michelle ward

Spreading Positivity

Have you seen our fundraiser to assist artists?  Our LIMITED EDITION Artists For Artists packets are selling fast.  We've received glowing responses and it's been a thrill to see the orders come in from all around the globe as fellow artists believe in the cause.  In addition to the prints of original art, you get a stencil of my favorite shape, the plus sign (or square cross).  We included this as a fun tool for you to use in your studio to continue spreading positivity - we could all use more of that.  With all that's been happening around us it can be a challenge to maintain a positive attitude, don't you think?  Putting more + + + + + is a good thing.

SHOP HERE: Etsy - GRNPEP

 

If you are new to using stencils....where have you been?  I'm only kidding.  When you join our fundraiser you get the stencil/mask set all in one piece.  The masks are tabbed in, and need to be sliced carefully with a sharp tool.  See below.  Also illustrated are the stencils and masks being used in a simple way - with paint directly on a surface, or with gesso as a base.  My favorite method is to apply paint, then lift it back out.  It's sort of a pull/push as you wipe away the paint, and reveals a nice line with less medium around it.  I like the "keeps then guessing" effect.

 

 

Some of the artists in the project used the "+" stencil - see how they incorporated in into their original art.

 

Here I've used the stencil with silver leaf for the cover of my Silver Linings Journal. 

And a spread from my Cardboard Journal, marking and cutting + + + + + + + +

I've framed my print...sits by the front door to wash positivity over all who come and go.

 

 

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE AMAZING SUPPORT.  

WE ARE NEARING THE FINISH LINE.  

IF YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE, IT'S TIME TO JOIN US NOW!!!  

How about one for you and one for a friend?  It's all good ++++

www.etsy.com/shop/GRNPEP

Making a Difference

This time last year I launched Manhole Madness Month. I fully intended to make it an annual event and have been collecting content all year for another month of manhole coolness but then I got sidetracked by something way more important - making a difference. It's been heartbreaking to observe all the devastation following the hurricanes...so I launched a fundraiser to benefit artists affected by these tragedies. You can join us - see my previous post HERE or my Etsy (GRNPEP) to make a $20 purchase of Art Cards + Stencil. The proceeds will be donated to CerfPlus.org thru Etsy who will match $ for $, making our collective contribution over $8000.

Let's sell out!!!

Before the month is over I will likely post something about manhole covers because I can't resist, but I will definitely update you on the fundraiser.  In the meantime, spread the word!  Thanks to all who have participated so far - much much appreciated!

 

Artists for Artists - FUNDRAISER

I'm excited to finally announce this!  

Together with my treasured friends, we cordially invite you to join our fundraiser to benefit artists who need help getting back on their feet after so many natural disasters.  

We are selling a product package that includes eight (8) super cool Art Print cards and a stencil/mask set so you can keep the momentum of positivity moving forward with your own creations.  ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT ARTISTS IN NEED.

EDIT:  SOLD OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!   To purchase, visit my Etsy shop HERE:  GRNPEP/Etsy.com

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The idea began following the heartbreak and destruction we witnessed in Houston and surrounding areas because of Hurricane Harvey, but then came Irma, Maria, and earthquakes, and fires.  Making donations for recovery is necessary and essential to get people and families back in their homes, and there is an enormous amount of clean up and rebuilding to be done so we applaud the generous contributions this nation has made to the cause.  But in addition to giving, it feels good to actually DO something.  Since I'm not in a position to drop everything to drive south to help clear debris, I thought I could still offer time and talent, so I created a fundraiser, using art for good.

As I was researching places to give, I came across Craft Emergency Relief Fund, also known as CerfPlus.org, which is a national non-profit foundation that provides assistance, specifically for artists.  For artists!  The path of destruction not only ruined neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses, it crushed spirits.  We want to lift up artists who have been affected, and Cerf+ will do that. Then I learned that Etsy is matching donations to Cerf+, dollar for dollar. (It was a sign that I made the right choice!)  So if you join in our efforts, they will be doubled when we make the donation!  You can imagine that resources like Cerf+ are greatly appreciated by fellow artists who benefit from the assistance, and that additional donations are even more necessary today.

Please spread the word and share the link and let's get this fundraiser sold out!  GRNPEP/Etsy.com 

Come on!  Groovy art plus a chance to make a difference.  It's win-win!

#artists4artists2017 

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In addition to the ArtistsForArtists Art Print cards + Stencil/Mask package, Sam and I have been working on cards for the shop that will be included in the total donation.  Usually for sale in his Etsy shop (ForYourSpecialNeeds), we've moved these special edition cards to my shop for the fundraiser.  Cards are sold in sets of four (4) warm OR four (4) cool colors with lots of positivity included.

 

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Why Art Print cards?  Over the years I've been involved in a number of artist-based fundraisers that were auctions of original art.  While these were worthy endeavors and raised respectable sums, the platform catered to bidders with big wallets.  I recall thinking that in addition to the original art, it was too bad that time didn't allow for the production of affordable prints of the same art, making it an available option for everyone, therefore casting a wider net of potential donors.  With that in mind I determined that affordable packages of really wonderful art could be just the thing to collectively contribute to the cause.  My friends rose to the occasion, contributing their art under a short deadline, and we are on our way! 

