Shell Artistree

Holiday Open House - Roadtrip anyone?

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Please join us for our annual Holiday Studio Open House. We'd love to see you!

click here to view the Invitation: 2009 Holiday Studio Open House

MitzvahArtistree.com Website Re-Design is Complete!

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:21:00 +0000

I am so proud to announce the re-launch of our Mitzvahartistree.com website!

Our newly designed site showcases our artistic, Eco-Friendly B'nai Mitzvah Invitation collections and thoughtful gift ideas for honoring this milestone celebration. I have been busy painting several new designs for the season and am excited to share them. I hope my art inspires and delights you and your child!

~Shell

Resources and Credits:

Promise Bat Mitzvah Invitation

Artist: Michelle "Shell" Rummel

A Girl's Gotta Do, What A Girl's Gotta Do....

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:33:00 +0000

This week, I've done my best to block out distractions (Twitter, Blip, unannounced studio visits, Twitter, long lunches ...did I mention Twitter??)

If I seem quieter than usual, it's only because I am working hard behind the scenes to re-launch our Mitzvah Artistree website. As anyone who has ever designed a website knows, the process feels a bit like moving a mountain.

The www.mitzvahartistree.com website showcases our popular B'nai Mitzvah Invitation collection. Our invitation designs are literally flying out the door lately and our original website couldn't keep up. We have spent the better part of 4 months redesigning and restructuring the site to make it more user friendly and visually beautiful. It has been a massive undertaking, requiring hours of focused dedication from my wonderful staff. The website is almost ready to re-launch (fingers crossed & holding of breath). I expect we will go "live" any moment now. It looks fantastic and we know it will do good things for my art.

In the meantime, la la la la la....I can't hear you. Shhhh.... I am busy working.....;)

~Shell

Cool Winds Wrap Me

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:49:00 +0000

I beg the summer sun to linger longer (the music's still playing...come, dance with me?) but it only laughs as it dips deep and slides electric into the shadows...leaving me standing naked and alone.

Cool winds wrap me...can't get warm.

I shiver.

Sheltering leaves blanket me as the last of bluegreen summer scent floats towards fingertips and drips down bark, over bare shoulders....

Resources and credits:
Meant To Be - original watercolor painting by Michelle "Shell" Rummel
Poetry by Michelle "Shell" Rummel
© Michelle "Shell" Rummel

A Comfort Beyond Words

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:09:00 +0000

You must habit yourself to the dazzle of the light and of every moment of your life...

~ W. Whitman

I always feel an inherent sadness as the last days of summer slowly roll by. August into September, this transition, leaves me aching for the warmth of summer sun, gone too soon as we slide swiftly into September. I find myself missing the heat well before it's even gone. Yes, a true artist's soul, complete with just a touch of melancholy angst.

In times of transition, I look to surround myself with comfort of mind, body and soul. A fresh new book... Rest, if my body will accept it...Music to bring inspiration or to steady my breathing... Those I love, pulled even closer to wrap my heart warm.

And then there's Walt.

I carry a small condensed pocket classic edition of Walt Whitman's Song of Myself with me everywhere I go. Tiny enough to fit within my hands, each morning I sift through the tattered dog eared pages looking for phrases of inspiration, energy, purpose to begin my day. Each evening I look once more for his magic words to calm, to soothe, to reassure. A master at visual imagery, Whitman's epic poem, a celebration of self as it relates to the magnificent beauty of the earth, sky and world around him...wonderfully exuberant, spiritual, soulful, sensual, playful, peaceful and at times, a little heavy handed as well. All elements and words combine with grace...part of his charm for sure and for me, the ultimate guilty pleasure...a comfort beyond words.

Farewell beautiful summer sun....

Credits and resources: Walt Whitman Song of Myself, Shambhala Pocket Classics

Edited by Stephen Mitchell

You Just Know It...When It's Right

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Several weeks ago, one of my favorite people on twitter, Steve Finikiotis (@finikiotis ~YES, follow him! He is elegance, eloquence, intelligence and compassion combined!) posted a link to a marvelous interview by Charlie Rose of iconic French Photographer, Brigitte Lacombe. It was a long interview but well worth the time investment. Lacombe offered a poignant and informative insight into her process of capturing the world's most beautiful and interesting faces on film. The interview coincided with the launch of her newest book titled 'anima/persona'.

Lacombe, arrestingly beautiful in her simplicity, was clearly anxious in front of the camera. I listened and watched intently as Rose skillfully led her through a series of gentle and intimate questions that allowed her to talk freely about her passion...it was fascinating and endearing to see her soften as her words began to flow with more ease. The more she spoke, she charmed me (and obviously, Rose as well) and by the end, I considered myself a fan for life.

