YOU get to be in on the pre-release in 6 days! (if you are reading this as a blog or email newsletter subscriber— it’s not too late to sign up and get in on the early release!)
Hello, faithful friends! I am here to let you know that my new collection of small sculptural works will soon be released! Because some of you may not have had a chance to sign up (separate from this blog) for my email newsletter/studio updates, I wanted to include you in this special announcement (and if you do want to be included in future offerings that will come solely through that avenue, just click on the above link— thanks!). Here’s the scoop—
Watch your inboxes this coming Saturday, November 28, as I celebrate SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY with a private launching for you, as your love and interest deeply nourishes and supports me in my artistic journey. You will get the pre-release 2 days before the public and an additional 15% discount off any purchase as an expression of my thanks. I will be sharing more details on Saturday, so all you need to do, now, is mark your calendar and get ready to dive in— I can’t wait to fully reveal what has been on my work table and in my hands for many months! And just a reminder— this is a virtual release, only, and you will be directed to the entire collection, online. The release on social media will not be until Monday, November 30. If you have any questions ahead of time, just reach out and let me know :). The count-down is ON! Woo hoo!!
Because some of you may not be on social media, I wanted to share a brief description of the series and my posts from this past week, each sharing a bit of the essence that has gone into the creation of this special collection.
“CHANGE in our hands” ARTIST STATEMENT—
"Change comes in life, as surely as the color of leaves as we transition into fall, though not nearly as predictable and certainly, not always as joy-filled as the welcome radiance of our trees. While immersed in a season that brings challenge across the globe, how do we cope? We may find inspiration in the leaves, whose truth and inner color are revealed as they hold on, sustained by nutrients from deep roots and fueled by stored energy from the sun until they are ready to experience the gentle float down to the forest floor, where they renew the cycle of life. The example of the leaves offers a way… to find inner strength to face our fears, allow ourselves to accept our human vulnerability and continue to cultivate courage to strengthen compassion for each other and for ourselves as we strive to heal our precious Earth and its inhabitants. When we recognize the power to change what is in our own hands, we embody our hearts, holding the all-encompassing range that exists between beauty and loss, with our hope and life force at the center. These sojourners empower to carry our light into the world, one leaf at a time.”
Day 1: BEYOND WHAT IS FIRST SEEN
“In the midst of creating last year’s, “Metamorphosis” collection, I was squirreling away photographs of colorful and intricately-textured leaves that blanketed the beloved hills of Kentucky, holding gleeful quiet knowledge that they would transcend to new life when this autumn rolled around. Little did I know that a deeper meaning would be carried in these leaves from having experienced the profound change that continues to challenge us in this unforeseen time. Sustained by holding them in my mind’s eye for many long months as they percolated and gathered renewed energy, I felt sacred privilege to reimagine their inherent beauty in my hands. As with all of my art, I wonder what meaning and emotions they will evoke for you?”
DAY 2: DIVE INTO THE UNEXPECTED AND SEE WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER
“Once I got all my leaves photographed and edited, I studied and chose carefully, paying attention to areas of illuminated color, shape, texture, and line that captured my curiosity. Watching each emerge inch-by-inch from the printer, I could feel my excitement build as my stack grew from one to twenty leaves. Waxing them initially brought the color even more alive, only to be quickly clouded over, as layer after layer of beeswax medium obscured their beguiling details. When I cut out their basic outlines and began to excavate the patterns which lay hidden below the surface, I took delight in searching for the vague bits, still visible— but even more so, in carving my own sense of rhythm, intrigue, and space into these natural forms. Applying layers of powdered pigment onto the wax, observing the accumulation on carved ridges and valleys, my spirits were filled with delight as my hands eagerly began sculpting them into form, unexplored, in real life. Creating art that grows from the depths of natural beauty really is sacred privilege”.
DAY 3: WE ARE PART OF THE WHOLE… EACH OF US, LIGHT-FILLED LEAVES
“As the carving and sculpting of these individual leaves continued, I reflected on the many branches of connection that exists between the leaves. Although from different species of trees, they are all connected to their roots and nourished by the same sun and rain as every other leaf. Each had its part in creating a canopy of shade offered by the trees, singing unique notes in the orchestrated rustling in the wind. As autumn arrived, the glorious range of color was left in the leaves as the green drained away, each hue contributing to the painted canvases that dotted hillsides, fields, mountains and city streets and filled us with their beauty. I am fascinated by the parallel between the leaves and other living beings that are filled with light that sustains. My hope is that these leaf sculptures will reflect the ability to shine as we bring our unique light to this world.”
DAY 4: COLOR HOLDS MAGIC… AND ALLOWS US TO RETURN… TO CHILDLIKE WONDER
“I can distinctly remember searching earnestly for fallen leaves and holding them up to the light, turning them into stained-glass windows that mesmerized me with their illuminated glow as I gently held their stem between my small thumb and forefinger. Often, I would hold my breath, as if doing so might freeze this moment of magic…. How I love that the glorious display of color that resides in nature continues to be present our entire lives. When I make the time to seek, again, I am filled with the same awe and gratitude. Creating these leaf sculptures extended that experience for me, enabling me to capture this pause in the swift cycle of life so that I may continue to contemplate its splendor and meaning.”
DAY 5: HOW DO WE GROW THROUGH CHANGE? WE CARVE ONE LINE AT A TIME.
”The answer to this pervasive question may sound simple, but in practice it is quite challenging. All too familiar, has been the plowing full-steam ahead while figuring next steps mid-stride. These unprecedented times have called for abrupt changes in our lives, disrupting the familiarity of routine, contact with loved ones, and goals which previously proceeded without question— all blown off course as swiftly as leaves from branches during a storm. We still are resetting the moments in our lives— big and small— adapting every day to outside circumstances which necessitate change. As I took the plunge into transforming this large batch of wax-laden leaves into new beings, I told myself I needed to start with just one line, carving as quickly or slowly into each consecutive inch of wax until each was inscribed, end-to-end. Practicing trust in the flow helped me to find new rhythms in the pattern of lines, just as new ways of connecting and engaging as safely as possible in this strange new world have evolved.
Holding space for the truth of tremendous loss, struggle and pain so widely experienced, moments of beauty and compassion are all the more needed to sustain. While creating this collection, positive intention was poured into each line for all who are suffering and all who need respite and soft soothing offered through connection with nature. My wish is that these leaves transmit the energy of encouragement, validation, healing and hope as our journey continues.”
PEACE TO YOU, ALL, AND MUCH GRATITUDE FOR THE LIGHT YOU BRING TO MY LIFE AND INTO THIS WORLD. I WISH YOU SAFETY, GOOD HEALTHY, AND MUCH LOVE AS WE ENTER THIS SEASON OF HOLIDAYS…
LOVE, MICHELLE ❤️❤️❤️