Thanks to these artists for donating their work for this project:

Julie Prichard, JuliePrichard.com

Michelle Ward, MichelleWard.typepad.com

Lynne Perrella, LKPerrella.com

Judi Riesch

Laurie Mika, MikaArts.com

Lisa Hoffman, LisaHoffman.typepad.com

Mary Beth Shaw, MBShaw.com

Andrew Borloz, AndrewBorloz.blogspot.com

 

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Visit CerfPlus.org for more information on their program assisting artists.  They are also a terrific resource for preparation and recovery.

If you want to make an additional donation to be matched by Etsy, go HERE.
 

 

 

Grand Illusion

In the September/October issue of Somerset Studio, I've presented recent work on an unfinished wood castle.  You'll see I have a guest in my column - my friend Andrew Borloz shares his design treatment on the same item.  It's really terrific example of how there is always a means to "make it your own", the name of my column ;)   Be sure to click through to Andrew's blog post that further illustrates his colorful process and inspiration: HERE. 

This was such a fun project - working on the surfaces, then creating chess characters to inhabit the fortress.  My first impression, upon opening the structure on the store shelf:  Escher.  Scroll down for samples of his black and white work, with dizzying staircases.  You can see why he inspired my design direction.  Lots of stenciling on the outside, and collage on the inside - not as easy to paint in there so I relied on some favorite old engravings and copies of my own previous work.  Had to add in a few dollhouse ladders too - definitely a fun-house for adults.  This castle is still available at Michael's in the event you want to give a try.  (Don't forget to use your coupon).

Magazine is available now, thru Stampington.com or at your favorite bookstore.

 Sending positive vibes to our friends in Texas and Florida.  I'm working a fundraiser with some friends - you can help!  Stay tuned.

SGP sale - Friday and Saturday

ALL stencils at StencilGirlProducts.com are on sale this Friday and Saturday - July 7th + July 8th.  It is Mary Beth Shaw's birthday and there are treats for everyone!  14% off your entire order!  So many great designs to choose from - now is the time to stock up!

You can find my designs here:  Michelle Ward for StencilGirlProducts.  Be sure to browse around and prepare your wishlist so you're ready to place an order during the sale.  

Old Faithful - TAGS

The July/August issue of Somerset Studio just arrived.  Below is a sneak peek of my article. Who doesn't love tags?  I consider them to be perfect platform for all kinds of creativity and have been using them for over twenty-five years, therefore I call tags "Old Faithful". The entire magazine is full of them as that was their selected theme.  Lots of good stuff.

 

In May/June I was lucky to be featured in Cloth Paper Scissors with my new Grid Iron stamps.  More tags!  Thanks Jeannine for the opportunity to show off the new rubber.

 

And speaking of faithful....you know I'm a die-hard HIM fan.  They have announced their farewell tour. *sad face*  Just got my tickets today - to two shows.  *happy face*  Wouldn't it be nice if the threat of a farewell tour was similar to other bands who have claimed the same, but continue to hit the road?  If not, we can always hope for solo projects from the beloved members.  

5.17.17

I caught this photo Tuesday afternoon.  With the heat expected today, there is no doubt this will open up for a birthday sign from Shannon.  There are a few dozen that look ready to follow, and by the end of the week it will be a glorious show.  The first rose bush planted in honor of my sister in 2008 is well over ten feet high.  At one point I had over twenty bushes, but get this....all the non-pink roses have perished.  Pink has taken over.  You can't even see where the non-pink bushes were since the pink ones have filled in the vacant spaces.  Love that.  More photos soon.

Miss you sweet Shannon.  *blows kisses*

Playing with Fire

The new Somerset Studio just arrived.  Here is a sneak peek of my article.  You know you're onto something good when you can't stop. At some point you have to put down the tool, quiet the inner voice that keeps coming up with additional ways to push the technique, then document the body of work with the camera, and start writing about the experience.  When you're in the groove you fear that hitting pause may become a permanent hold.  However, as I showed you last weekend with the tattooed eggs, it was not hard to get back my mojo a few weeks after the premier voyage into pryography.  I think this one will keep my attention for some time.

 

 

How cool is this?  Two weeks ago the new Uppercase magazine arrived.  A writer named Brendan Harrison wrote an article about pyrography too, also called Playing with Fire.  I loved hearing his take on it.  

 

Thanks to all my friends who have stepped up swiftly and lovingly to support another friend.  And to those of you I've never met, how cool that you joined in too and have trusted me to pass along your positive messages of healing and cheer.  I know it's going to be powerful as I can feel the spirited energy within each piece.

Maker's Day NJ

This weekend there are hundreds of Maker's Day events taking place in communities throughout New Jersey.  Check the website NJMakersDay.org to find an event near you on Friday and Saturday.  Initially launched from my own local library, we are proud be included as a vendor on Sunday, March 26 for their Maker's Market at Piscataway Kennedy Library.  Sam will have his painted cards, and our Special Olympic teammate Keith will be there too, with his birdhouses.  We hope you'll stop by!!

