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making maps and drawings

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With some of my handcarved stamps, I tested them for map-making.  

MWgridmapmakingstamped

 

Let's rewind a bit….to September 2014, when my awareness of earth shapes was heightened and kinda became an obsession.  I was flying across the country and spied the round markings of land outside my window.  I had been impressed on previous trips to the midwest – views of divided farm land and the occasional interruption by organic terrain, but I'd never seen such extensive patterning like I did on the way from New Jersey to San Diego, most specifically on the approach to a layover in Phoenix. The polka dots of green went on for miles, then suddenly ended at the edge of rock formations that grew and grew….likely part of the formation that would become the Grand Canyon further north.  I pulled out the sketchbook and recorded some notes on my impressions, then started drawing.  I got distracted by some other thoughts that channeled in….here are the pages:

 

MWgriddrawings

More thoughts on the Evolution of an Idea coming next.

Comments

36 responses to “making maps and drawings”

  1. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Nice work! Loving your narrative of the inspiration.

    Reply
  2. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Nice work! Loving your narrative of the inspiration.

    Reply
  3. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Thanks Stephanie!

    Reply
  4. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Thanks Stephanie!

    Reply
  5. JP Avatar
    JP

    Sandy Ego…. Ahhhhh yes…
    How refreshing to see a sketch book that doesn’t look like everyone else’s sketch book.

    Reply
  6. JP Avatar
    JP

    Sandy Ego…. Ahhhhh yes…
    How refreshing to see a sketch book that doesn’t look like everyone else’s sketch book.

    Reply
  7. stacey Avatar
    stacey

    Denver has a beautiful view of these kinds of fields too. you have captured them so well…feels like I’m on the plane again!

    Reply
  8. stacey Avatar
    stacey

    Denver has a beautiful view of these kinds of fields too. you have captured them so well…feels like I’m on the plane again!

    Reply
  9. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    Very cool! My friend Maria is really into maps, she would love this even more. Also, isn’t it interesting how the patterns in the land and the crops come out looking like woodgrain?

    Reply
  10. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    Very cool! My friend Maria is really into maps, she would love this even more. Also, isn’t it interesting how the patterns in the land and the crops come out looking like woodgrain?

    Reply
  11. Lois Kirkwood Avatar
    Lois Kirkwood

    Oh, Wow!!! I feel the stirrings of a new workshop coming on, Michelle!! Can’t wait to see where you’re going with it all ….
    Lois K

    Reply
  12. Lois Kirkwood Avatar
    Lois Kirkwood

    Oh, Wow!!! I feel the stirrings of a new workshop coming on, Michelle!! Can’t wait to see where you’re going with it all ….
    Lois K

    Reply
  13. Ozge Basagac Avatar
    Ozge Basagac

    I love your design stories unfolding…I always see the basis of architecture in your work, perhaps this method of working has much to do with architectural design process. I am an architect making art, too. Somehow i observe the similarities.

    Reply
  14. Ozge Basagac Avatar
    Ozge Basagac

    I love your design stories unfolding…I always see the basis of architecture in your work, perhaps this method of working has much to do with architectural design process. I am an architect making art, too. Somehow i observe the similarities.

    Reply
  15. Sharon Fraser Avatar
    Sharon Fraser

    Thanks so much for the peek into your sketch book. I have always been fascinated with maps and spent a summer working in a government survey office. That solidified my interest and a fascination with all the contours, icons ,and myriad of details that go into map making. I never really enjoy flying, but with a window seat I manage to distract myself with the ever-changing patterns below. I am anxious to learn your latest excursion is taking you…..

    Reply
  16. Sharon Fraser Avatar
    Sharon Fraser

    Thanks so much for the peek into your sketch book. I have always been fascinated with maps and spent a summer working in a government survey office. That solidified my interest and a fascination with all the contours, icons ,and myriad of details that go into map making. I never really enjoy flying, but with a window seat I manage to distract myself with the ever-changing patterns below. I am anxious to learn your latest excursion is taking you…..