Lacombe explained how capturing an image is most often instinctive...there are no words to describe 'how' it occurs, rather it is the feeling of the moment, without thought. Her job , she said, is to put her subjects in the best light, acknowledging that the best photos are ones where the subject is fearless, giving up his/her will, in essence surrendering to the moment. When it is 'there', visually, you just know it.

Naturally, as an artist myself, Lacombe's words resonated deeply. Some of my best work has come during moments of surrender. Creativity often flourishes when the walls of boundary and constraint are gently lowered. For me, when I am painting and the colors mix and melt and the line and design flows with grace and purpose, well... as Brigitte would say, you just know it.

A mysterious large and heavy package recently arrived on my doorstep. As I peeled away the wrapping, to my complete surprise, I discovered I was holding Lacombe's book, 'anima/persona' within my own two hands. A belated birthday gift from my family, proving that they actually do hear me when I wax poetic about the things that move and inspire me. This magnificent book, a collectors dream, is a stunning collection that I will forever treasure.

~Shell

Credits and Resources:

The interview...please watch when you have time to truly enjoy and absorb. It's lovely, I promise... http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10512

The Book: Photographer Brigitte Lacombe, anima/persona http://www.artbook.com/9783865216441.html

Special thanks to my dear friend, Steve Finikiotis for being a constant source of positive inspiration. Please visit Steve's blog and you'll quickly get a sense of how unique this gentleman is: http://ospreyvision.com/blog/steve/
And on twitter: http://twitter.com/finikiotis

She Swayed Me

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Am here between the earth and sky, floating, rolling, wondering why. It's taking so long to be found...I barely breathe... no sound.

But then, you find me in the grass, hold me tight and make it last. Take my hand in yours, you'll see...it fits just right, this part of me...

It's clearly meant to be.

You'll feel me slide beneath your skin, anchored to your soul within. Setting sun and sinking sky, wind sways but you won't question why.

You'll only know that this feels right, this swaying onset of nights light. So lay with me, let's dream, let's sleep...sway with me, into the deep.

Credits and Resources:
She Swayed Me, Original watercolor painting by artist, Michelle "Shell" Rummel
Original Poetry by Michelle "Shell" Rummel
All artwork © 2009 Michelle Rummel

I'll Be Here...

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:56:00 +0000

When the dawn is due,
Before the rays reach me,
I'll be here.
Waiting and watching.
Looking and hoping.
Maybe I'll be the one...
To discover the mystery of you.

Credits and Resources:
I'll Be Here- Original Watercolor Painting by artist Michelle "Shell" Rummel
All artwork © 2009 Michelle Rummel

Staying Connected...

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:20:00 +0000

…Don’t it always seem to go

That you don’t know what you've got

Till its gone… ~ Joni Mitchell

Not to be melodramatic, but for a few alarming hours yesterday, Twitter crashed. For those of us who have embraced this social media phenomenon, Twitter crashing felt like losing a most beloved well worn address book, complete with all the handwritten notes, scribbles, business cards, doodles, cross outs and redirect arrows in the margins.

Twitter is about connecting and sharing with people. And while I acknowledge that my initial focus for tweeting was professionally based and that many purposeful business contacts have indeed been born because of it, what has evolved for me personally is entirely different.

There are many creative, smart and witty folks within the Twitter community…the key is finding and following the quality among the quantity. I am fortunate to have followed a handful of truly lovely strangers who I now call, friend. I find it fascinating that meaningful, fulfilling relationships can be forged even with limited communication tools…In 140 characters or less, we have shared our work, our passions, our music, our inspiration, our art, our politics, our poetry, our words…ourselves. The character limit forces conciseness of thought in each exchange…alluring on its own and yet occasionally frustrating…sometimes it seems, there is so much more to say.

Twitter’s crash, brief as it was, opened my eyes to the reality of a semi virtual world where, in the blink of an eye, we can all be involuntarily disconnected. Special ones who have gotten under my skin (oh, you know who you are), I take this moment to tell you how real and dear and valuable you are to me. You fill me and for that, I will now hold you even closer.

Shell

Come follow me on Twitter

http://twitter.com/shellartistree

"I wanna hold your hand" image, courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/batega/1865482908/

Artist Inspiration~ Egon Schiele

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Austrian Painter, Egon Schiele (1890-1918)

"At present, I am mainly observing the physical motion of mountains, water, trees and flowers. One is everywhere reminded of similar movements in the human body, of similar impulses of joy and suffering in plants." E. Schiele

I had the pleasure of closely viewing many of Schiele's drawings and sketches at the Neue Galerie in New York a few years ago. His figurative works are easily defined by the detailed bone structure he managed to capture...the bones, muscle and joints beneath the skin. Notable was the absolute delicacy of each often heavy, line...a talent to express strength, grace and sinew all within the same line...don't you think?

