michelle ward

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.

new article - old favorite

As you know, I've been playing with cardboard for quite a while.  If you're a regular here you've seen my cardboard journals (right sidebar photo album has some archived pages).  I think it's such a fabulous material to work with and I continually find new ways to push it's usefulness.  My May/June Somerset Studio column is about the journals, in particular a new Black & Kraft one.  Scroll down for previous sneak peeks, or if you're reading through a feed, click HERE.  Magazine on shelves May 1st.

I will be teaching two cardboard classes in NYC in October.  Visit www.TheInkPadNYC.com for details.  All my upcoming classes are posted in the left sidebar or you can click on WORKSHOPS at the navigation bar on top.  I will be teaching three classes in NJ in July, and I'm coming to San Diego for the first time in September, for San Diego Book Arts.

My apologies to visitors who got frustrated during the week as Typepad had issues on and off for several days.  I wasn't able to connect either!  Hopefully all is fixed and we won't experience outages again.  Happy to see things back up!

EDIT:  In late May, I was a guest blogger on Stampington's site.  I offered a tutorial on making your own cardboard journal.  In case you missed it I'm posting here, as well as in my Cardboard Journal album in the right sidebar.

 

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. 

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!

Cardboard Compositions

I've shown you some of the cardboard I've been collecting and hoarding, but I've been using it too!  In my recent column in Somerset Studio (March/April) you can see some of my relief sculptures.  The article opens with a sampler I created using all kinds of cardboard clippings and natural materials.  Similar to my "me first" style of journaling, this printer's tray makes me so happy to look at, plus it frees me up to use the remaining stash since I've saved a little piece of each offering for myself.  The article continues with some examples of my assemblages of dimensional, deliberate cuttings and piercings.  Influenced by the monochromatic works of Louise Nevelson, which she fashioned from found objects, then painted to let the shadows tell the story, I found a way to use my favorite supply, and made it my own.

I will be presenting workshops that focus on cardboard later this year.  If you're interested, stay tuned!

 

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!

new reads and more crowning glories

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

*tosses confetti*

I can't believe I haven't posted since Halloween!  This definitely has been one of my busiest months.  With the holidays nearing it appears things won't slow down for a while, but I try to catch a few moments to do things that aren't on the list, like playing with photoshop....it's important to keep practicing your skills, whether with a mouse or a brush.  My self-imposed assignment last night was to make a birthday card for my favorite rock star, Ville Valo.  The photo credit is unknown.  I placed him over a scan of a painted page.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of team teaching with some respected colleagues.  It was such a blast to share our love of stencils with a huge group of enthusiastic artists at The Ink Pad in NYC. We even spray painted!  It was pretty blustery outside on the second day but most came out with me to brave the wind to give the spraying a try - with some very cool results.  I didn't take alot of pictures, but here is the happy clan.  I'll show you the fab journal we constructed under Andrew's direction in a few days. 

 

Back from Art-Is-You

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

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

 

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

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

countdown to art-is-you

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

Link:  Art-IsYou.com

Reminder: Crowning Glories

Just a reminder that if you are interested in registering for the Perrella/Ward Crowning Glories workshop, we will begin taking deposits September 1st.  Both classes filled up quickly last year.  The dates are May 2-4 or May 9-11, 2014.  Scroll down to see the full announcement, or if you're reading through a feed click HERE.

I've been sorting through files and finally moved some over onto the tutorial page which is still under construction.  I've completed carving stamps, cutting stencils, digital tricks, and mounting stamps.  More to follow at a later date.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Announcing - Crowning Glories

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

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

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

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

THAT was fun

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

like 7" from the midday sun....

This heatwave is awful!  In about ten minutes I'll be packing up the van with supplies for the first of four workshops just down the road for CREATE NJ.  It's such a treat to be so close to the venue!  I visited the hotel yesterday and the classroom was nice and cool, whew!  I ran into some old friends (waves to Sylvie) and met some new ones.  I am so looking forward to this event - there was a creative energy in the lobby as artists were arriving and checking in, it's going to be fun!  I will report on everything when I can - until then, stay cool!

Prepping for vendor night....some of the displays:

 

Coming soon - new STENCIL

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

 

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

 

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

cut and peel

I'm pre-programming this post because this week we have family visiting and tonight is Fallon's graduation.  I will be back with photographic evidence of that in a few days, but for now here is more cardboard manipulation.  If you are in Jersey, or nearby, you might be interested to come take my Debris Journal workshop at CREATE - NJ either Thursday, July 18th or Saturday, July 20th.  That's one month away - can't wait!!  I will be teaching four days plus vending on the Friday night.  Hope you'll join us.

