michelle ward

Time for Tea

The July/August issue of Somerset Studio is on shelves at your local bookstore now!  In my column I show some of the Tea Books I've been making.  It was 2001 when I made my first one, and have made several over the years - enough to fill a tea caddy.  In May we had out all the tea fixings for an early morning viewing of the Royal Wedding....including scones with clotted cream and jam.  I think I need to make a mini book for all the weddings I've risen early to watch.  Back in April my two sister-in-laws treated me to a fun cream tea in England, so I made a little book about that event.  There's always a good reason to make tea, and there's always a good excuse to make a sweet little tea book.  Here's a sneak peek at the article:

Some images that got mentioned in the text didn't show up in the published piece - like the tea caddy I found to hold my collection of books.  I scored this one at the Container Store - perfect fit!  

And I mentioned in the article that the tea party book was shown in a cup I inherited from my Grandma Campbell.  Here it is.

I love coffee every morning, but for special occasions we break out the tea.  These little books are the size of a tea packet, and some have a string and tag like a tea bag.  It's a nice departure to work on a small scale, and it's such an addictive process.  Great for a gift, and a fun format for an invitation.

P.S.  I spy my own work on pages 56 + 57 too as artist Edan Ruthan Miller makes a ring bound journal to remind her of ideas....clippings from one of my articles (HERE, May/June 2012) appear on her pages. 

 

The Unexpected Rosarian

I've been nurturing a rose garden for ten years in honor of my sister.  I love that the latest Somerset Studio arrives in May as it's the month I share a birthday with Shannon.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my visual journal that chronicles the past ten seasons of growth.  I never thought I would ever be a successful gardener, so it was unexpected that I have become a rosarian.  

(My mom even makes an appearance in my article....do you spy her?)

Two seasons ago my original rose bush passed 10 ft. tall.  

Here's a view from the side yard in 2014.

In March we had a terrible snow storm (several actually) that brought down many trees in the neighborhood.  On the left you'll see it didn't look promising for the roses, but then by the end of April, with some assistance of propping agents, they appear to be recovering.

And then this morning....I spied the first bud.  The promise of another season.  I'm so excited.

"Show me a garden that's bursting into life" from Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.

Are you a gardener?  Have you started a garden journal?  It's a fun process, especially during Winter as you wait for Spring.

 

 

3.17.17

Yesterday was the four year anniversary of adopting our sweet black cat Lucky.  They told us she was likely about a year old so we claim today as her birthday.  We sure got lucky with her.  She is precious.  I think that luck is all in perspective, but it's been said that those who work the hardest, are the luckiest.  Often attributed to Thomas Jefferson:  I am a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more of it I seem to have.  Hope you find yourself lucky not just today, but always.

 

TaDa is more fun than ToDo

I said it last year, and have advocated for the same concept several years before that....making a TaDa list is way more fun than a ToDo list.  Of course they go hand-in-hand.  However, I'm much more about celebrating the past year as motivation for the upcoming year, rather than fussing over what didn't get done or what is still left to begin.

I'm not one for making resolutions at the beginning of the year.  My philosophy is that I'd much rather reflect on the past year and recognize all I have done.  I find that to be empowering and motivating.  Each January I have a ritual of making a Ta-Da list.  I start with the end of December and work my way back to the first of the year, making notes of everything that I can remember doing during the year. It is easier to start with the most recent self-imposed assignments.  (I'm not always good about maintaining To-Do lists during the year, but I have been known to keep them month-by-month.) Eventually I recall a full list of achievements, missions, chores, and projects that leaves me feeling really good.  Sure, there are always things left on my To-Do list....there is always more to do, and ideas that are still in-process. However, when you move items from your To-Do list to your Ta-Da list you celebrate what you've completed - that's much more affirming than worrying about the tasks ahead, or announcing an official pledge to make changes with the turn of the calendar page.   Maybe you could start 2016 by patting yourself on the back for all the work you completed in 2015, from art projects to self-improvement, then carry forward the positive energy into the brand new year. 

Make a Ta-Da list, because it's way more fun than a To-Do list!  

