michelle ward

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day three

 

 

Look at those happy faces!  Imagine what it felt like to finally see your dream realized.  Beginning in 1979, the couple began the proposal process to the city of New York.  Several administrations later, Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave the approval, and The Gates were installed in February 2005.

There is a terrific documentary that chronicles the journey.  First aired on HBO, it is available on dvd through Amazon, and can be streamed with Amazon Prime, or on Hulu.com.  More information can be found on Maysles Films.  

 Preview, showing some footage of Christo before he was gray:

 

 

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day two

 

Ten years ago today would have been a Sunday.  All the newspapers came out, reporting on the unfurling event.  HEADLINES!  Art on the front pages!

I was so happy to see that the anniversary got covered yesterday. See The Daily News revisit HERE.  I was kinda hoping Google Doodle would have celebrated it.  I'll continue tossing the confetti over here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you experience The Gates?  

The Gates - 10th Anniversary

 

Today, February 12, is the 10th anniversary of the unfurling of The Gates - Central Park, New York City.

An epic undertaking by visionary installation artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude.  In 2005, 2/12 was a Saturday, and the news, both local and national, covered the story of this significant event.  The following morning every local newspaper had ART on the front page. Saffron glory.

The Gates remained in the city until February 27.  Beginning today, I will be celebrating with 16 days of blog posts.  It's my way of saying It Mattered.  Come along with me.

More tomorrow.

make it your own - valentines

I can't show you the cards I made this year since they are in transit.  If you haven't gotten started on yours, you don't have much time.  I think Valentine's Day is the perfect time to make it your own.  In fact, (you've probably already heard me say this) when Fallon was born I had a stamp made - looking ahead to elementary school trades.  "Won't you be my Fallontine?"  While the cartoon and Disney princess boxed cards were tempting over the years, it was fun making and embellishing our own.

Here are some past heart projects.  Maybe you'll be inspired to fire up the craft table to make some cards and/or gifts, with love.

Tomorrow....something orange saffron.

 

coming soon.....between red and yellow

I rarely do orange.  Here are some pages from 2005, where I was under the influence of orange.  And again, a spread from 2012 where I had to journal about some new-to-me Cara Cara oranges.  I don't even have orange paint - had to mix to two of my faves to get there.  Coming soon - a blog series that will focus on that hue that is found between red and yellow.

 

Annual Collaborative

I just received the lastest Somerset Studio!  Inside you'll find a collaborative article by me and my friend Lynne Perrella.  It's the third year of working in tandem, exploring a theme with our individual interpretations.  It's also a sneak peek behind the scenes for some of the material we will cover during our workshop in May.  For the pieces you'll see in the January/February issue we focused on the ever classic phrenology head diagram.  The workshop will encompass much more - but we can't give it all away in an article ;)

 

 

I had a blast reinventing the image, and altering into a movable-parts object...think of the things you could have swirling behind within the mind!

 

When we were brainstorming about plans for the upcoming workshop, we easily reigned in the ideas about a concept but were struggling with a title.  Lynne proposed that we consider incorporating two phrenology heads as graphic elements for the announcement.  It was a perfect suggestion since we have a running dialogue each December about a pair of ceramic phren heads that appear together each year in the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows in New York City.  The talented designers adorn the twins in a festive manner and place them in the elaborately decorated vignettes.  Every year it’s a hunt to find them among the countless extraordinary visual delights behind the glass.  Lynne had another epiphany: to borrow the name Curiouser & Curiouser* for the three-day class - an ideal choice to accompany the double-head logo we devised, for a workshop offered by two teachers who love to encourage curiosity, especially when it comes to creativity.  Here are some of the appearances in past years:

 

*Curiouser & Curiouser was the theme of the 2009 BG Windows, inspired by the works of Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.  Our workshop will not be related to Alice, we will certainly be advocating for all participants to adopt her sense of adventure. 

We hope you'll join us in May!  Three whole days with two teachers in an amazing studio space at a lovely location with other eager and enthusiastic artists!  For details visit Workshops here, or on Lynne's site www.LKPerrella.com 

*tosses confetti*

 

So long 2014.  Thank you for the many blessings.  Raising a glass to 2015.  May it be a year of health, happiness, and growth ~ for all of us.  Be well and behave *wink*.

new camera!

