Thursday, March 1, 2012

31/31: Michelle Ward


31 artists...31 days. Spend every day of March with me at The Altered Page to meet the 31 spotlight artists in my book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed. See their beautiful faces, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Pulse of Mixed Media.
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Michelle Ward


All my jammies are speckled with paint. I am fortunate to have a home studio that is my daily destination. It is filled with abundant supplies and books and rarely will you find a clear space on my table. While I love being surrounded by my favorite things, I frequently find myself happiest with just a surface to paint on, a few brushes, and some handmade tools.



It's not about your workspace, or your materials, it's about plugging in, getting messy, and seeing what emerges.



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Like many of the artists in my book, I first learned about Michelle through one of my all time favorite books: True Colors. Her 'color' was Autumn. But my most vivid memory of her work in that book was her 'Stairway to Heaven' spread in Lisa Renner's Blue and Ochre book. Wow!

Since that time I have loved seeing the direction that Michelle's art has taken and really admire the freedom and joy that is a trademark of her work. She has been a leader in the mixed media community, through her blog, her rubber stamp line, her Street Team crusades, her new column in Somerset Studio, and the creativity that is in every cell in her body.

I first 'met' Michelle online less than 6 months after I started my blog when she so graciously agreed to support me and be a participant in my first, online version of The Pulse.  I have almost met her in real life on several occasions and am so very excited to be able to finally and officially meet her later this month at my artist panel at The Ink Pad. Think if I ask nicely, she will autograph my copy of True Colors?
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GIVEAWAY

NOW CLOSED

98 comments:

Robert said...

Loved reading about Michelle Ward (your first of 31 in 31), and what she has to say about studio spaces and creating. I can definitely relate! This is off to a great start, Seth! Congratulations!

liberal sprinkles said...

Thanks for a glimpse at Michelle Ward's work. I'd love to win a copy of the book!
Grace

Rebeca Trevino said...

this is SOOOOOOOOO exciting Seth! it's terrific that you are taking us all along for the ride! i look forward to all 31 days!

Hagit said...

I've been following Michelle's blog and crusades for a few years - I love her freedom and I always have "me first!" in mind when I hoard paper!! :-)))

Parabolic Muse said...

Well, THIS is one of the best Leap Days I've ever had. And now you top it off with a wonderful spotlight artist. I can't even talk about how wonderful because I would embarrass myself. Michelle has been my favorite uber-artist since I started stalking people around the web. Many people, such as yourself, have considered your own restraining orders, but you don't have the slightest clue of what Michelle's been through. I managed to stop short of sending her a subscription to my favorite service, the Peeps of the Month Club (registered trademark), but it was SO tempting!! (Did you know that if you leave the Peep wrapper open for 24 hours, the Peeps are Even Better?! But that's another story.)

Anyway. I'm not going to say more, because it would be embarrassing.

I'm sending over to you my copy of True Colors so that you can get it signed for me the second you see Michelle!

Seth?!

HOW EXCITING IS MARCH?!????

Unknown said...

Thanks for the introduction to a new artist and her work. 31 artists in 31 days!!! How great is that. Looking forward. Might be just be what I need to encourage me back into sketching after many months focusing on music and writing.

Please can my name go into the hat for the giveaway? Thanks.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I remember that spread in True Colors. I need to get my book out again and see Michelle's work up close and personal. A great way to start the month of March.

Sue M said...

What a great series this promises to be Seth! And I loved reading about Michelle and her comments too.

druga szesnaƛcie said...

entering your blog today was like having an iv drip with inspiration. :)
I've been admiring Michelle for a while and it's great pleasure to read about her.
and your new book - a.m.a.z.i.n.g. it's a must-have!

Mostly Turquoise said...

Your blog today is even more exiting than at other times, which is hardly possible! 31top artists, 31 chances to win, today is my first attempt! Again, thanks so much for your ongoing inspiration, Seth!

lyle baxter said...

michelle is a favorite of mine too, I think she was an architect in a previous incarnation! good luck with your new book! I am patiently waiting for mine to arrive!

jgr said...

