greenpepperpressblog

Michelle Ward/GreenPepperPress Blog

  • the “lists”

    Mwlist1

    Every year, about this time, magazines and newspapers make their "it" lists.  Like this one.  From fashion to gadgets to celebrities, we read what is the new cool and what is over.  Then there are the regular publications we subscribe to that show us what’s going on in the industry.  For any artform you are interested in there are numerous places to get visuals and information – from books and magazines to websites and blogs.  How you process the information is up to you.    I like to know what’s happening, don’t you?  Personally, I use these resources for reference of what’s been done.  I allow that information to guide me in new directions, looking for things that haven’t been done.  We each have our own reasons for searching and researching.  We each have our own creative process.  You don’t have to be doing the things you see others do…..just like you don’t have to buy the new "it" purse. 

    Mwlist2

    Want to learn more? 

    Do more! 

    Self discovery is the best way to learn, and it doesn’t even come with a pricetag.

    I’m not talking ‘self discovery’ as in bettering yourself in mind and body.

    I’m talking about your art style. 

    But believe me, finding your art style will improve your mind, your confidence, your joy.

    Let this be a year of finding your own voice, your own style, your one true thing, your groove, baby.

  • the “lists”

    Mwlist1

    Every year, about this time, magazines and newspapers make their "it" lists.  Like this one.  From fashion to gadgets to celebrities, we read what is the new cool and what is over.  Then there are the regular publications we subscribe to that show us what’s going on in the industry.  For any artform you are interested in there are numerous places to get visuals and information – from books and magazines to websites and blogs.  How you process the information is up to you.    I like to know what’s happening, don’t you?  Personally, I use these resources for reference of what’s been done.  I allow that information to guide me in new directions, looking for things that haven’t been done.  We each have our own reasons for searching and researching.  We each have our own creative process.  You don’t have to be doing the things you see others do…..just like you don’t have to buy the new "it" purse. 

    Mwlist2

    Want to learn more? 

    Do more! 

    Self discovery is the best way to learn, and it doesn’t even come with a pricetag.

    I’m not talking ‘self discovery’ as in bettering yourself in mind and body.

    I’m talking about your art style. 

    But believe me, finding your art style will improve your mind, your confidence, your joy.

    Let this be a year of finding your own voice, your own style, your one true thing, your groove, baby.

  • blank page

    Mwstart08

    I am often asked where I turn for inspiration, or how I learned to do what I do.  I think the most important thing for any person wanting to create is to just get started.  You can read all the books and magazines on a subject and it won’t mean anything until you start experimenting on your own.  Pick up the brush, or the pencil, or the whatever, and begin.  Having the impulse to create is a gift.  The way in which you do it will work itself out once you get started.

    Sethchwast

    I saw this young man on the Today show.  I am still thinking about him.  We know art is a channel that lets us express something within ourselves.  His story proves that.  See a video clip HERE.  And visit Seth Chwast at his site HERE.  Thanks Seth, for reminding me how powerful creativity is.

    Related news:  This weekend I saw the new Public Service Announcement by VH1’s Rock Autism.  I was really moved to see Gene Simmons, Tommy Lee, Robert Plant, Steven Tyler and other rockers supporting Autism.  See HERE, click on 2).  Then I found their True Life series following three young men with diverse manifestations of Autism.  It’s compelling and enlightening….and takes about an hour to get through the whole series.  See HERE. 

    Mwjan208

    It’s a new year, a blank page.  Put something on it TODAY.

    Gppblurb_2 Congratulations to Monica Magness for being the Top Hat Pick for Crusade No. 15.   I’ll be posting the next Crusade later today.  Need a jumpstart for creativity?  Come play with us on the Street Team!

  • blank page

    Mwstart08

    I am often asked where I turn for inspiration, or how I learned to do what I do.  I think the most important thing for any person wanting to create is to just get started.  You can read all the books and magazines on a subject and it won’t mean anything until you start experimenting on your own.  Pick up the brush, or the pencil, or the whatever, and begin.  Having the impulse to create is a gift.  The way in which you do it will work itself out once you get started.

    Sethchwast

    I saw this young man on the Today show.  I am still thinking about him.  We know art is a channel that lets us express something within ourselves.  His story proves that.  See a video clip HERE.  And visit Seth Chwast at his site HERE.  Thanks Seth, for reminding me how powerful creativity is.

    Related news:  This weekend I saw the new Public Service Announcement by VH1’s Rock Autism.  I was really moved to see Gene Simmons, Tommy Lee, Robert Plant, Steven Tyler and other rockers supporting Autism.  See HERE, click on 2).  Then I found their True Life series following three young men with diverse manifestations of Autism.  It’s compelling and enlightening….and takes about an hour to get through the whole series.  See HERE. 

    Mwjan208

    It’s a new year, a blank page.  Put something on it TODAY.

