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Michelle Ward/GreenPepperPress Blog

Back from Art-Is-You

October 16, 2013

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.
Back from Art-Is-You

October 16, 2013

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.
it’s a dirty job

October 2, 2013

My friend Samie had the idea for this particular mission, and earlier this summer we embarked on a field trip to scoop up some dirt and present it as a gift. If you've been following along on this blog you know I am a card-carrying member of the Grave Dirt Crew. I believe this was the fifth successful delivery – something we continue to do as we know our efforts have made an impression – getting special mention in two live interviews as well as two print interviews with lead singer Ville Valo. Lest you be confused, gathering dirt is a way we honor respected departed souls. The collection is now more than a dozen bottles – poets, musicians, writers, and actors that we know Mr. Valo would appreciate. The latest presentation is that of Peter Steele, singer for Type O Negative – Mr. Steele was from Brooklyn and we passed it off on Saturday, perfect timing as it was the last night of the HIM tour…..and we saw them perform in, you guessed it, Brooklyn.

EDIT: I've been asked about the graphics – the green circle with the line through it is the band logo for TYPE O NEGATIVE.

Here's one of the mentions….proof that he doesn't think we're nuts, and that it isn't a dark thing, just cool.

CLICK HERE to hear it on youtube, scroll forward to minute 16:50 for the audio evidence, transcript excerpt below.

Link to full interview transcript HERE.
it’s a dirty job

October 2, 2013

My friend Samie had the idea for this particular mission, and earlier this summer we embarked on a field trip to scoop up some dirt and present it as a gift. If you've been following along on this blog you know I am a card-carrying member of the Grave Dirt Crew. I believe this was the fifth successful delivery – something we continue to do as we know our efforts have made an impression – getting special mention in two live interviews as well as two print interviews with lead singer Ville Valo. Lest you be confused, gathering dirt is a way we honor respected departed souls. The collection is now more than a dozen bottles – poets, musicians, writers, and actors that we know Mr. Valo would appreciate. The latest presentation is that of Peter Steele, singer for Type O Negative – Mr. Steele was from Brooklyn and we passed it off on Saturday, perfect timing as it was the last night of the HIM tour…..and we saw them perform in, you guessed it, Brooklyn.

EDIT: I've been asked about the graphics – the green circle with the line through it is the band logo for TYPE O NEGATIVE.

Here's one of the mentions….proof that he doesn't think we're nuts, and that it isn't a dark thing, just cool.

CLICK HERE to hear it on youtube, scroll forward to minute 16:50 for the audio evidence, transcript excerpt below.

Link to full interview transcript HERE.
inspiration over coffee

September 24, 2013

I feel some new fronds coming on. In a hotel breakfast room these beauties were humbly poised at attention beneath a large screen tv that rattled away the morning news. I couldn't take my eyes off them. Loved the simple arrangement – the clear glass tube vases with the spikey full color floral stalks, and then those random vine/twig things, and the rocks. Great composition. Interesting shapes. Made me want to come right home and cut some stencils to interpret that mental picture. Who knew I should have had a camera with me? (Popped back in on the way to the elevator to snap a quick photo to remind me of the inspiration.)

Some years ago I took several online tests to determine whether I was right- or left-brain dominant. It was not surprising to learn I am equal-brained. Makes sense as I am an architect and an artist. And it might illustrate that I found inspiration from these hip exotic flowers just moments after tearing out a magazine page that depicted a fine specimen of European architecture carved from stone. While I tend to prefer linear images, structured composition, and symmetrical shapes, I am also really intrigued by natural organic forms, irregular contours, and how to create balance while maintaining space.

What inspired you this morning? Take a walk through this glorious day and see what awaits you. It's FALL!

p.s Anyone know what these plants are called?
inspiration over coffee

September 24, 2013

I feel some new fronds coming on. In a hotel breakfast room these beauties were humbly poised at attention beneath a large screen tv that rattled away the morning news. I couldn't take my eyes off them. Loved the simple arrangement – the clear glass tube vases with the spikey full color floral stalks, and then those random vine/twig things, and the rocks. Great composition. Interesting shapes. Made me want to come right home and cut some stencils to interpret that mental picture. Who knew I should have had a camera with me? (Popped back in on the way to the elevator to snap a quick photo to remind me of the inspiration.)

Some years ago I took several online tests to determine whether I was right- or left-brain dominant. It was not surprising to learn I am equal-brained. Makes sense as I am an architect and an artist. And it might illustrate that I found inspiration from these hip exotic flowers just moments after tearing out a magazine page that depicted a fine specimen of European architecture carved from stone. While I tend to prefer linear images, structured composition, and symmetrical shapes, I am also really intrigued by natural organic forms, irregular contours, and how to create balance while maintaining space.

What inspired you this morning? Take a walk through this glorious day and see what awaits you. It's FALL!

p.s Anyone know what these plants are called?
interview….and french toast

September 18, 2013

I've had the pleasure of being interviewed at Sissy Sparrows, a lovely site hosted by sister who are artists, and designers. Read their About page, you'll instantly like them. So envious – I wish I lived a street away from my sister, and could enjoy the same daily fun they get to share. I love that they work together to create cool stuff, neat digital products, and a site that is full of encouragement and inspiration with their tutorials and challenges. Hop over for a look, and bookmark them! Thanks for having me ladies.

This just arrived today, (very early xmas) and I had to plug it in for morning toast. Julie knows I'm a Saints fan….says 'Toast Your Team' right on the box. She suggested BLT's this Sunday. I'm thinking French Toast :) Isn't this the coolest? Thanks friend!
interview….and french toast

September 18, 2013

I've had the pleasure of being interviewed at Sissy Sparrows, a lovely site hosted by sister who are artists, and designers. Read their About page, you'll instantly like them. So envious – I wish I lived a street away from my sister, and could enjoy the same daily fun they get to share. I love that they work together to create cool stuff, neat digital products, and a site that is full of encouragement and inspiration with their tutorials and challenges. Hop over for a look, and bookmark them! Thanks for having me ladies.

This just arrived today, (very early xmas) and I had to plug it in for morning toast. Julie knows I'm a Saints fan….says 'Toast Your Team' right on the box. She suggested BLT's this Sunday. I'm thinking French Toast :) Isn't this the coolest? Thanks friend!
countdown to art-is-you

September 11, 2013

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
countdown to art-is-you

September 11, 2013

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