes from the next country road, or the previous one, but those who arrive know better.  All cares of the outside world blur for three days and participants become immersed in discovery, play, and community as they contribute to the collaborative spirit and energy that visably multiplies.  It is indeed a privilege to observe the process of creativity that emerges and to witness enthusiastic artists stretch their zones of comfort and ripple wider the rings of friendship.  Upon reflection of departing from this enchantment, we realize that the material evidence of what we expressed together on paper is only a portion of what transpired, while the remainder can only be seen with the heart.

Thank you Katherine for being such a gracious hostess, and thank you artists for linking arms with me and each other on this dynamic, remarkable waltz across the stars.

 

 

After being productive in the studio, we enjoyed social hour in the community building on Friday, then a spectacular special dinner prepared by our dear friend Jennifer in Katherine's home on Saturday.

 

They came from near and far.  They rose to amazing heights.  Truly cool stuff.  I love that while we all started out with a planned format and distributed set of images, every artist made it their own.  Each nearly-completed journal so personal and unique - exactly what we hope for.  I love that my mom comes along each year and is warmly welcomed into the studio - seeing me in the role of instructor and *getting* what it's all about - the passion for putting our hands to work in a way that nudges us forward on our creative paths and ultimately feeds our souls because we choose to plug in and make it happen.  As much as I hope to give, I always end up feeling like I am the one who receives.   As I said in the introduction circle, Valley Ridge has helped me become who I am....I believe that's a truth for many of us.  While Katherine is changing the process of presenting events, I am happy to learn Valley Ridge will be an available space for workshops in the future....because we don't want to stop the momentum. 

Until we meet again, *blows kisses*.

all the circles

My suitcases are packed.  One will be marked HEAVY...it's filled with paper, paint, stamps, and lots of punches.  Circle punches.  I'm really looking forward to this last workshop at Valley Ridge.  I know these girls will rock the circles with suns, moons, and their own personal flair to make a unique visual journal.  The results will be celebrated, but it is just a small part of what we get from participating in an event like this one.  Of course I hope that the 'process' will expand the vision and perspective of each artist as to how to approach art-making in journals, and in general.  And I hope that they leave with enthusiasm to keep the momentum going.  I do know this:  it's impossible to leave unaffected by the experience.  That's not a reflection of me...I'm simply the ambassador for creativity on this particular weekend, at this location.  When eager creatives gather, and open their hearts and heads to embrace What's Possible, magic happens.  We all learn from each other.  Discoveries are made and shared and the energy in the studio multiplies.  Confidence grows.  Efforts validated.  Authenticity recognized.  Art celebrated.  The circles of Friendship widen.

 

 

In July 2003 I prepared a handful of projects for With one Palette, found in Somerset Studio Jan/Feb 2004.  I look at this album and cannot believe it's been nine years...tucked inside the front cover is a Sun-themed soundtrack, which started me off as I collected tracks for the Synchroncity workshop playlist.  Thanks to my media device I am able to present over 50 songs and I'm not limited to what will squeeze onto a cd.  So that has changed, but my use of favorite images and default colors has not evolved much.  I'm fine with that - I think it's not a bad thing to have go-to crutches in our process - not to rehash but to stretch how we use them.

 

 

A new Sun song on the list, reminds me of this past summer.  Energizing and fun....

 

 

And an old favorite.  It actually will be a New Moon on Monday.

 

 

See you next week.  *waves*

looking and seeing

We spent Sunday looking at colleges.  Lots to take in....not only the scenes, but the idea that our baby is going to college.  We looked here, looked there.  Drove, navigated, toured.  Took photos.  Sought vibes.  While we were occupied with looking I also was busy seeing.  I saw our vibrant, intense, smart, sensitive, beautiful girl visualizing herself on campus.  Would it be this one or that one?  Will I fit in?  Is this where I want to focus my studies?  A stroll down the sidewalks and I could imagine her waving from a dorm room, lugging a backpack or portfolio across the yard,....but I could also see her in pigtails, pulling a wagon filled with stuffed animals, trying to sell rocks to the neighbors.

What we look for is not always what we see.  What we look at can be seen different ways, depending on our personal filters and influences.  Often we can look at something we have seen many times, and observe it with new vision and perspective.

Take these leaves....one might have hoped to see some stunning autumn colors on the chilly October afternoon, and been disppointed that the rain had brought down mostly yellow and brown ones.  You might have bustled along and missed the pretty heart-shaped leaf, juxaposed on the stone blocks.  Looking closely, you see nature's beautiful palette...so subtle.  The warm and cool tones in a lovely mix - they will inspire my own combinations and compositions. 

 

 

 

Then you might have come across this sculpture of weathered stones on rusted pegs.  Perhaps you would pause and observe, wondering how it was done, or worse...why.  And while one person might be thinking 'that could use a power wash to remove the green stuff', another might consider how lovely it was to stumble upon the sculpture at that exact time and place to be able to appreciate how the green growth introduces another color to the mix, enhancing it rather than dimishing it.  The organic shapes and speckled textures provide more inspiration. 

 

 

The field trip to visit colleges with our daughter was beginning to make me feel empty, uncertain, and sad....I will work through those thoughts in my journal with new ideas, fresh perspective, and a desire to continue seeing the positives.  A girl is growing up and moving on to find her way in the world.  It's a good thing, even if I will wonder and worry, and be lonely for her.  There is much to be proud of and much to celebrate.  The leaves will change and fall...and stones may stand in our path, but we can navigate around them and over them, and forge new directions, if we see ourselves doing it.

planning, prepping, packing

I love September!  Even though I miss having the kids around and would like the summer to be a little longer, I love that 3/4 of the way through the year we have an opportunity to start over.  Just like the students who are breaking in new books and adjusting to a change in routine, we can reinvent our habits, start new practices, and move forward with a revised vision for the rest of the year.  And as a bonus, the evenings and mornings are cooler...and that energizes me!