    Gppblurb_2 Congratulations to Monica Magness for being the Top Hat Pick for Crusade No. 15.   I’ll be posting the next Crusade later today.  Need a jumpstart for creativity?  Come play with us on the Street Team!

  • it’s all good

    Mwnewyear07

    Wishing you all the best for 2008!  This year marks the 100th anniversary of the countdown at Times Square with a brand new Waterford Ball.  I’ve been there for a few – tonight will be perfect weather for those who witness it (even better for those of us at home watching).   Stay safe, and behave!

    Mw_goodstuff_2

    Found some artists I want to share with you.  The first is a photographer – I recently purchased a print of her Pierrot.  Isn’t it fabulous?  You can visit Lara Jade at her site HERE, or at DeviantArt. 

    Larajade1

    Mwenabling

    I first saw Suzanna’s work on Etsy.  Then I checked out her website and scored a full wall piece.  She also sells on Ebay.  Isn’t she a clever one?  The one I got says "How wonderful life is while you’re in the world".  You know you want one of these!

    Suzannaanna

    Mwenabling_2

    This pendant is even more amazing around my neck 🙂  Simone is a genius, not sure how she does it but had to have one!   

    Simonewalsh

    Mwenabling_3

    And how about these earrings?  Lisa has several "eyes" to choose from.  My fellow HIM fans will know why I had to have the Poe Eyes. 

    Simpletoenchant

    Mwperspective

    Mwholidaybrain

    And while many of us found ourselves in this headspace recently, a cousin of mine has been taking treatments of radiation for cancer in her brain.  Thankfully it’s over, and we’re praying it’s gone.  How would you handle illness like this?  Maybe you have, or know someone who has.  If I had to shave my head the first thing I would do is collect some cool hats.  So that’s what I did over my xmas vacation…made Kathy some hats.  I’m not so swift at it….but it made me feel good.   When you are long distance and you can’t stop over with a meal…..you pray, and make hats. 

    Mwfleecehat

    Mwperspective_2

    I’ve seen alot this year.  Some wonderful experiences with my family.  Some new friends, and visits with old friends.  Sadly, a few funerals.  Happily, a few births.  Some discoveries, and rediscoveries.  I scroll back through this last year of posts, and I know that it’s only part of the life I have, but it’s all good.  I am blessed.  And so it goes, into the time capsule for 2007. 

    So here’s wishing you good health, good times, and good friends to share it with.  xoxo, Michelle

    Mwwishes07

  • it’s all good

    Mwnewyear07

    Wishing you all the best for 2008!  This year marks the 100th anniversary of the countdown at Times Square with a brand new Waterford Ball.  I’ve been there for a few – tonight will be perfect weather for those who witness it (even better for those of us at home watching).   Stay safe, and behave!

    Mw_goodstuff_2

    Found some artists I want to share with you.  The first is a photographer – I recently purchased a print of her Pierrot.  Isn’t it fabulous?  You can visit Lara Jade at her site HERE, or at DeviantArt. 

    Larajade1

    Mwenabling

    I first saw Suzanna’s work on Etsy.  Then I checked out her website and scored a full wall piece.  She also sells on Ebay.  Isn’t she a clever one?  The one I got says "How wonderful life is while you’re in the world".  You know you want one of these!

    Suzannaanna

    Mwenabling_2

    This pendant is even more amazing around my neck 🙂  Simone is a genius, not sure how she does it but had to have one!   

    Simonewalsh

    Mwenabling_3

    And how about these earrings?  Lisa has several "eyes" to choose from.  My fellow HIM fans will know why I had to have the Poe Eyes. 

    Simpletoenchant

    Mwperspective

    Mwholidaybrain

    And while many of us found ourselves in this headspace recently, a cousin of mine has been taking treatments of radiation for cancer in her brain.  Thankfully it’s over, and we’re praying it’s gone.  How would you handle illness like this?  Maybe you have, or know someone who has.  If I had to shave my head the first thing I would do is collect some cool hats.  So that’s what I did over my xmas vacation…made Kathy some hats.  I’m not so swift at it….but it made me feel good.   When you are long distance and you can’t stop over with a meal…..you pray, and make hats. 

    Mwfleecehat

    Mwperspective_2

    I’ve seen alot this year.  Some wonderful experiences with my family.  Some new friends, and visits with old friends.  Sadly, a few funerals.  Happily, a few births.  Some discoveries, and rediscoveries.  I scroll back through this last year of posts, and I know that it’s only part of the life I have, but it’s all good.  I am blessed.  And so it goes, into the time capsule for 2007. 

    So here’s wishing you good health, good times, and good friends to share it with.  xoxo, Michelle

    Mwwishes07

  • Latest Ink

    What?  Did you think I got a new tattoo?  I’ll keep you guessing on that…..instead, here are some recent magazine articles.

