Michelle Ward/GreenPepperPress Blog

positive spin

June 25, 2008

I've adored the maltese cross for years. I wear one every day. I play with the image often in my work, and you've seen it show up in my own carvings and my rubber line. Because I tend to be linear, and literal, I never considered the 45 degree variation of the "+" to make it a "x". You'll see I went nuts experimenting with my new perspective. Anytime I discover a form or shape I invest a little time making new tools….

And more unfinished pages….sometimes it just feels good to get something started on the page. It's a process to make additions to a painted background….it can take days to complete, or it may always stay as an experimental background.

I'm taking an a quick trip home to see my sister. Squeeze your eyes tight and spin those positive vibes and prayers our way. Take a deep breath and appreciate what your healthy lungs can do. Shout and sing on the 4th of July….because you can. And never forget to wink and whisper sweet somethings to your loved ones. xoxo
positive spin

June 25, 2008

I've adored the maltese cross for years. I wear one every day. I play with the image often in my work, and you've seen it show up in my own carvings and my rubber line. Because I tend to be linear, and literal, I never considered the 45 degree variation of the "+" to make it a "x". You'll see I went nuts experimenting with my new perspective. Anytime I discover a form or shape I invest a little time making new tools….

And more unfinished pages….sometimes it just feels good to get something started on the page. It's a process to make additions to a painted background….it can take days to complete, or it may always stay as an experimental background.

I'm taking an a quick trip home to see my sister. Squeeze your eyes tight and spin those positive vibes and prayers our way. Take a deep breath and appreciate what your healthy lungs can do. Shout and sing on the 4th of July….because you can. And never forget to wink and whisper sweet somethings to your loved ones. xoxo
change

June 18, 2008

School ends tomorrow. Time becomes less frantic. Days become long and lazy. The change of season brings a change of style – not only in what we wear, and maybe what we eat, and how we fill our days….but maybe how we create too. For me, I see my color palette change…does yours? (Ok, so I'll never give up red and black).

As a fan of Tim Russert I was shocked, as you were, to learn he had passed away. Over the weekend we watched countless hours of his friends honoring him with their stories, re-runs of Meet the Press, and the special edition in Sunday. This afternoon we watched the memorial service. What a man. His enthusiam was infectious. I was touched they arranged for The Boss play out the service…but even more…I was impressed at the intro….you might have missed it….the journalist mentioned that as the hundreds of people were filing in, the music playing was taken from Tim's ipod. As was obvious, his loved ones GOT him. Here's what was they heard:
change

June 18, 2008

School ends tomorrow. Time becomes less frantic. Days become long and lazy. The change of season brings a change of style – not only in what we wear, and maybe what we eat, and how we fill our days….but maybe how we create too. For me, I see my color palette change…does yours? (Ok, so I'll never give up red and black).

As a fan of Tim Russert I was shocked, as you were, to learn he had passed away. Over the weekend we watched countless hours of his friends honoring him with their stories, re-runs of Meet the Press, and the special edition in Sunday. This afternoon we watched the memorial service. What a man. His enthusiam was infectious. I was touched they arranged for The Boss play out the service…but even more…I was impressed at the intro….you might have missed it….the journalist mentioned that as the hundreds of people were filing in, the music playing was taken from Tim's ipod. As was obvious, his loved ones GOT him. Here's what was they heard:
shapin’ up

June 13, 2008

Another cool shape. The center box is mine….the others are for a friend who commented she liked the shape. Definitely alterable. Love the pyramid tea thingies too. Love the out-of-the-box thinking that led to this packaging.

I have a morning-in-the-studio playlist filled with tunes that energize me. I was never a fan of this band, but this track gets me moving! Hit *play* and see if it gets you grooving in your world today. *turn it up*

And for Jenny….you can show Andrew my daily-wear shoes….see how much I've loved my black and white Vans? They are love-worn and paint-splattered. Had to get a second pair. And in red too.
shapin’ up

June 13, 2008

Another cool shape. The center box is mine….the others are for a friend who commented she liked the shape. Definitely alterable. Love the pyramid tea thingies too. Love the out-of-the-box thinking that led to this packaging.

I have a morning-in-the-studio playlist filled with tunes that energize me. I was never a fan of this band, but this track gets me moving! Hit *play* and see if it gets you grooving in your world today. *turn it up*

And for Jenny….you can show Andrew my daily-wear shoes….see how much I've loved my black and white Vans? They are love-worn and paint-splattered. Had to get a second pair. And in red too.
the shape of things

June 12, 2008

I obsess about several shapes. A close relative to one of my faves, the maltese cross, is the quatrefoil. I also obsess about punches. I'm always on the prowl for new images. You know I swooned when I saw this one: HERE.

The black and red pattern you see in the upper left is a photo of a wood box at our front door (for shoes!) Here are the close-ups of the punch-outs from rubbings done over textured wallpaper on colored paper, for GPP Street Team Crusade No. 21:

Many of you have written kind notes asking how my sister Shannon is doing. I was going to refrain from giving an update here to respect her privacy…but then I decided we could use your continued prayer and good vibes. As you may know she left the hospital in time for her 40th birthday {yay!} but after a week home she's back in. It still warms my heart to think of all the responses we got when I asked for your words of cheer. I know you will join me in sending positive energy her way again. xoxo
the shape of things

June 12, 2008

I obsess about several shapes. A close relative to one of my faves, the maltese cross, is the quatrefoil. I also obsess about punches. I'm always on the prowl for new images. You know I swooned when I saw this one: HERE.

The black and red pattern you see in the upper left is a photo of a wood box at our front door (for shoes!) Here are the close-ups of the punch-outs from rubbings done over textured wallpaper on colored paper, for GPP Street Team Crusade No. 21:

Many of you have written kind notes asking how my sister Shannon is doing. I was going to refrain from giving an update here to respect her privacy…but then I decided we could use your continued prayer and good vibes. As you may know she left the hospital in time for her 40th birthday {yay!} but after a week home she's back in. It still warms my heart to think of all the responses we got when I asked for your words of cheer. I know you will join me in sending positive energy her way again. xoxo
where have you been?

June 8, 2008

It's been nearly 100* for days….with more to come. Naturally, we've been floating around in the pool.

My poolside book: THIS. The quote below is written in the front flap, sealed the deal for me. I've adored him since Confessions of a Window Dresser. I asked permission to use his website photos here but didn't hear back so you'll have to go visit there: HERE.

And the latest on the dove family: there won't be one. At least not this summer, at least not outside my window. I was really careful to give them their privacy especially after that second egg arrived. I made sure the window and blinds were closed when I was vacuuming so I didn't freak them out. I kept Winston away too. They left….haven't seen either parent (or heard them) in 5 days. Bummer.

Oooh, there's thunder! I wonder if that will give us a break from the heat? Or if we'll lose power? I'm outta here! Hope you're staying cool!
where have you been?

June 8, 2008

It's been nearly 100* for days….with more to come. Naturally, we've been floating around in the pool.

My poolside book: THIS. The quote below is written in the front flap, sealed the deal for me. I've adored him since Confessions of a Window Dresser. I asked permission to use his website photos here but didn't hear back so you'll have to go visit there: HERE.

And the latest on the dove family: there won't be one. At least not this summer, at least not outside my window. I was really careful to give them their privacy especially after that second egg arrived. I made sure the window and blinds were closed when I was vacuuming so I didn't freak them out. I kept Winston away too. They left….haven't seen either parent (or heard them) in 5 days. Bummer.

Oooh, there's thunder! I wonder if that will give us a break from the heat? Or if we'll lose power? I'm outta here! Hope you're staying cool!