 

 

NEW NY stamps

As you know, last year we released a series of stencils with a New York City theme - designed by me, manufactured and sold by The Ink Pad NYC.  Earlier this month they started selling stamp sets that coordinate with the stencils.  There are unmounted sets, trimmed, on cling foam, as well as several images available on wood mounts.  They are not yet listed in their online shop but you can pick up in the store (37 Seventh Avenue at the corner of 13th Street) or call to order anytime.  212.463.9876 

EDIT:  Stamps NOW available online! Click HERE to transport to ShopTheInkPad.com

 

 

 

EDIT:  Stamps NOW available online! Click HERE to transport to ShopTheInkPad.com 

 

3 years = 12,000+ pins

Last week I was privileged to teach to an AP Art class at our local high school.  We had a great time pulling prints from the Gelli Arts printing plate, as well as plain old paper to paper printing of hand-cut collagraphs.  After amassing a pile a papers, they created a small journal or a grid collage, or both.  I will show photos from the event next week.  Below is a practice print I made to get warmed up for class - using a stencil that is having it's three year anniversary today!  

 

 

Not long ago I started paying attention to the changes at Pinterest.  They seem to continually change their format - just when I think I get how it works, it changes.  It's likely they don't actually change it that regularly, but seems like it since I don't visit very often.  One new feature seems to be that they have figured out how to compile close-to-accurate numbers for how often a photo/graphic is pinned. It used to be that you would see an item pinned from your blog with a quantity of 10 or 20 next to it, then see the same item further down the page with a 15, 30, or 50.  There was a photo montage from my blog that had registered over a 1000 pins and I thought that was pretty cool, until I visited it this week and discovered, because of the new calculating wizardry, that the pin is now on over 12,200 boards.  (see HERE if you're on Pinterest) HCIT?

I can't believe it's been three years TODAY since these stencils came out.  Designed in October 2013, they were released with Stencil Girl Products on January 27, 2014.  Here's an abbreviated posting of my original.  

 

 

 

These stencils are available at STENCILGIRLPRODUCTS.COM and GREENPEPPERPRESS.COM

 

 

I'm up!

Today it's my turn to share a video lesson for Nathalie's Creative JumpStart.  Have you joined in?  It's been a fun month of learning all kinds of tricks and techniques.  You can sign up anytime, click HERE.

silver linings seeker

On the newsstands now or very soon, the Jan/Feb Somerset Studio - with my article: Silver Linings.  Made with gelli prints that were painted back in October 2013, I decided to finally USE THEM as they were in peril of being pitched.  Pages are stitched together - a tip I got from my friend Julie Prichard in one of her online classes.  I'm a Silver Lining seeker - trying to see the good in every situation, no matter how difficult.  Quotes of affirmation, collected over time, now reside in this new journal.  See the article for more about the process.

 

 

 

Don't miss out on the early registration discount for CreativeJumpStart2017.  Offer good through the ball drop on Saturday night.  Join in for a full month of creativity videos and giveaways - from 27 artists.  Last year was so much fun - my first time as a presenter. Happy to be back again.  Come along!!

CLS 2017 sneak peek

Have you signed up for Creative JumpStart yet?  You can still get an early registration discount of $45 until the end of December. (Regular pricing of $50 on 1/1/17) Why not get enrolled now, before the ramped up activities of the holidays?  Sign up and and sit back, knowing that throughout January you can re-motivate your creativity on a daily basis with videos by 27 artists.  Treat yourself!  Click HERE.

Here's a sneak peek of the supplies I use for my project video.  Debris from your table will work!

visual interview

My friend Nathalie, host of Creative JumpStart, has prepared a video that is a visual interview.  She asked the questions, I sent her graphics for my answers.  I love this kind of interview.  Check it out.  You can sign up for a month of motivational tutorials from 27 artists, to get you plugged in to making cool stuff HERE.  I hope you'll join us!  

 

A Visual Interview with Michelle Ward from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.

 

When you get to the end of the video it will show you some of the other interviews that have been posted so far - click on those too. Super fun!

 

 

Creative JumpStart 2017 - registration discount today! Plus Stencil sale Monday!

 

I'm excited to announce that I'll be a participating artist for Creative JumpStart (CJS) 2017, hosted for the 6^th year 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 2017. 

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

Throughout January participants get access to 27 downloadable videos from 27 featured artists. I'm proud to be one of those artists, called “JumpStarters.” See for yourself:

Announcing Creative JumpStart 2017 - CJS17 from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.

 

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

Nathalie's Studio - Creative Jumpstart 2017

If you sign up before November 30th (11:59 pm EST 2016) the cost is only $40.

Afterwards it will be $45 until December 31st, 2016 before it goes to its regular price of $50.  

Treat yourself and jumpstart your creativity for the new year - a full month of inspiring posts to get you plugged in to making art!

I participated last year - with my first video!  It was super fun to see how each jumpstart artist interpreted the prompt of the theme, and I learned a lot of really fun techniques (from artists I knew and artists who were knew-to-me) and it definitely got me motivated for the new year.  This will be my second year, and only my second video - I know!  I'm a dinosaur....eventually video-making will become more of a habit...I hope!  I am grateful to my friend Nathalie who pushed me out of my comfort zone to make these videos.  

I love the theme for 2017 - MIX, MATCH, & MASTER and I have translated it with a quick and easy project that everyone should try!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up here at: 

Nathalie's Studio - Creative Jumpstart 2017

Chime in below if you are coming along for the ride and we will get excited together!

 

AND..........if you're a cyber shopper (who isn't?)  Stencil Girl Products has deals all day long TODAY. 