Download printable lists here -

PDF:   Download Michelle Ward ToDoTaDa2015   Download Michelle Ward ToDoTaDa2016

JPG:  2015 View this photo, 2016  View this photo

 

 

 

I hope that however you handle the turning of the page to 2016 that it is a wonderful year filled with blessings, love, friendship, and creativity.

If you're thinking you could use a little boost to get you rolling in January, the offer of $5 off the Creative JumpStart event in January ends at 11:59 EST 12/31.  Visit http://nathaliesstudio.com/cjs to sign up and use the code CJS2016.  

 

 

'tis the season?

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

song books

May is nearly here so that means the rose buds are starting to form, and the new Somerset Studio is showing up on shelves and in mailboxes.  My column is about making your own songbooks, celebrating favorite lyrics to beloved tunes.  I will be teaching Bohemian Rhapsody at The Ink Pad in NYC on Saturday, June 20th.  To learn more see HERE, and to reserve a spot, call 212·463·9876  I'll provide the music, the lyrics, and the accordion book.  Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

Consider making a song book as a gift - this one was made for Graham.

 

 

 

Don't you love that reading the lyrics makes the tune pop in your head?  What song will you illustrate?

taking care of business

As a teacher, we are constantly asked by organizers to help promote our classes.  It's good for everyone.  In just three weeks CREATE NJ 2014 will begin.  My Roll With It class is full, but there is room in my other two.  If you're curious about mixing paint, or want to improve your collage compositions, join me!  I will be vending on Friday, with some new additions to the Gothic Collection.  Sneak peek announcement from my website below.  I will be posting the new items for sale soon.

Also, for California residents, I will be in San Diego in September for a two-day Frond Chronicles workshop hosted by the San Diego Book Arts.  I'm looking forward to heading West - haven't been there since a True Colors event ten years ago.

 

 

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!!

 

 

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. 

i love art: gathering supplies

I said I was going to continue my I Love Art series, so I'm back with another one.  Gathering Supplies.  Whether you browse around to look for new stuff, or you tour your work space and rediscover forgotten stuff, the gathering phase of a project is something I recognize as a vital part of my creative process.  Let's say you determine on a plan for making something new - a collage, an assemblage, a journal....you have an aesthetic you hope to express, and you begin visualizing the many ways to approach the project, and the various tools and resources that will be useful.  Very often we rush through this stage, when perhaps it might be enlightening to stretch it out, as we listen to the inner voice tell us all the clever directions that might be considered.  Pre-planning and gathering, of both supplies and ideas, has merit.  As the actual art-making begins, we may stray from the intended plan.  It's all good.

So I'm taking advantage of the school Spring break, with no real commitments this week, to finally clean my studio.  As I organize, purge, and pitch, I am accumulating a box of supplies into a journal kit for a new project I've just started.  It's a journal with the theme "It's Elementary".  Inspired by the darling stitched tags I got from Anthropologie a while back, I have wanted to fabricate a journal from kraft file folders, and use all my favorite red and turquoise stuff.  As I sort and file all the piles of stuff around here I toss in everything I find that I might want to use in this journal.

While I'm in clean-and-organize mode I have started to get together all the materials and samples for the upcoming Far Away Places workshop this May.  I have stacks of xeroxes and painted scraps that will go into my supply box.  The gathering of images for these pieces, and the handouts for the workshop, was so much fun.  I love looking through all my clip-art and other resource books to see familiar designs with fresh eyes, based on a particular project.  I want to procrastinate the cleaning and do more fun stuff with the elements I'm finding but I am determined to get this studio in better shape.  I will dangle a carrot for myself to allow some play time once I have a cleared off work surface.  (That may not be until Friday!)

EDIT:  I forgot to mention this - this falls under gathering too.  Lynne and I have curated a Far Away Places Pinterest board.  See HERE.  My personal issues with Pinterest need not be aired here, and I acknowledge that it isn't going away anytime soon, so we've found a constructive way to utilize the platform.  We've linked locations and books and other interesting resources to get us and our students  motivated for our two workshops. 