Having studied and worked alongside fellow Modernism heavy weights such as Gustav Klimt and Oskar Kokoscha, many of his portraits, erotic in nature, have a tense beauty that seems to come from within. Schiele favored geometric shapes and his portraits have a twisting, bending, jerky, angled presence about them. Favoring a muddier palette, his work was often punctuated with jolts of intense color. His paintings and sketches are both visually stunning and unnerving at the same time.

Shell

Fall For You...

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Fall For You

Then she was there
In his dreams day and night
Crept inside his soul, snuggled in
Surprised them both
How simple it was
To surrender to it, and freefall...

Afternoon Shadow

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:17:00 +0000

When the sun starts to sink,
The colors of the earth begin to melt together.
All is slow and quiet... and I can breathe.

Resources and Credits: Fine art original watercolor and Poetry by Michelle "Shell" Rummel
http://www.poetreestudio.com/afternoonshadow.asp
All artwork and Poetry © 2009 Michelle Rummel

Peaceful Painting Day

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Shell, painting... working on her newest watercolor design, inspired by the ocean blue.

Free Style

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:35:00 +0000

One morning, while on my recent trip to the ocean, I woke before sunrise and walked to the beach. A quiet place, the beach, at that early hour, I savored those moments of solitude…just me, my ipod in hand, walking along, searching for shells, in anticipation of the rising sun.

I soon came upon a man who was floating along in the cold Atlantic current. At first, I barely noticed him, his presence was so calm and quiet, as if one with the waves. And since one of my favorite things to do is to simply watch people as they move within their own space, I silently sat at the place where the softness of sand meets the smoothness from receding waves. Me, a meditative, quiet form, sitting patiently, breathing slow, listening to my music, just watching him float and roll with the water flow.

It was some time before he noticed me there, but when he did, I perceived a brief moment of self consciousness wash over him. He casually looked around to see if it might be someone else I was intently gazing at…something else within my path of vision. Resigned, he now left the passiveness of floating and began to swim…beautiful long arm strokes, kicking legs slicing the surf spray. He dove headfirst through oncoming waves…stood, shook his head, ran his fingers through his hair, spun around and around. He was clearly enjoying being watched, being noticed. And I smiled because I was joyfully watching him, happy to give him this moment in the early morning sunshine spotlight.

And it occurred to me, isn’t this what we all want? To be noticed in a gentle, non obtrusive way ~ To be appreciated for the good we inherently possess and have to offer ~ To not be judged by others for decisions we make and paths we choose ~ To be allowed the freedom to just be, in stillness or movement, however we wish within our own spaces?

We all move about so quickly in the daily chaos that is our lives. Take a moment to breathe deep, notice, appreciate and share the beautiful, unusual, unexpected gifts that are all around you. They are there…just open your eyes and ...watch.

-Shell

Words and Photo credit: Michelle "Shell" Rummel

Wave Study- work in progress

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:58:00 +0000

The ocean waves roll in and out...Quick Wave Studies for a new watercolor painting I am currently working on.

I would love it if you would take a moment to look and leave a few words for me...can be feedback or simply your thoughts on the work or subject. From your comments, I'll choose my favorite(s) and send the author(s) of those favorite(s) a free print when the painting is complete.

This watercolor is still a work in progress. Your words might inspire...take a chance...

Shell

Do You See Yourself?

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:04:00 +0000

I went to the sea to rest my soul, restore my body and refocus my mind...

Each early morning, I rose solitary, walked towards the waves with the still sleepy warmth of the sun on my face. Barefoot, I walked along the edge of the breaking sea as it gently washed over my toes.

I searched for seashells fresh from the sea. A specific search...a mission of love. I scooped them up with dripping fingers and cradled them, protected them, loved them. Do you see yourself in my collection? Look deeper...each represents those who have made an impact on my life or brought something to me....the gifts of understanding, a fresh perspective, laughter, patience, creative inspiration, simple kindness. If you've gotten under my skin (you know who you are;)) look even deeper....

When I was tired, I sank in the sand and thought a while. I meditated about my art and the business of art...about how to lead my studio gals to where we need to be. I reflected on the love of family and friends that wraps tightly around me...I am truly lucky. I resolved to let loose things I cannot change. I asked for balance, wisdom, grace and clarity to find me, if I call.