Had to try out my new camera.  Very nice point and shoot with a cool lens, nice click sound (gotta love that!), and wifi transfer.  Sweet!  Thanks Graham <3

I made these Nutcrackers in the summer of 2012.  Article appeared in Somerset Studio Nov/Dec 2012.  See my blog post HERE.  Maybe you'll take advantage of some post-holiday sales and grab one or two to alter in the coming year.  It's a fun project and great gift - TaDa!

make mine fake please

This photo is proof of what happens to our pumpkins in this neighborhood.  Some years we carve elaborate faces and the warm days encourage mold growth and shriveling before Halloween even arrives.  We will also notice that a grin is altered by little creatures - sometimes adding to the grimacing appeal, but often ruining a perfect composition of eyes and teeth.  This year we hadn't even sharpened the knives, and our prize pumpkins became a meal for a furry intruder.  Each day they became scarier and scarier in appearance as you can see.  

We've been collecting faux pumpkins, and have invested a few afternoons for adding marks with Sharpies and paint pens.  This year's crop isn't ready for a photo shoot so I will revisit a few from previous Halloweens - still looking smart.....no bitemarks in these!  Maybe you'll try painting the fakes...there is still time!

 

 

 

 

recycling at its best!

I had the pleasure of teaching two workshops in New York City last weekend.  Hosted by The Ink Pad, and the terrific Anna and Barbara, we met at the fabulous community center, and spread out our piles of collected cardboard then made some really cool relief sculptures and journals.  Sadly, I didn't get any "under construction" photos of Sunday, but I witnessed some really awesome pages.  It's so fun to work on projects in a real-life class as the group environment is so inspiring - you get to see the discoveries each individual makes because they are at-work, and in-the-moment, where the magic happens.  We all get motivated and encouraged as we progress through the process, each of us in our own way.

 

First up, What A Relief.  The title is two-fold, we were building dimensional corrugated sculptures, with deliberate cuts, peeling, and piercing to create relief with shadow and texture....but it was likely a relief to only have to bring a minimal collection of supplies.  A knife, cutting mat, pencil, glue....that is all you need to churn out some really cool stuff.  After the pieces were nearly completed, we placed them under glass.  Nothing is more validating than to see your efforts elevated with a frame.  Well done girls!!

 

 

 

 

Next was DeComposition Journal.  I've taught variations of this class before - one of my favorites, as each artist takes on their own specific direction.  Because of the location, we were able to do some fun stuff that I usually only do at home - not easy to replicate in a classroom.  We poured scented wax into the corrugated grooves - with the assistance of a candle, we burned edges of pages - thanks to access to a sink, and we stepped outside to do some super fun spray painting with stencils.  Swoon!  Thanks for joining me - I can't tell you how much fun it was to see all of you crank out such great stuff.  

I've got more ideas of how to use this non-precious and plentiful supply.  Stay tuned for more cardboard art classes next year!

 

 

Up next:  the grand finale to A Year of Cardboard,  with my column for Somerset Studio.

it's good to get out

How about these lovely fall days?  Just beautiful.  Last weekend we were at the shore for a wedding.  Perfect!  It's good to get out....change your view, see some things.  Inspiration is all around us, especially when we step away from routine and allow for a day "off".  Last month I was in San Diego for a workshop, then visited with a dear friend who treated me to all kinds of visual delights.  Earlier this summer I met with good friends at the Grounds for Sculpture in NJ, another feast for my eyes.  I will be going back to see the Michael Graves exhibit soon.  Feeling stuck, unmotivated, need some juice to get back on the creative train?  Get out!

I'm getting out this weekend....teaching two cardboard workshops in New York.  There's still room for you if you need an outing :)

 

 

 

 

 

just arrived

Last week I received the new book by Joan Bess:  Gelli Plate Printing:  Mixed-Media Monoprinting Without a Press.  It is fabulous, with easy-to-follow processes - I already have some new ideas for making textures on the gelli plate.  As I wrote to Joan, I applaud the force she has become by infusing creative energy into this community with her genius invention, and the classy and stylish manner in which she presents many ideas on the blog, with the photos and video tutorials, and now this book!  I recently scored the new small size gelli and can't wait to break it in - Joan makes it look so effortless, and it really is!  Visit GelliArts.com and GelliArts.blogspot.com, and pick up the book at your local store or an Amazon.  In addition to many techniques you'll want to try, the book has a guest gallery that displays how other artists are using the addictive printing process.  

 

 

 

Also, just arrived is the newest issue of Somerset Studio.  In my column, Make It Your Own, I write about taking some travel souvenirs and moving them from the keepsake box to the wall, so that they may be enjoyed every day.  Are there any treasures you have tucked away that should move to your wall!  What are you waiting for?

 

 

 

I'm prepping and packing to teach in San Diego next weekend.  It's been ten years since I've visited California - looking forward to it!!

reminder....