Hi Seth, I enjoyed this spotlight about Michelle
and I'm looking forward to the others. March is off to a great start!

Elizabeth C. said...

Very exciting--congratulations on your book! I hope you answer the questions Michelle has on her blog for you . . .

jinxxxygirl said...

This is a wonderful way to introduce your book Seth. I look forward to 'meeting' every one of the artists. Congrats on the book! deb

ArtPropelled said...

It feels festive over here! Great to read about Michelle, the first of 31.

michelle ward said...

Congratulations Seth - this is an exciting month! Thanks for inviting me to the party, and for tossing the confetti my way this morning. I'm covered in it ;)

jean b. said...

true colors was one of my favorite art books... hopefully soon, seth's will be on that list, too!

PocketSize said...

Great project, great post about Michelle Ward, and I can't wait to see the rest of the artists too!

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

GREAT start indeed! i already love and admire michelle and all the enthusiasm and creativity she shares so much of...but now...EVEN MORE! thank you seth xo

Caterina Giglio said...

True Colors put me on the mixed media path... cannot wait for our book, again congrats, and success couldn't have happened to anyone nicer...

Miss Marple said...

Michelle certainly is one of my mixed media heroes! Thank you for sharing your book so generously! And of course lots of succes!!! - Irma

Jill Zaheer said...

It's finally here- the traveling book show of March's 31/31! This is going to be one heck of a ride and so glad to see Michelle starting off the celebration! Love reading about her and how you two first "met" and I can't wait to be able to meet her at your first offical book launch in New York!

Anonymous said...

Great way to start your 31/31 tour!! What fun!!

Maureen said...

Great kickoff, Seth. Looking forward to reading the entire 31 days.

Marian said...

Loved reading about Michelle and can't wait for your book to arrive!Congrats!

Marian said...

Loved reading about Michelle and can't wait for your book to arrive!Congrats!

Julie Prichard said...

(Non-entry)

Seth- congratulations again on the start of your most awesome journey (I mean everything has been so awesome already...you know what I mean) I am so proud to know you as my friend and I can't wait to see you non-skype. Nothing but the best to you!

chris fondi said...

very exciting. and to start with an artist i follow and admire so. thanks, seth

chris fondi said...

very exciting. and to start with an artist i follow and admire so. thanks, seth

Lisa H said...

When does the documentary get released?
You can FEEL that NYC energy buzzing and snapping all the way out here in Colorado.....

Great "Kick-Off"choice: Michelle and her artistic Wizardry.

*fastens seat belt*

Barbara L. said...

It has been so much fun reading your blog and "meeting" so many of the artists I have admired, including Michelle Ward. I look forward to more.

Bill said...

Alright. I like her. I relate to messy spaces. :O) Happy day 1!

Kathryn Dyche said...

Such a great introduction to the 31 artists. I can totally relate to the paint covered pj's. I'm on tender pins to get my copy of the book.

Unknown said...

Oh this is going to be a delicious month. Thank you Seth!! I'm feeling creative already and just have to make that first cuppa...and then I'm off. I see birds and dripping paint and moss. Please enter in my name for a chance to win this fabby giveaway. *smiles* Norma

Angela Wales Rockett said...

I love this: "it's about plugging in, getting messy, and seeing what emerges." So true.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea to post every day with a different artist. You are so very generous in your blog, and I admire that greatly. I hope I can win a copy of this marvelous book!

Paula Jarvis said...

Am so looking forward to receiving this book. Congratulations...

Jo Murray said...

Love Michelle's work (and Lisa Renner's). Although my copy of your book is coming from Amazon, I'd kill for a signed copy. I'd then pass the other on to a like-minded friend as a gift. Thus you'd have at least two copies somewhere in Queensland, Australia.

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful first post! i loved that piece in true colors too and yes, i think she will sign your copy -- she seems sweet as can be. :) this is all so exciting! i'm off to check out her blog now -- i love michelle's work!

Karen Isaacson said...