Stencil savings up to 35% on my SGP designs!

Official shopping details: www.stencilgirlproducts.com

Save 25% off all* stencils  Use code: cyber25 
Monday, November 28, 2016 from midnight until 11:59 a.m. CST (Central Standard Time)
PLUS 10% discount when you buy 6 stencils of the same size!
AND orders over $100 get a FREE large stencil of Mary Beth's choice!
SHOP for my designs HERE.

Save 20% off all* stencils Use code: cyber20 Monday, November 28, 2016
from noon until 11:59 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time)
PLUS 10% discount when you buy 6 stencils of the same size!
AND orders over $100 get a FREE large stencil of Mary Beth's choice!
SHOP for my designs HERE.

Lots of really amazing designs at Stencil Girl Products - stock up for yourself, and double up to get some gifts!

 

"Cover Girl" Bobbi Mastrangelo

Day 23:  From the moment I landed on Bobbi Mastrangelo's site I knew I had met a kindred spirit.  She calls her series of art pieces based on covers, "Grate Works".  Such a clever title for her body of work.  She's also been called a Cover Girl - the perfect moniker for an artist whose work focuses on all kinds of street hardware.  From our very first email exchange Bobbi asked for my address so she could send me a postcard book that documents many of her masterpieces.  She has been an amazing cheerleader for this blog project of mine, leaving kind comments for me and the guests, as well as sending me piles of information and encouraging words each day. I'm so excited to be sharing Bobbi and her artwork.  

Bobbi is a generous soul and has offered to send everyone interested a signed postcard.  Send me an email with your address and Bobbi will send you a postcard.  Even better, if you send her a self-addressed stamped envelope she will send you four signed postcards!  Write me and I will give you her address.  How cool is that?

  

 

Here's a description of her work, from her website: 

Bobbi Mastrangelo, The “Grate Artist”, is internationally known for her unique creations based on the theme of manhole covers. Deeply embossed prints on her hand-made paper transform the mundane iron covers into jewel like mandalas. Her tromp l'oeil sculpture relief works artistically capture the essence of utility covers in urban settings. Their appearance is so realistic that viewers wonder how she managed to put all that “weight “ up on the wall.

She is a mixed media artist like us - creating with several mediums in many sizes.  Bobbi makes one-of-a-kind sculptures, with a long list of distinguished collectors, and she creates affordable prints and reliefs too.  Incorporating paper casting, printmaking, sculpture, and paint - she is inventive, creative, and an environmental activist.  Her career began as an elementary school teacher but she eventually found her way to art-making and has been at it for thirty-seven years.  Bobbi's site is very extensive and there is a lot to see. Visit her site and her blog at BobbiMastranelo.com 

My favorite interview where I got a sense of her process and her passion is HERE, from 1997.

This piece is practically in my backyard - at the Zimmerli Museum where Fallon has classes at Rutgers.  Looks like a real cover doesn't it?  She nailed the metal, and the discolored area surrounding the cover, as we often see in the streets.

 

 

On Bobbi's site, she takes you through the process of creating some of her pieces, and the stories behind them.  I loved reading about this one, and how she problem solved the issues along the way, including the use of simulated moss and actual debris from her street to fill in the gaps.  Not only are her interpretations very real, there are minerals included to contribute to the deception.  See the full story of her submission to Orlando Museum of Art, "City of Orlando" HERE.

 

Showing the diversity in her use of materials, here is an embossed metal piece - love the color selection for the subject. She also has several works which have been hand-tooled from copper.   See those HERE.  And fiber!  She does textile work too.  Like many of us, Bobbi is curious about how to manipulate various resources to express herself, and learned techniques through the process of problem solving.

You can see more of her realistic presentation of covers we have become familiar with - water, sewer, coal.  She even replicates the glass light vaults.  The story behind Three Covers, and how they often became "bases" when a "city street turned into an asphalt field of dreams for kids", is HERE.

 

Bobbi makes pulp from scratch and creates paper castings, and prints are available of her originals.

 

 

Looking back through more than two dozen emails, I can't believe we've only known each other less than a month. Her enthusiasm for our shared obsession is genuine - which was evident through our correspondence, then confirmed with several phone calls.  I would love to tell you everything I've learned about her and her art but to be honest, her body of work is so extensive, and her involvement in exhibitions, and events like National Post Card Week, exhausts me just reading about it.  I will tell you one more thing - as I went on a research spree for this series I landed on many websites, forums, blogs.....and on many postings I would often see Bobbi as a commentor or as a link.  She gets around.  And she's an endless font of positive energy.  I encourage you to visit her site and poke around, then go back again.  And reach out to her - she is a true gem. BobbiMastrangelo.com

Thank you Bobbi for letting me share your talent, your passion, and most of all, thank you for being a "grate" friend.

Readers, don't forget:  a postcard from Bobbi awaits you.  Send me your address. 

GIVEAWAY:  Thanks to all who visited and left a comment.  The winner is Leslie Cefali!  How fun that she won as she's going to be featured as a guest reporter before the month is over.  *tosses confetti*

 

 

City Shields by Louise Levergneux

 

Day 22:  Earlier this month I found Louise.  Not sure how I landed on her site but it was clear I needed to reach out to her to be included in my series this month.  She's an amazing photographer and book artist and has such a clever mind.  She's an observer, an inventor, combining low and high tech with pristine and handsome results.