    Mw_ssjf08_2

    The Jan/Feb issue of Somerset Studio is terrific!  Cover art by Pam Garrison, (congrats Pam!).  You can get a peek into the Marie Antoinette collaborative zine I told you about HERE, with a terrific close-up of Lisa Kaus’s piece.  And that little boy?  It’s Peter!  Yep, he rolled his eyes at me for including him in my article.  Also in this issue:  With One Palette by Kristen Robinson,  Artisit Portfolio:  Sally Jean Alexander, and some wonderful journal pages by Roben-Marie Smith. 

    Mw_artists_cafe

    Here’s another recent publication – Artists’ Cafe – revisiting some archived articles for those who are new readers of Somerset.  It was fun to see some gems done by friends over the years.  One of my all-time favorites is Anne Bagby’s clown journal.  That girl rocks.   And my sweet friend Judi shows us her classic book arts, and you’ll see Lynne and Karen and Nina too.  Even if you aren’t a new reader of Somerset, I think you’ll find this issue full of visual vitamins.  (There are things in here I don’t even remember seeing before and I have every issue ever released!  Maybe it’s because as our interests change, we see things differently.  Articles that had no appeal to me 5 or 6 years ago now get my attention.  Good excuse for hoarding magazines, right?)

    Mw_exemplar_and_soleil

    I may have to pull together all the things I’ve done I’ve done with chess imagery over the years.  I didn’t realize how far back it started showing up in my work.  No long ago I spray painted a few pieces with some newly cut chess stencils – I’ll show you that soon.  I’ll leave you with a photo taken some time in 2005 when I was making the letters for the collaborative exemplar with my friend Laurie Mika.  SHE is the master of using clay but it was fun for me to revisit playing with it for a project we ended up selling on ebay for Katrina Relief.  It’s always good to change the medium you work in – often you’ll gain a new or different perspective that will manifest itself in your default medium.  Next to the tiles is a piece I completed after catching the clay fever.  (Might be time to pull out the pasta machine again.)

  • Latest Ink

    What?  Did you think I got a new tattoo?  I’ll keep you guessing on that…..instead, here are some recent magazine articles.

    Mw_ssjf08_2

    The Jan/Feb issue of Somerset Studio is terrific!  Cover art by Pam Garrison, (congrats Pam!).  You can get a peek into the Marie Antoinette collaborative zine I told you about HERE, with a terrific close-up of Lisa Kaus’s piece.  And that little boy?  It’s Peter!  Yep, he rolled his eyes at me for including him in my article.  Also in this issue:  With One Palette by Kristen Robinson,  Artisit Portfolio:  Sally Jean Alexander, and some wonderful journal pages by Roben-Marie Smith. 

    Mw_artists_cafe

    Here’s another recent publication – Artists’ Cafe – revisiting some archived articles for those who are new readers of Somerset.  It was fun to see some gems done by friends over the years.  One of my all-time favorites is Anne Bagby’s clown journal.  That girl rocks.   And my sweet friend Judi shows us her classic book arts, and you’ll see Lynne and Karen and Nina too.  Even if you aren’t a new reader of Somerset, I think you’ll find this issue full of visual vitamins.  (There are things in here I don’t even remember seeing before and I have every issue ever released!  Maybe it’s because as our interests change, we see things differently.  Articles that had no appeal to me 5 or 6 years ago now get my attention.  Good excuse for hoarding magazines, right?)

    Mw_exemplar_and_soleil

    I may have to pull together all the things I’ve done I’ve done with chess imagery over the years.  I didn’t realize how far back it started showing up in my work.  No long ago I spray painted a few pieces with some newly cut chess stencils – I’ll show you that soon.  I’ll leave you with a photo taken some time in 2005 when I was making the letters for the collaborative exemplar with my friend Laurie Mika.  SHE is the master of using clay but it was fun for me to revisit playing with it for a project we ended up selling on ebay for Katrina Relief.  It’s always good to change the medium you work in – often you’ll gain a new or different perspective that will manifest itself in your default medium.  Next to the tiles is a piece I completed after catching the clay fever.  (Might be time to pull out the pasta machine again.)

  • Who GETS ya baby?

    Mw_lh_hcit

    Remember when I was talking about the {GF}?  Wouldn’t you say this one qualifies 100%?  She’s a clever one.  I was a lucky girl to be given so many wonderful gifts from my husband, and my family and my friends.  I had to start by showing you this.  Because I know you Get it.

  • Who GETS ya baby?

    Mw_lh_hcit

    Remember when I was talking about the {GF}?  Wouldn’t you say this one qualifies 100%?  She’s a clever one.  I was a lucky girl to be given so many wonderful gifts from my husband, and my family and my friends.  I had to start by showing you this.  Because I know you Get it.