Registration for the Curiouser & Curiouser workshop with Lynne Perrella and Michelle Ward, for May 2015, begins tomorrow!  Complete details on the three day event, hosted in Connecticut, is available by sending an email to Lynne at [email protected]  To see the full announcement with some sneak peeks of the project, click on Workshops 2015 above, or see Workshops on Lynne's site, www.LKPerrella.com  

 

 

 

Some photos from my last workshop a few weekends ago in NJ - it was a grand time, beautiful weather, and we had fun with both acrylics and spray paint, and of course - stencils!  Organized by Little Bird Creations/Michele Luxenberg, and hosted at Clare Hunter's home.  Thanks ladies!  

 

 

 

 

involve me

We've just returned from a family vacation - road-trip-style to visit family and friends in Minnesota.  My van is about to roll 100,000 miles!  It has seen alot of this country between New Jersey and the home state.  We had a great time and even changed things up this year by stopping in Indianapolis for the MotoGP motorcycle races at the famous speedway.  I have to say that I could use a vacation after the vacation but I'm off to teach tomorrow.  I'm really looking forward to the day as we will be getting involved with stencils in a really fun way.  You gotta love when you're invited to teach at a local venue and they tell you what they want to learn.  It not only makes my job easier, but it indicates that the students are eager to participate.  Nothing beats getting together will other artists to make cool stuff!  

One of my favorite quotes from Benjamin Franklin captures the essence of participating in the learning process, with messy tables and dirty hands....Hope you're getting involved in something fun this weekend too!

 

new perrella/ward workshop announcement

You are cordially invited to participate in a three-day workshop May 1-3, 2015, hosted by Lynne Perrella and Michelle Ward.  Take a look at our announcement and if you can't resist the tempation, fire off an email to Lynne ([email protected]) with a request for the dossier of information that covers registration details. $100 deposit reserves you a place.  The class fill up fast so act quick if you're interested.  Hope you'll consider joing us at this remarkable venue!  

 

Location link:  The Interlaken Inn

  

Information available August 1st, send Lynne an email (lkp[email protected])

REGISTRATION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 1ST.

 

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!!

 

happy hand

Late March I came down with a bad case of trigger finger on my right hand.  For weeks I wore a brace to relieve the tendon, which helped with the clicking, but then it wouldn't straighten, and if it got bumped or pushed to full extension the pain was excrutiating.  Finally, I met with a finger doctor and he gave me a cortisone injection.  While I admit I initially regretted the decision as it was very painful and remained that way for several days, I can happily say that all symptoms have vanished (one month later) and I have a fully functioning finger.  It feels so good to be uninhibited and no longer limited by my temporary ailment.  If it should return I will scoot back over to get another shot sooner rather than later, but for now I'm watching my behavior with preventative measures.  Let me say this:  if you are on the fence about seeking care for a worn out body part, don't delay!

how does your garden grow?

It's been six years since we began planting roses in remembrance of Shannon.  While today's anniversary brings a tear, I am also filled with joy to have been blessed with such a sweet sister.  I will never forget your arms wrapping around me when I needed it most, thank you.  Here are two of the four walls of roses, and evidence of their rampant growth.  I never imagined they'd grow taller than the fence!  Reaching toward heaven.....xo

NEW stencils debut at CREATE NJ

It's a busy time, packing and prepping for workshops.  I'm also excited that I will be accepting delivery on a batch of new stencils that will debut at the event on Friday.  These are designs that I cut by hand and have been using for a while, some samples below.  Gothic Collection Additions will be available online July 14. There will be coordinating stamps to follow in August.

 

 

pulling (out) the gelli prints

As I'm sure you know, if you're a Gelli Plate fan, you can't pull just one print.  In an hour you're likely to have run out of paper while still filled with enthusiasm to keep at it.  Here are some prints I worked on with some stencils last fall.  In two days I had boxes of prints - lots of experiments that taught me valuable lessons, and lots of papers that will be fashioned into a journal.  I pulled out the pile today to start making selections and sort what will become part of the journal and what will get put in the collage files.  So much to choose from - can't wait!  I think I will start with the turquoise + taupe + leaf motif shown further down.

Be sure to check out the upcoming book by Joan Bess, Gelli Plate Printing:  Mixed Mono-Printing with a Press, due in September.  We already know she delivers when it comes to demonstrating the gelli plate - her blog and videos are terrific.  The preview of the book looks grand!  I'm honored to be in the guest gallery.

 

 

 

even more b&k

Wow!  There's been a ton of feedback on the cardboard journal tutorial I presented on Stampington's blog.  Many visitors left comments, there are hundreds of pins from the post, and a huge amount of likes and shares from their facebook page.  I've even rec'd emails from artists who have jumped in and made their own.  HCIT? 