Please visit her site, HERE, and here blog HERE - you'll be delighted by her flipbooks (with terrific videos of them in action), and many more interactive-style books and decorative boxes. 

Of course my favorite are her City Shields.  Isn't that a genius title?  Here's how she describes them:  City Shields is a photographic documentation that takes the viewer on a walking journey through the urban streets of various Canadian, Scottish and American cities. This work collects souvenirs of travelled cities around the world using manhole covers to depict exploration of geographical locations along the artist's life journey.  It all started when a cover caught her eye while in Scotland - that was 1999, and she's been an enthusiast ever since - collecting and documenting from her native Canada, as well as parts of the US.

There are more than 50 sets completed!  That means she has traveled, searched, photographed, sized, printed, and cut numerous covers per set.  Whew!  I'm exhausted just thinking about it.  Clearly a labor of love.  You can get yourself a volume (or two or three) in her shop! 

Thanks Louise for allowing me to share your creativity - such an inspiration!

Louise Levergneux WEBSITE

Louise Levergneux BLOG

Louise Levergneux SHOP, click on books to find her City Shields and flipbooks.

 

LAST DAY TO ENTER FOR THE GIVEAWAY.  ENTER YOUR COMMENT ON DAY 15 HERE.  Drawing will be later tonight and I will announce the winner tomorrow.

guest covers: Gabriele Guehr plus painted coasters

Day 17:  I've never met Gabriele in real life but I know we'd be instant friends if we did.  She gets me.  I've recieved wonderful things from her in my mail box - the real kind.  Not long after I started this blog series she pops into my email-box with these two stunning covers.  Aren't they divine?  Here's what she said about them, "from Esslingen, near Stuttgart in the south of Germany".  They are very similar but if you inspect closely you'll see some differences.  So handsome.  THANK YOU Gabriele for surprising me with these photos, and showing us what you walk over in your corner of the world.

 

Here's a quick project you can made with the manhole cover stencils I showed you two days ago.  I used both chipboard and blank wooden coasters, but this same concept could be applied on paper, like in your journal.  I explain the steps in the graphic below. Super easy.  

First coat with gesso.  Then lay stencil/mask in place, and apply more gesso.  I scraped over the surface with an old credit card, then carefully lift off.  Since these stencils/masks are nice and thick the second layer of gesso will dry with dimension.  After it's completely dry, scrub on some Asphaltum glaze.  You can kind of push into the depth with your brush while pulling sideways to lift off some from the top.  The gesso will resist the glaze so don't rub off too much. Let it dry, then buff across the top with fine grit sandpaper to create greater contrast and reveal more of the dimensional shapes.  If you're going to use as coasters you will need to finish with a sealant, and maybe attach a circle of felt or cork to the bottom.

Stencils used: NYC Manhole Cover, Manhole Covers II, from The Ink Pad NYC, and Sunbursts MW-008 from Green Pepper Press (also sold at Stencil Girl Products as Circle 9 #L016 .

 

 

Have you seen the GIVEAWAY?  Visit HERE and leave your name in the comments to be entered in the drawing for manhole covers stencils on 10/22.

 

 

giveaway!

Day 15: We are half way through the month - I think it's time to post a giveaway.  Up for grabs are two of the stencils I've designed for The Ink Pad - manhole covers, of course.  We launched the series earlier this year.  When I was approached to collaborate with The Ink Pad my first idea is what you see below.  I gave my most enthusiastic pitch - and they went for it.  So cool we were all on the same page.  Visit their online shop for the full collection of New York City themes stencils and masks, HERE.  Scroll down to the comments section and leave your name to be entered in the drawing.

Here is the full set of the first collection - each stencil is 8-1/2" x 11".  Order HERE.

Visit the Ink Pad when you're in the city because they have everything!  Including wonderful classes.  Or stop by their new online store HERE.

Leave your name in the comments section below to be entered for the drawing.  

I will pick a name on October 22 at 9:00 pm Eastern time.  Good luck!!

driving over manhole covers

Day 12:  While doing visual research I came upon this driveway.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  Isn't this stunning?  Of all the things I've discovered, this is one of my favorites.  The search started with google but linked to pinterest then tumblr then back to pinterest. Round and round I went searching for the original photo.  After a lot of clicking around I finally found my way to Ildiko Laszlo, an amazing photographer.  (check out the galleries on her site - love the botanicals and abstracts!) She has generously granted permission to allow me to share these with you.  Wonderful photos of a very cool project. The artist at this residence in California has constructed the driveway with stonework and found formed metal lids of all shapes from scrapyards, and the adjacent retaining walls are ornamented with tile, glass, and every kind of brick.  

I loved hearing that since this experience, Ildiko is also always looking out for interesting manhole covers.

Thank you Ildiko for sharing your talent with us today - a very impressive visual.

Visit Ildiko Laszlo on her site + blog HERE, and her Fotoblur pages HERE.  She can also be found on Instagram HERE.

 

Photos used with permission.