 

 

Far Away Places ~ Second Edition

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

 

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

Winner for the book giveaway:  Diana Wilson! 

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

Far Away Places ~ First Edition

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

 

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

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

Happy May Day

The day is almost over, but the month has just begun.  A very full schedule ahead.  My lilacs are fragrant, bursting open yesterday.  I found my first four leaf clover of the season.  I didn't get a ding-dong and flower basket (like we did as kids on May Day) but the mailman did ring the bell to deliver a big package of merchandise with the new HIM cd!!!  Mini-tour has started, I get to see them soon after a very long dry spell.  Bags and bins are packed and ready for my departure tomorrow morning - to Far Away Places - a workshop with my friend Lynne.  Looking forward to riding in the van with my band, not literally of course.  A road trip is the perfect way to become immersed with a new album.  I will report in on the weekend after I get back.  The first batch of pre-orders from The Gothic Collection will go out tomorrow too.  Thank you so much for the enthusiastic response.   My manufacturers pulled off a fast turn around.  Life is good!

 

 

The first video....

 

 

 

*waves, and blows kisses*

p.s.  Gabriele, I got your lovely envelope, and clipping on the collection.  I ordered it...should be here anyday.  Thanks for thinking of me.  It was a super fun thing to get in the mail.  <3

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: matchboxes

Continuing my declarations of art love for the month of February....the new Somerset Studio arrived yesterday so I thought I would talk about matchboxes, the subject of my Make It Your Own column.  I started using matchboxes a few years back when I was interested in making mini shrines.  I love that they are on standby, ready to assist me in projects, in a bin on my studio table.  And when they are pre-painted it's even better.  Recently I started embedding them into canvas surfaces.  I had so much fun doing it - the possibilites are endless with what you can put in them, how to compose your piece, and I thought it would make a great class so I'm teaching RECESS at Art Is You, Stamford, CT in October.  Get it?  The boxes are recessed, plus taking a workshop is like getting to play at recess.  I crack myself up!  So here are some of the pieces that appear in the article.

 

i love art: teaching

I'm behind!  I've had intermittent internet the last few days but I think I'm back in good shape...will have a few posts today.  First up, teaching.  I'm not a good public speaker and get really nervous if I have to be in front of a group.  I even dashed off the stage one time during a piano recital - so I probably would never had made it as a rock star (but wouldn't it have been fun??!!)  I started teaching in 2002 in my home studio, at local stores, and then at New Jersey events, so I could build up some experience before proposing to teach at Artfest (which I finally got to in 2004).  I've been teaching ever since and I love it.  I remember being nervous before my first big gig - 32 students in a huge ballroom.  I remember being nervous to teach my first workshop and a fellow artist reminded me that the students were willing participants and they wanted me to succeed as much as they wanted to succeed themselves.  It was exactly what I needed to hear, realizing we all come to the table with both a desire for growth, but also a bit of performance anxiety.  If we just recognize that, then we can all shake off the nerves, and have fun learning together.

There is something really special about being in a workshop with eager students.  We all learn from each other because we are plugged in and doing it.  Seeing how each artist interprets the material is so inspiring.  The best feedback I've gotten from a post-class review is that the artist left with the enthusiasm to go home and make more stuff.  That's music to my ears.  As a teacher I consider myself an ambassador for creativity.  I'm not particularly interested in that your take-away is technique A, B, or C, I want you to leave with the confidence that you can do anything, and the desire to do it as much as you can.

I'm really lucky to have been able to teach at some really cool events, and to have met so many new friends these last ten years.  It's been such an honor to stand at the front, and enourage others in this way. 

I'm thrilled to be collaborating with my friend Lynne Perrella for two workshops this May, and to be returning as an instructor at CREATE in New Jersey in July, and then teach for the first time at Art Is You in Connecticut in October.  You can see my workshop links at left sidebar, or click HERE.  

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.

 

art love

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

 

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

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

more workshops....connecticut in october

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

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

 

 

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.

 

 

collaborating

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

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

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

trying to land

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

Until we meet again, *blows kisses*.

all the circles

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

See you next week.  *waves*