Michelle and her street crusades are the whole reason I started my blog. Great to see her profiled here!

Theresa Plas said...

Woohooo! Big congrats on your latest endeavor Seth! Way looking forward to all and enjoyed reading about Michelle today:)

Cheryl Connell said...

What a great idea! Looking forward to seeing all your artists.

Cheryl

tutto a posto said...

I just found your blog through Danny Gregory. Congratulations on the new book--can't wait to see it.

Barbara I. said...

I've always enjoyed Michelle's art. Thanks for spotlighting her on your blog today. And for the opportunity to win a book. How awesome!

Carol said...

True Colors was inspiration to change my art path to mixed media and journaling. And I love Michelle's work.

Carol said...

True Colors was inspiration to change my art path to mixed media and journaling. And I love Michelle's work.

Carol said...

Seth, congratulations on your book which is a must-have. I love your 31in 31 project and can see it will be an introduction to many wonderful artists.

Lyneen said...

I am looking forward to seeing all the featured artists this month... thanks for introducing Michelle will be following her blog!

Julia said...

Michelle''s work is very inspiring! Thanks for the chance to win!

Melody Joy Deetz said...

Loving all spotlights!!

Sandi said...

I'm so excited for your book Seth!! I know all of the featured artists are wonderful, but I have a soft spot in my heart for Michelle Ward. I've been an admirer of hers for years and was lucky enough to take my first workshop with her last fall! I really love all of your work too, and the blog is great!!!

Michelle said...

This is wonderful! I am fairly new to the art world and LOVE learning about new-to-me artists!

Your book looks like it is wonderful and my sincerest congratulations!

Michelle said...

This is wonderful! I am fairly new to the art world and LOVE learning about new-to-me artists!

Your book looks like it is wonderful and my sincerest congratulations!

CreativSpirit said...

Thanks for the chance to meet each of the artists and learn a little more about them.

Unknown said...

I love getting sneak peaks! What a nice way to start March...

Gaby Bee said...

I enjoyed reading about Michelle Ward and I'm looking forward to all the others.

Have a fab weekend!
Gaby

john said...

Seth, this is such a fun idea! I can't wait for your book to arrive. Hurry, Amazon!

John

Melva said...

I have been following Michelle's blog for sometime. Her work is off the scale. I have just arrived at your blogvia danny Grecory's. So it's double whammy to have the chance to win a prize as well.

Jan said...

Great start to the month. Love Michelle's art, and yours too.

Suzanne Bouchard said...

Congrats for your new book! Thanks for your gieaway. TRhank you for this article on Micelle Ward! She is my favorite mixed-media artists. I work with her stamps. She introduced me to art journaling through the Street Team venture. I thank her immensely for that. She took the "shy" out of me to go out and just do it. She is a very talented artist and a wonderful person too. I have not met her but I would take a class with her if she came to Canada.

Kate Burroughs said...

Loved reading about Michelle Ward. Congrats on the new book finally coming out!
Aloha, Kate

rivergardenstudio said...

This is going to be a wonderful month, all these juicy blog posts about these incredible artists, AND the book will be in my hands soon!
Not to mention that I get to really meet Michelle in person and spend time with you and "the panel"
Great job Seth, I think this time you have really out done yourself! Love your answers to the questions ! Get ready there are many more coming!
roxanne

Beverley Baird said...

I love |Michelle's work and so enjoy her crusades. She is so generous with her time and her talents. LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL IOF mARCH!

Julie Shackson said...

I'm sure she will! Who could refuse an autograph of someone who does so much for the mixed media community!
Enjoyed your first of the month post; looks like we're going to meet some interesting people.

Patricia Wolf said...

I know just how Michelle feels working from home in her jammies...I'm living the same life now myself. And this site is awesome!!

Denise said...

Michelle Ward's work is so much fun. I stepped out of my comfort zone after reading one of her blog posts one day, grabbed a couple of cans of pastel spray paint, doilies, and stencils and spritzed to my heart's content! Seth, thanks for offering this giveaway. ~Denise

CERULEAN said...