I'm so inspired by these photos.  I think I need to visit my art journal and see what happens.

p.s.  about the post title "driving over manhole covers", don't google it.  You'll come across a horror show of dash cam videos showing all kinds of mishaps caused by loose covers.  After seeing some of these clips I try to avoid driving over one - unless of course it's a beautiful driveway covered in them.

step inside

Day 9:  Now that we're thinking constantly about manholes, don't you wonder what's down there?  I've gotten a peek down a few as there always seems to be something going on under the streets of New York.  Some barricades and cones cordon off an area just beyond the sidewalk and you can see there is a metal ladder that leads into the darkness.

Just yesterday I was able to ask my father-in-law about what it was like to work down a manhole. He was with British Telecom and had to climb poles and descend the holes. He said there are special keys to open the hatch, then they would scale the ladder down about twenty feet.  When I asked if he wore a hard hat with a light on it he explained that they would use a generator to power lighting below the horizon to work on the cables.

Check this out.  Wouldn't you faint if suddenly this opened up and a guy walked out?  If you happen to visit Weisbaden, Germany, perhaps you can get on this underground tour.  I'm certain that this is not a typical inside view.  Pretty cool, don't you think?  More images HERE.

 

 

 

Makes me think of the scene from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang where they find the town children hiding under the castle.

 

I got to thinking about how many movie have scenes in the sewers.....did a quick search ...there are more than a few...and found my way back to Bobbi, who wrote on her blog about a similar sewer in Vienna as seen in the movie The Third Man.  Bobbi's post: HERE. Scene from the movie (I admit, have never watched the film) HERE.

How fun would it be to take a sewer tour?  I've walked the canals of Birmingham, England, before they were cleaned up, then later when they were opened up and integrated as part of the city.  Not sure how I'd feel to be totally contained underground.

Has anyone gone on a sewer tour? 

entering week two

Day 8:  More fine samples that show how vast the markings are on covers around the world.  These are from Nick Sherman.  In case you missed his introduction on Day 1, he has an album with over 800 photos and generously permitted me to share them.  Thanks again Nick, your collection is prolific.  See more HERE, you will be dizzy after the visit.

 

 

I mentioned earlier that I'm new to Instagram.  And I've discovered if you are skilled at adding hashtags, you will find other like-minded people.  Just to get you started:  #manhole  #manholecover  Some really cool people out there sharing their amazing finds.  I'm not sure if it's cool to post links to other folks accounts so just try the hashtags.  Before long you will find more than you ever expected.

 

Thanks again to Nick Sherman.

down the hatch

Day 7:  While doing visual research on manhole covers I quickly learned that there is so much learn and just as much to see.  One afternoon I ended up following several tangents and wound up focused on coal hole covers.  I clicked link after link and was not surprised when I landed at a favorite place, Spitalfields Life.  I'm a follower and get the posts via email, but had missed out on the specific posts I'm about to share as they were published before I discovered the blog.  When I wrote to The Gentle Author seeking permission to share his links and use his photos he very generously agreed.  "BE MY GUEST...I am your loyal servant, The Gentle Author".  Don't you love him already?

His post about covers is HERE.  But what prompted that, was a very cool article about commissioned Roundels - cast sculptural cover replacements by artist Keith Bowler. HERE.  (Seriously, go see.  Couldn't find a working link on the artist so this may be the only place you will discover his work.)

 

Other delicious articles that I've enjoyed by The Gentle Author: A Model Of London 1840s, The Wallpapers of Fournier Street.  Stop by - always an interesting read.  Thanks Gentle Author for being part of my blog series.

Some information on coal hole covers from Wikipedia HERE.  (Photo below borrowed from there.)  I never knew that the hatches were latched shut from the inside.  See?  So much to learn.

 

I found another guy from England who has taken many rubbings of coal covers.  I tried to see about getting his book but it is no longer available as it was part of a college project from seven years ago.  I found this page HERE where he includes a video (below) showing his work-in-progress.  When he wrote me to say I could post this, he told me about another video he made about collecting, and he mentions manhole/coal covers.  See that HERE (starts at about 7:50)  Cool!  Thanks Mark Simmonds.  (p.s. Mark, I have a Tesco's bag from 1984!)

 

SOME EXAMPLES OF COAL HOLE COVERS from MARK SIMMONDS on Vimeo.

 

In the next few days we are going to look at even more wonderful covers, from here and abroad, because I want to make the point of how diverse these things are - from the simple to the ornate - even though it's likely you don't need to be convinced as the images we've seen are proof enough. Yes? Then I'm going to introduce some artists and their connections to street hardware.  I will also have a few surprises.  If you've jumped on the bandwagon, or were already an enthusiast, and you want to share your photos, send them over and I'll be happy to include you this month.  My new friend Bobbi, who will be featured soon, says I should run this series every year. I'm thinking that would be great.  Or as Bobbi would say, grate.

See you tomorrow.

guest covers: Julie Prichard

Day 6:  I told you I've met some new friends I'm going to tell you about soon, but I also have some old friends who have taken up the crusade to show us their manhole covers.  First up is my good friend and fellow artist Julie Prichard.  She's an amazing painter, photographer, workshop instructor and author.  You can find her online classes HERE + blog at TheLandOfLostLuggage.com.  Her book, Acrylic Solutions:  Exploring Mixed Media Layer by Layer is available on Amazon HERE.  She is going be in a show at the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park next month!  Meet the Artist November 12, 6pm ~ Show runs through December 3rd.  If you're in the area stop in - you'll get to see and buy amazing paintings, like this one:

 

Julie is sharing all the covers she found in her neighborhood and on her travels in the San Diego vicinity.  How cool are these?  Thanks Julie!!