 

 

Another aspect of gathering - when you scoop up an item with no immediate purpose.  Whether a found or reclaimed object, a new tool or material, or something that jives with your aesthetic, you just know when you see something cool that you will find a reason to use it.  I put one of each of these in my "me first" journal, so now I can use these with abandon.  I came across the envelopes at www.MuhsHome.com and when they arrived I was tickled.  The boxes are as fabulous as the contents.  Who knew you could get kraft in 'natural' or 'orange'?  Had to have both.  I also got their brass tabs - look for them under metal if you visit their site. 

 

A final word about "gathering supplies" - while I wholeheartedly believe that moderate accumulation of materials is a vital part of the creative process, there is danger when we employ that as an excuse to shop and hoard.  Use your stuff!  Make cool things.  Feel the need to discover something new?  Dig through your own stash and invent a way of using what you have.  I'm finding all kinds of good stuff in here today, and I'm realizing I'm ready to part with alot too.  Shakin' it off...feels good.

 

I love art: rubbings

I started doing gravestone cakewax rubbings when I lived in Boston.  There are so many beautiful old headstones in the cemeteries and some of the engravings are spectacular, especially for rubbing.  A few years ago I was really into taking crayon rubbings of textures - mostly stamps and stencils.  If you use the side of the crayon, and a heavy hand, you can get really nice wax coverage to reveal the pattern, then overpaint with acrylic for a cool resist.  You can even iron off the original wax for another effect.  Why rub?  It's just a way of making your own collage elements.  The additional bonus is that once you start doing it you will start seeing interesting patterns and textures everywhere.  Don't you love that?  A simple case of heightened awareness and suddenly you see your surroundings differently.  In these samples I show both current and archived rubbings, some with painted layers to demonstrate the resist.  I also include some journal pages that show how you might incorporate a rubbing.

 

day seven: cardboard

Dang!  I forgot to move this post from draft to publish.  So here is day seven of I Love Art.  You're probably tired of seeing me post about cardboard but it's the thing I'm heavily into right now.  I've had some fun reformatting the binding for the upcoming workshops, Debris Journal, and I've been trying out some new techniques on this wonderful surface too. 

I can't stop making these journals, and filling them up with the stuff that floats around the perimeter of this place.  Here's how it started:  I always use cardboard on my work table or under my spray painted projects out on the grass.  Typically the scraps gets slathered in run-off paint - either acrylic as I paint substrates, or spray paint when I'm f;ailing stencils around.  I could never part with the pieces because they just looked so cool so I began vutting them down and binding them together as a book.  Each page had interesting marks and provided a wonderful start for additional paint or collage. 

Everytime a break down a box to go into the recycling bin I end up hijacking some of it for the studio stash.  Can't beat easy access to art-making supplies.  These are fun to make and so addictive!  I feel like I'm ready to take my cardboard to a new level, especially after seeing some of the cool dimensional or sculptural art made with corrugated cardboard.

 

i love art: visual journals

 

I love my journals.  They chronicle my art journey.  Sometimes I use them to work out ideas, with sketches and notes, and trials of techniques and a playground of discovery.  Sometimes I use them to collect evidence of a work-in-progess with paint strokes of color, collage clippings, and remnants of materials or supplies used.  There are also times I just want to focus on a theme and make a self-contained journal with a recurring motif.  I have big ones, little ones, some finished, some incomplete.  I believe keeping a visual journal is a vital part of my artistic process.

july workshops in jersey

The CREATE-NJ site went live this week.  Click HERE to learn more about the venue and event.  Workshops take place Wednesday, July 17th through Sunday, July 21st in Somerset, NJ.  I believe vendor night is Friday.  I'm teaching an encore of Frond Chronicles, and two encores of Debris Journal since they did so well last year, and I will have new class, Less is More, More or Less.  I have descriptions posted on my Workshop page for easy reference, but all details about how to register are found at the CREATE-NJ site.  Registration begins January 22, 1:00 Eastern Standard Time.

 

 

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*

The Raven with a Tell-Tale Heart

A few months ago a showed you my plaster covered hands.  I was involved in a MakeItYourOwn project.  You can read about it in the Sept/Oct Somerset Studio.  I loved trying to figure out how to make a raven from a few simple supplies.  I admit in the article that I would do a few things differently, like cutting smaller feathers.  My guy seems to look more like a Goth Bald Eagle than a sinister Raven....or maybe he even looks like a penguin recovering from an oil spill.  When I put him in context with my other Halloween decorations, which includes lots of black birds and Poe figures, I think he will pass as a raven. 