    Reply
  17. Seth Avatar
    Seth

    A stunning story unfolding here. You have done it once again!!

    Reply
  18. Seth Avatar
    Seth

    A stunning story unfolding here. You have done it once again!!

    Reply
  19. Pixie Avatar
    Pixie

    Love watching this unfold! I myself have been mesmerized by those patterns on the ground on cross country flights. I’ve tried to take pics but nothing ever came out like it looked out the window or how I remembered it in my mind. Those pages of grids are amazing! I have a flight tomorrow, if only I were brave enough to break out the pen and sketchbook and put my impressions down on paper in public.

    Reply
  20. Pixie Avatar
    Pixie

    Love watching this unfold! I myself have been mesmerized by those patterns on the ground on cross country flights. I’ve tried to take pics but nothing ever came out like it looked out the window or how I remembered it in my mind. Those pages of grids are amazing! I have a flight tomorrow, if only I were brave enough to break out the pen and sketchbook and put my impressions down on paper in public.

    Reply
  21. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Took me a second to figure out that Sandy Ego was San Diego. Duh. Thanks for the nice comment Julie….oh, and for taking such good care of me in Sandy Ego.

    Reply
  22. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Took me a second to figure out that Sandy Ego was San Diego. Duh. Thanks for the nice comment Julie….oh, and for taking such good care of me in Sandy Ego.

    Reply
  23. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Thanks Stacey! Denver…ok, good to know! I’m addicted to looking at google maps with the satellite views. I’m prowling near Denver online tonight!

    Reply
  24. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Thanks Stacey! Denver…ok, good to know! I’m addicted to looking at google maps with the satellite views. I’m prowling near Denver online tonight!

    Reply
  25. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Carrie – you’re so right. Terrain definitely looks like wood grain. I got some of those faux bois tools to make some earth patterns in paint.

    Reply
  26. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Carrie – you’re so right. Terrain definitely looks like wood grain. I got some of those faux bois tools to make some earth patterns in paint.

    Reply
  27. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Still lots to unfold….perhaps a workshop, or two. Thanks for stopping by Lois! Hope you’re enjoying the summer (even though it’s downright chilly lately!)

    Reply
  28. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Still lots to unfold….perhaps a workshop, or two. Thanks for stopping by Lois! Hope you’re enjoying the summer (even though it’s downright chilly lately!)

    Reply
  29. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Ozge – good eye! I can never veer too far from the architect in me. LOVE hearing that you come from the same background!! Thanks for following along.

    Reply
  30. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Ozge – good eye! I can never veer too far from the architect in me. LOVE hearing that you come from the same background!! Thanks for following along.

    Reply
  31. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Sharon – how cool to learn that you have the experience of working in a survey office. I can imagine you were exposed to all kinds visual delights. I’m with you, don’t like flying so I always have to have to window seat. Thanks for chiming in and for following along.

    Reply
  32. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Sharon – how cool to learn that you have the experience of working in a survey office. I can imagine you were exposed to all kinds visual delights. I’m with you, don’t like flying so I always have to have to window seat. Thanks for chiming in and for following along.

    Reply
  33. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Thanks Seth! More soon.

    Reply
  34. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Thanks Seth! More soon.

    Reply
  35. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Pixie, you are flying tomorrow? DEFINITELY have your sketchbook within reach! If it turns out to be too cloudy, visit google maps and follow your travel trail with the satellite view. Lots to capture and inspire your drawings – better than a camera. Safe travels. Tune in when you get back 🙂

    Reply
  36. michelleward Avatar
    michelleward

    Pixie, you are flying tomorrow? DEFINITELY have your sketchbook within reach! If it turns out to be too cloudy, visit google maps and follow your travel trail with the satellite view. Lots to capture and inspire your drawings – better than a camera. Safe travels. Tune in when you get back 🙂

    Reply

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