You're creating an art party!

Storyheart said...

So exciting to be introduced to a wonderful new artist--new to me that is. I love the idea of creativity crusades!

Kim Henkel Creations said...

I am so excited to see about the upcoming artists... Michelle Ward's work is amazing!

eb said...

Michelle is a gem - have enjoyed many a challenge on her blog - she is a wonderfully innovative artist and teacher...

xox - eb.

kathy McCreedy said...

Hi Seth,
Michelle is a marvel, no two ways about it... one of the most supportive and generous artists I've "met" on the internet. I love her, I love her work, and I love that you included her in your upcoming book! Cannot wait to see it, and I will gladly accept a signed copy, though I am happy to purchase my own copy! xoxo
K.

Sylvie said...

Hi Seth, I found out about your blog and book on Michelle Ward's blog. What a treat to see she is the first artist you present ! She is really cool.
I am looking forward to discovering all the artists you are presenting.
Well done!
Sylvie

Luna Art said...

Wonderful to read all about Michelle Ward, I really love her art journals.

Tammie Lee said...

I love how your artists, in your book, all have something different to share. Quite wonderful!

mankybones said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mankybones said...

Thanks for starting with Michelle. Love all of her rock references on her blog.

elle said...

True Colors, yes, ask her. Luv that book and Michelle's work is inspiring.

Sharmon Davidson said...

Michelle is an artist I was not all that familiar with, so I'm very excited about getting to know her work. I'm looking forward to 'meeting' all the artists- even the ones I already know!

Elizabeth said...

Great start to the 31/31! And it's good to know I'm not the only one who's pajamas are all paint speckled!

Laura said...

i also loved her art in "true Colors" and that book which turned me on to so many creative artists, as your book is doing
xo

Kathleen said...

I just "found" this series today and look forward to getting a glimpse into the lives of all these wonderful artists! What a great idea! Thanks for sharing these tidbits, Seth.

Anonymous said...

I, too, learned of Michelle through True Colors and was privileged to take classes with Michelle and other True Colors artists in California. What a once-in-a-lifetime event that was!

donna joy said...

look forward to this months' posts! Have to say, i was lucky enough to see her page in Lisa's book in person-truly stunning!

sukipoet said...

True Colors, such a wonderful book. Glad to see more of Michelle Ward's work here.

Shane Miller said...

Michelle....it is so nice to be introduced to your work. I am loving this idea of a daily destination for 31 days.

Dianne said...

Michelle's dedication to inspiring us is a wonder...her work is fun and colorful!

Thanks, Seth, for the inspiration you give to each of us!

Miss Heidi said...

Yummy stuff this is gonna be an exciting adventure and so many like minds.

Wendy said...

I love Michelle Ward. She elevates the whole crafty stencil thing to a masterpiece level. She's pure rock n' roll.

Anonymous said...

I'm really impressed with Michelle's work. I love to hear other artist's and this month will be really inspiring for me!

GlorV1 said...

Congrats on the book. In fact I d/l'd it yestereday on my Kindle Fire. Look forward to reading it.

Emma said...

I was so deep in this work that I forgot to comment, wonderful.

Jen Crossley said...

Michelle is such a wonderful artist and person so giving and sharing

susan in seattle said...

I love someone who admits to having paint jammies! My kinda gal. I've been working backwards from the 15th on this 31/31 giveaway and I can tell I'm going to have to get your book!

charlotte said...

Thank you for introducing me to Michelle! I love her work and have bookmarked her blog already! Thank you for this amazing journey!!!!

Chris said...

Enjoyed reading about Michelle. She is definitely an artist I admire. Thanks Seth!

HeARTworks said...

Michelle is awesome and has been very generous with teaching her techniques and sharing her passion! Patsy from
HeARTworks

Hope Amen said...

All the best on the book! Cannot wait to see all the gifted artists you spotlight!

Monika Aebischer said...

The book looks fab! What a great opportunity of having a chance to win a copy. But even if I don't win, I will definitely purchase one - especially because my friend Holly Dean is in it.