 

 

I didn't include stepped out directions in the article because that would have meant stopping to take great pictures, or sending along several versions of the raven-in-process.  Sometimes you just gotta stay in the groove and keep working, right?  I did manage a few quickie shots - not good enough for publication but they serve as a record for myself, and maybe they'll be useful should you take it on yourself.  With my own visuals I can clarify a few things....like what is that white unidentified object in the photo above?  It's the balloon body, covered in plaster strips....scroll down, you'll see.

First, the journal pages.  I started by attaching some of my sketches as I was formulating ideas.  One page actually has all the samplings of materials, evidence right from the table, including the plaster dripped scrap paper that protected my work surface.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

frondly yours

I just learned that Debris Journal is currently full for the event in July.  *dances a jig*  There is still room in Frond Chronicles.  I've been working on another class sample....I am addicted to making and using these shapes, inspired by real plant life, with a little creative license. 

 

 

See, even the wishes have *winks*.  If you want to know more and are thinking of attending the event in New Jersey in July, visit the CREATE site HERE.

 

Thanks for all the birthday wishes.  For me and for Shannon. 

I'm heading home.  See you in a week.  *waves*

 

happy birthday to us

Whether you say Always Remembering You or Remembering You Always, it simply means you never stop thinking about someone.  Especially when your heart is so filled with love.  And sweet memories.  And sister secrets.  Especially because you are missing her.  The day she left for heaven is significant, but the day she was born is the one to celebrate, especially if your share that same birthdate. 

 

 

 

Roses fill the gardens.  Roses fill the vases.  Piles of cards and packages.  Lots of joy here.  I'm a lucky girl.

 

 

*blows kisses*  xoxo

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.

minimalism

Our challenge this month on the Street Team is a exercise of restraint.  Hold back.  Compose cleverly so there is more breathing room, less clutter.  Often we think that untouched space means it's unfinished.  Not true.  Less isn't superior or inferior, just a different approach.  Busy can be good too.  There are no rules, but for this crusade it's been interesting to see how the artists have responded to purposely going minimal.  Like this the page below....because last week I saw my first new patch of clovers!

 

This will be the last crusade for a while as I take a self-imposed hiatus.  Maybe you'll come play? 

Find us HERE.

 

confetti time

First, let me say Thank You to everyone who came by for Seth's book launch celebration.  Loved hearing from so many new readers, and love seeing all the answers to the questions!  It felt like I was in a confetti storm - it's been a festive week. 

 

In case you didn't get the memo, today is Oreo's 100th anniversary.  Can you believe Google didn't jump on that?  Hello, where was the clever variation of their logo?  Two cookies that drop down into milk.  Easy.  Oreo is a treat available worldwide.  Where is the respect?  I wonder if they will pass over Titanic's anniversary next month too?  I didn't forget....I made a page.  Yes, 100 dots.  And a few quickie carvings to help me mimic some Oreo-ness.

 

 

We scored some birthday cake confetti frosting Oreos last week.  We don't usually stray from the original.  Double Stuff probably makes alot of people happy but I think they are too much.  Now these dunkers were cool - did you ever see them?  A few years ago Shannon brought these to the cabin.  I howled at the cleverness.  Never saw them after that but never forgot them either. 

 

I'm off to dunk a few of the standard issue Oreos in my coffee.  But before I go....let's meet in the comment section again.  It was so much fun to see the conversation that was generated by the questions in the last post.  How about another?

1.  Are you a cookie person? 

2.  If so, what is your favorite?

3.  Do Oreos fall in your top 5 of cookies?

 

107

One hundred and seven.  No, it's not the temperature here.  It's how old Zelda Fitzgerald would be on July 24th if she were still alive.  I made a book and paper doll of her for Lynne Perrella's book Beyond Paper Dolls (2006), then followed it up with an article "An Ode to Zelda" in the March/April 2007 issue of Somerset Studio magazine.  Love that brilliant soul.