 

 

Funny story:  as Julie and I were on the phone discussing manhole covers, and where they were located on our own streets, we both pulled up Google maps and were "'walking" down the streets looking for their locations.  You can actually see some of them when you arm-chair-travel that way.

 EDIT:  See Julie's blog post about her guest COVERage HERE.

water meters count too

Day 5:  As you've seen in my previous posts I include all street hardware as part of manhole madness.  Sewer, storm, gas, electric, telephone, water and any other reason for having a piece of metal inserted into a street or sidewalk gets my attention.  If you're a die-hard manhole enthusiast you might not agree that water meters count.  I think they do.  In fact, learning about the famous New Orleans water meter covers got me looking down more often, especially while roaming the charming streets of the French Quarter.  The meter cover was manufactured by Ford Meter Box Company, Wabash, Indiana.  See the wikipedia page HERE.  Another informative article is HERE. My photo of the water meter cover in NOLA is first, followed by variants borrowed from the wikipedia page.  These aren't the only three types, but they are enough to prove that it's fun to observe the slight differences.  Want more? See Google.  

Perspective:  The meter covers are only about 12" wide.

 

 

You can't go into any souvenir store without seeing the crescent moon water meter marking on something.  Aprons, tshirts, potholders, shot glasses....  I scored a lovely charm from Sterling Silvia which hangs from my everyday necklace.  The coasters were a gift from my friend Katherine - love them.  I also left New Orleans with two Kabuki Hats - one is the beret below.  The ornament is from CopperFancy, available through Amazon.  The coasters were a gift from my friend Katherine - love them.  

 

More on manholes tomorrow!  

there's a book for that

Day 4: If you're like me, whenever you're at the beginning of a new infatuation you look for books on the subject.  There's not a lot of publications covering manholes but here are a few.  I have the three, and the bright one is on the way from England.  I have to say while I appreciate the colored covers from Japan, they don't really interest me.  (We will talk about those another day).  I'm sure I'd flip out if I came across one, but I tend to prefer the rusty, corroded covers found on streets and sidewalks plus the surrounding environment like gravel, cobblestone, or pavement.

 

I wish the top two were in color.  The black and white photos don't take away from the content as we are mainly looking at patterns and shapes, but the colored versions would so much more interesting, as in the cover above.

There is a book "Manhole Covers of Los Angeles", a rare find, and out of my budget, but was one of the first to glorify street hardware. Text/Photos by Robert and Mimi Melnick, it was a limited edition print run and is now a collectors's item.  In 1994 Mimi Melnick released the follow-up, Manhole Covers.  I love this book.  Nice big photos, in black and white, and the story behind their crusade to find a lid to hang over their sofa, which started their obsession.  The cover is embossed - a clever detail for a wonderful book and the story of the Melnicks.  

 

 

Designs Underfoot is another great resource.  It separates the different style covers and provides locations of where to find them in New York City. The photos are small, in black and white, but it offers the opportunity to compare similar styles with the choice of chapters.  

 

 

Mandalas from the Streets, by Kim Christiansen is a ninety page book, single sided images as they are intended as a coloring book.  I would never!  I just like seeing how his selection of covers appear as rubbings.  Check out his website for more wonderful examples of his art.

Just this week I found this: Overlooked by Marina Willer.  It features twenty-two rubbings in neon colors.  In addition to the book there are posters (swoon!! GO SEE THEM - two different shaped covers silk screened together).  These were featured at the London Design Festival last month.  From the shop page:  Overlooked is the 45th Pentagram Paper, the self-published series shining a spotlight on quirky or vernacular design, produced by design studio Pentagram. In it, London partner Marina Willer wanted to “celebrate the gatekeepers” to the subterranean world beneath London’s streets – the street or ‘manhole’ cover. 

Gatekeepers.  Cool description.

 

 

And host of other books I don't have but found on Amazon.  Love the title:  Drainspotting.  There are two of them - one from Japan, one from Sheffield.  Several more volumes on the colored Japanese hatches, one is ebook only.  And how about the one that takes the Japanese covers to a new level, turning them into quilts?  Who knew.  

 

I'm finding that there are so many online resources if you just want to look at manhole covers.  Some really wonderful and dedicated photographers who have put together specific albums.  One connection leads to another and all you keep thinking is "I wish all of these were in a book - like all of them from everyone around the world".  I will share links soon - still compiling as I find more every day. Warning:  it becomes addictive.  

This is only day four of Manhole Madness, and I can't tell you how exciting it has been.  I've met so many generous folks.  You write an email, asking a question or seeking permission, and you get one back.  That doesn't always happen.  And the enthusiasm multiplies. Can't wait to introduce you to some of my new friends.  Stay tuned.

 

 

NYC - upper East side

Day 3:  Earlier this summer Fallon and I went to The Met for the Manus X Machina exhibit.  We took the subway to 59th so we could have a quick peek at the Bergdorf Goodman windows, then walked into Central Park, passing the zoo and Conservatory Pond (where they float the little sail boats) then swung back to 5th Ave to arrive at the museum.  Here are the covers found along the way.  Some shadows couldn't be avoided.  One sidewalk vendor parked right over a sewer cover so my view was blocked.  Not all photos are to scale - some of these are HUGE.  I even jumped into the street as a bus was approaching to get the ConEdison.  So here you go - a tiny collection from a 20 minute walk.  Making the point that there are a lot of finds - even on a twenty minute walk.