A little background - I first started making these cardboard journals about five years ago.  One was included in the Artist Portfolio feature in Stampington's Art Journaling (Issue: Summer 2011)  The first one, called Table Scraps Journal, made it's debut on this blog in August, 2011.  Then I started showing you others, which I started calling Debris Journals, in December 2011.  I taught my first cardboard journal class at Create NJ 2012, and again in 2013.  I will be teaching The DeComposition Journal this October at The Ink Pad in NYC, along with my cardboard sculpture class, What a Relief.  My last two columns in Somerset Studio have been about cardboard, and the next one will also feature it.  What I love is that the material is versatile, readily available, and unintimidating to work with.  As I continue using this humble supply, I find new ways to manipulate it, and can't stop pushing my expectations of how it can perform. I'm currently working on an end-of-the-year article that will make you re-think cardboard for the holidays! 

Here is more from my Black&Kraft:

I love to leave a peek at some of the markings from the cut up cartons that show up on the pages.  I've used some of these spreads to document my collections of black&kraft papers, and have made some deliberate cuts with stencils.  I just love the look of this color combination.  Just think, if Borders bookstore hadn't closed, where I used to get my kraft paper blank journals, I may never have conspired to make my own, and found out all the cool things that be done with recycling bin treasures.

This week we had to get a new table for the deck as the glass top on the old one shattered.  You should see the stellar specimens of cardboard that the new table came wrapped in - a full sheet of mini-honeycomb plus several full sheets of perfect corrugated goodness.  I'm delirious about the possibilities!

more B&K

More pages from my Black&Kraft journal.  I've prepared a tutorial on Constructing and DeConstructing cardboard as a journal for Stampington's blog.  See that HERE.  It's a companion to my column in the recent Somerset Studio.  In the right sidebar albums you can see more of my cardboard journal pages.  (If you're reading through a feed, click HERE for the album).  I need to get it updated, but there is alot to see there.  Sneak peek below of some stencils that will debut soon ;)

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!  I had a terrific week of celebrating - a good start to a year of being 50!  And the roses are now in full bloom - hundreds of them came out this week.  I'm a lucky girl. 

Only six weeks until CREATE NJ kicks off!  I'm preparing lots of stuff for the workshops and vendor night.  Hope to see you there!!

 

 

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.

one thing leads to another

I've been a fan of M.C. Escher for a long time....like before high school.  I added another book to the collection - a super fun flipbook, HERE.  I love how a familiar piece of work takes on a new form.  It got me thinking about a poster I've had rolled up for a while.  Metamorphosis II - it comes as 4 panels, 8.5" x 41" each.  I thought I would install around the ceiling line of my studio, but I never did it, and now my shelves go up so high it would hardly be visible.  The little flipbook gave me an idea, and the motivation, to alter the present state of the poster, and turn it into a book that I could hold in my hand. 

 

It took some manuevering to flatten out the rolls, match up the pattern and make the attachments so it was one loooooong panel, then measure and do a little math to arrive at a suitable division.  I left an extra flap at the leading edge so it could be tucked under a paper strip to hold in place within a cardboard portfolio.  The whole thing can be pulled out and still viewed in its full panoramic glory, but within the covers I'm enjoying savoring the details page by page.  One thing always leads to another!  This accordion generated more ideas....still in progress, I'll report in later :)

 

black and kraft

I'm knee deep in three different projects, and I haven't even started our taxes.  Yikes!  I handcut some new stencils today to test out before I send into production - can't wait to show you!!  For now, since I've been an absent blogger, I will give you a peek into my latest Debris Journal - I call this one Black & Kraft.  You can see more from this one in an upcoming article for Somerset Studio (May/June).  You can also take a class with me and make your own Debris Journal at the Ink Pad in New York City, October 19.  We'll be doing some fun stuff on the pages, like you see below - using stencils to make marks, and to peel away the top surface. 

get out your awl!

If you don't have an awl, you can use a pushpin, or needle....and these can be used with pen, pencil, and paint....I am thrilled to announce two new half sheet stencils as part of my Cardboard Collective!  Available at GreenPepperPress.com.  Notice the word placements, and how you can use the phrase "OPEN THIS END" or "THE END".  And you can combine "PROPERTY OF:" with the alphabet to pierce your name.  Love these. 

More new stencils on the horizon.  Estimated time of arrival:  April. 

 

Cardboard classes in NY

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

Registration is open today!

CREATE NJ - site is live!

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

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you in Jersey!

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!