I have been enjoying the new spray paints I told you about and I will show you some of that soon.  I did learn that Liquitex headquarters is in my town.  Really?  Right here?  How's that for being a small world?  I wish they had a storefront...I'd be showing up often for refills.  So I had to set aside spraying for a bit because I wanted to get a jumpstart on prepping for my next event, Synchronicity.  I loved making the handout - I tried a new format and it was a blast!  In fact, I want to drop everything and make handouts for my 2013 workshops!  In less than a month I will be at Valley Ridge.  I will dearly miss my annual visits where I had amazing experiences, met treasured friends, and witnessed rampant creativity.  I'm grateful to be part of the final cast, especially on the final weekend.  I'm already blinking away tears. 

 

In addition to taking care of business and trying to stay on top of assignments and deadlines, I'm happily planning for a very big trip.  I am going to England and Italy in November!  Can you stand it?? 

 

It was five years ago this weekend that I posted the photos below for Crusade No. 12 - Crush On You.  I confessed to crushing on gothic architecture.  And because of that crush I've fallen in love with buildings, and with cities.  For many years It's been a dream of mine to get to Venice.  And now I'm going!!  VENICE!!  I am thrilled to be going back to England, where Fallon and I will visit family, and see London...then we are off to Venice and Verona.  I'm reading and researching and taking notes and getting thoroughly giddy.  A dream come true.  Pinch me!

I'm booking the hotel this week.  I think I am settled on which one....if you have any recommendations based on your own experience for places to visit in Venice I am all ears. 

When is canning season?

Ha!  Canning season, I wouldn't know.  I don't can.  I don't garden....except for roses.  But I have been collecting cans for other purposes.  See below....Liquitex has a new spray paint.  I read about it today and just had to go get some and try it out (because I'm impulsive, and I was lonely at home without kids).  A fine array of colors.  A very nice matte finish.  Low odor.  Nice nozzle and round spray radius.  Clever packaging with color indicator dome.  Super easy clean-up because it's WATER BASED.  They claim you can paint acrylic right over it.  I will try that tomorrow.  Might have to go back for more colors.  Michael's has a special:  buy two get one free.  They are pricey so it's a nice deal.  Consider me the lab monkey.  I approve.

LINKS:  Spray paint, available at Michaels, by Liquitex.  Stencils, available at GreenPepperPress.com or StencilGirlProducts.com 

 

On the subject of cans.....these new Warhol commemoratives, found (by accident) at Target!  Had to get one of each.  Tore off the label (actually, surgically removed with great care) and will put in my journal.  I think my pages may curl up from fright, having never hosted so much color.  I will be sporting my soup shoes later this month at the Met for a new show:  Regarding Warhol:  Sixty Artists, Fifty Years.

Note:  the shoes are by Icon and are no longer in their collection.  Maybe you'll get lucky and find a pair on ebay like I did.  Bag and figures were gifts, no resource available.

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 LKPerrella@aol.com 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. 

We have a winner!

Wow!  I love seeing all your names and comments!  Thanks for stopping by and showing me that you were here.  It is so nice to know you are out there!

Congrats to Theresa Leo!  Her name was drawn from the top hat as the winner for the three new stencils.  How fun that I get to pass them off to her in person as we will both be at CREATE NJ.  Haven't seen her in a loooong time - that goes for many of my other local artist friends.  Can't wait for tomorrow!

 

I'm all packed up and ready for two classes plus vending.  It has been so nice to prep and sort and not worry about shipping all the supplies.  I will just pile these into the van in the morning and drive less than three miles to the event.  It's so nice they planned this in my backyard!

Hope you're staying cool and hydrated.  The humidity - bleh!  Had a big storm (which I love) but it didn't bring down the temp AND it kept us out of the pool.  We could use a little less red on the thermometer, don't you think?

discomfort zone: orange

I don't do orange.  I don't have orange paint.  But I had to make a page about my new crush:  Cara Cara from Sunkist.  I usually wake up with a glass of orange juice but lately I'm substituting with these.  So juicy, seedless, nearly red interior...they got a celebration in my journal.  No orange?  Red + Yellow does the trick.

 

 

 

 

Have you stepped out of your comfort zone lately?  I'm feeling a little better about orange today.

growth and growth

The rose bushes are really growing.  They took off so fast this year, before I even had a chance to cut them back.  I love this time of year as we see new growth, whether from the earth, or from ourselves.  I find Spring to be a time for starting new projects, pulling out brighter colors, and seeing everything with a refreshed perspective.

 

The lawn has been mowed once already....not for trimming grass, but to manage the weeds.  I admit, I do not mind weeds.  Afterall, that is where the clovers grow.....and it's where I find inspiration for adding organic shapes to my journal, Frond Chronicles.  I'm started another one, for my class in July.  Love trying to draw a replica of a real plant, but love making fantasy fronds too.  Check out my pussy willow.  The bunch was set in water at the grocery store so I put them in water at home - never did that before.  And look!  They are growing.  HCIT?  I'll be cut a few new stencils and masks inspired by them!

 

Maybe you'll come celebrate fronds with me in Jersey in July?  We will focus on making our own tools (stencils and masks), and we will paint pages and make a fab journal.  See HERE for details.

HAPPY EASTER!!

yummy

Have you seen this one?  It's been showing up recently on morning television.  A 3-1/2 minute mini-film for Cartier.  Beautiful.  Reminds me of the Chanel ads from a few years ago.  

 

 

Thanks for all the cookie chatter!  I love that so many of your chimed in.  More to come later this week.  We aren't done with cookies yet!