 

It's amazing what you see when you're looking down.  I have many more NYC sightings as last year I began a collaboration with The Ink Pad NYC and my first idea was to design manhole cover stencils and stamps.  More on that soon.

COVERage from the post office to home

Day 2:  Today we are going to view some local covers.  Because I have an online business I'm at the post office on a regular basis. This summer, I stepped out of the van right onto this beauty.  Never noticed it before.  Clearly it's been there for years.  Perhaps I missed it as the parking lot is usually full and I have to park along the curb.  

 

After 18 years of only noticing covers in the big city or while traveling, I became inspired to start photographing my local sightings. There was the epiphany at the post office, then as I drove home through the neighborhood I captured nearly every cover along my path. The postman caught me standing in the street with my phone. He swerved over to inquire whether I was playing Pokemon Go.  NOT. Love the rusty patina on the one below - it's 40 feet from my driveway.  The one in front of my house is covered in tar and gravel, boo.  

 

 

Lots of duplicates so I won't show every one.  Some only vary by the date stamp.  They are a bit like coins, don't you think?  Trying to make the point that even the most pedestrian of covers can be cool, especially when you look at them all together.  Here they are, from the post office to home, Piscataway, NJ.

 

Then there's this storm grate....

 

And just yesterday morning...heading up my street, there was this.  A sign.  Ha!

 

As we make our way through the month we will be looking at some really fascinating covers.  Friends have shared varieties from their hometowns and while abroad.  Some really unique and interesting stuff ahead.

Have a manhole story or want to share your enthusiasm?  Chime in below.

See you tomorrow!

Manhole Madness Month is here!

Welcome to Manhole Madness Month. I’ve been collecting images, links and stories to share with you every day in October.  Lots of real covers, some art, + some other fun finds and a giveaway later in the month.  I have something planned for each day and will add to it if you find something you want to share on the topic.  

Background:  I’ve been interested in manhole covers for exactly 34 years. How do I know that? I clearly recall the circumstance that directed my attention to these remarkable often-overlooked objects of heavy metal.  September 1982, my first month of college at the University of Minnesota, I met a girl names Kari.   She said she arrived from Neenah, Wisconsin. I am familiar with a lot of places in that state but not her hometown.

ME:  “Where is Neenah? I’ve never heard of it.”

Kari:  “Yes you have. Come here.” She walks me to the corner. There on the storm grate was the hard-to-miss impression: NEENAH FOUNDRY. 

 

Then she walks me into the street. On the manhole cover was a similar large and proud NEENAH, WI stamped around the perimeter. (photo by Nick Sherman)

 

As I walked the streets and sidewalks of campus I observed many more claims from Neenah. Hopping on a bus to visit downtown Minneapolis, first step off was onto a street drain, Neenah. I’d never know how many grates and covers I had stepped over without ever noticing their significance much less their signature. The encounter with Kari left me permanently impacted and I’ve been a keen observer of what’s underfoot since then.  (Be sure to come back as I will talking about commissioned art covers of Minneapolis).

Fast forward to 2016:  I haven’t been too diligent about keeping track of manhole sighting with photos, but in the last year I’ve been on a deliberate mission to document manhole covers in NJ and NY.   Each chance I have to visit a new town I search for intersections on quiet streets to see what they have to offer.   It's actually been painful to drive over a cover that I know I don't have on record but there are so many in locations you cannot photograph safely.  Admittedly, I’m a bit bummed that I haven’t come across any from Neenah on the east coast, but I have seen many Made in USA, some from PA, but most surprising, I found some that are marked Made in India.   I get it that we’ve become a country of outsourcing, but do we need to have manhole covers made beyond our shores when there are many floundering foundries here? Ok, off my soapbox.

I hope that you’ll continue to visit here this month while I celebrate my fascination with manhole covers. I’ve started a Pinterest board on the subject, and finally fired up my Instagram where I’m learning the art of the hashtag – can’t believe how many users I’ve found who are fellow enthusiasts. It's a daily thrill to see the generous postings and to continue browsing sites where there are so many treasures to see. I’d love it if you want to share your own photos here – send me an email and I’ll add them to my posts, or present a link to your own collection. They can be anything from the humble cover on your street to the fancier ones you’ve spied while traveling. This is going to be fun!

Many thanks to Nick Sherman who provided the photo of the Neenah manhole cover.  He is not only generous, he's a prolific collector and has an amazing photo album with over 800 covers.  I really appreciate his permission to access his Neenah cover, and nearly fainted when he pointed me to his handsome flickr album - go see! HERE  More from Nick this month.

EDIT (8:38pm):  I am so excited!  My lovely friend Erika Mock has shared a Neenah photo.  She said it's from the shore of Lake Superior.  She also said she used pass near the foundry on her way to work several moons ago.  How cool is that?  Visit her site for amazing textile art you can wear.  I have two of her creations!!   ErikaMock.com + her ETSY.

 

 

Have a manhole story or want to share your enthusiasm?  Chime in below.

See you tomorrow!