I went to the sea to rest my soul, restore my body and refocus my mind...Thank you for your company. It was a pleasure to find you there, precious gifts at my fingertips.

Much love,

Shell

Sway Me

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Take my hand and sway with me.

I'll float along in the current of you...

Pull me close,

Feel my heartbeat staccato pulse dance.

Hide me in the folds of your love.

Keep me warm.

Sing to me and share your words.

And when my eyes grow heavy,

Let me rest...cover me in cotton and sing me to sleep.

Sway me.... I'm yours.

Sway, original watercolor painting, by artist, Michelle "Shell" Rummel

To The Sea....

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:35:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I need only a few things in life to keep me truly happy; The love of my beautiful family & friends, painting time, a good run, DARK chocolate, the warmth of the sun on my skin and my fingertips dipped deep in the ocean at least once per year.

I am headed to the beach today for much needed rejuvenation. I'm a tired woman (artist, boss, mama, wife, friend) and I need to rest. A friend of mine recently said to me, " You are like a spring constantly flowing out...sometimes the spring needs to rest from giving to the world and those around them" Indeed. I loved that image...it resonated deeply with me and really, I couldn't have said it better myself. It is exactly how I feel.

So, I am off to the Sea. Will look for beautiful Seashells to add to my studio windowsill. Will think of all of you in the quiet of my mind...you're never far from where I am. And I hope to come back restored, refreshed, at peace and filled with new creative inspiration to share.

Much love...

Shell

Come Paint With Me...

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:34:00 +0000

"I found the experience to be enlightening. It was like reading a book while writing the story...Phenomenal experience."--J.

"Come paint with me" I said.

"When?" he said.

"Anytime..."
And with this, the idea was planted.

My friend, Jason had never painted with watercolors before and wanted to give it a try. I loved the idea of having company while I painted, so I invited him to visit my studio. We set up the paints, I let him choose his brush, I turned on the music and after a brief lesson ("...add more water to let the paint flow free; less water gives more control; if you add white to blend your pigment you'll have a more opaque finish...") we sketched and began to paint.

You learn alot about another person when rambling with paintbrush in hand... Jason is great company. He laughs easy and he tells a great story. Sometimes it was silent all but for The Shins or Pat Metheny or Jesse Harris or John Legend playing in the background. It was the most peaceful, calm moments I have had in some time. Thanks J...

Come paint with me...

Who's next?

Scars Are Beautiful

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Knots

I love scars. Roadmaps of a life, honoring personal challenges, reminding us of who we used to be, and how far we've come. It's often the little things that make us stronger and ultimately, more beautiful.

-Shell

Knots~ Artist Michelle "Shell" Rummel

Summer Camp

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Summer camp

Just seven years old, and the long, warm summer days were filled with:

Swimming in the cold, murky lake and learning to braid damp hair.

Hearing my voice for the first time, I sang into a microphone, Midnight At The Oasis with all the wrong words.

Pretending to like archery...

The thing I remember most was playing jacks and marbles in the afternoon. There was something comforting in the way the side of my small hand would graze the earth before gathering the scattered jacks.

Moments of predictable, orderly chaos. Familiar and safe, filled with laughter and sunshine.

Summer Camp- artist Michelle "Shell" Rummel

You Will Hardly Know...

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:19:00 +0000

"You will hardly know who I am or or what I mean,

But I shall be good health to you nevertheless,

And filter and fibre your blood.

Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged,

Missing me one place search another,

I stop some where waiting for you."

--Walt Whitman

Painting: She Swayed Me: Artist Michelle "Shell" Rummel

Song of Myself: Walt Whitman

A wedding Video to Remember

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Brian & Eileen's Wedding Music Video. from LOCKDOWN projects on Vimeo.

This makes me want to get married all over again, just to shoot the fun video...(well, almost). This is a creative joy to watch...love it and wish I was there.

-Shell

Sneak Preview....New Watercolors and the Inspiration Behind Them

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:16:00 +0000

A new design I am working on...a simple watercolor butterfly that will grace the front of one of our newest products, Women's T's! The T-shirts arrived this week and are gorgeous! And, just in case you think I would feature my art on just any old T-shirt, let me share that we searched for months, tried on sample after sample to find the perfect shirt that was worthy and trust me, these babies are lovely...really beautiful, super soft cotton with great cut and fit. I'll let you know when they are ready for viewing.

And on a not entirely unrelated note, I'd like to give a shout out to a new Twitter friend, whose beautiful piano compositions kept me company during my painting yesterday. His music (my favorite is "Pristine") was the backdrop during my latest creative burst and so I just wanted to say, "Thanks Loren! Your work is cool". Check out a sampling of Loren Digiorgi's work at http://www.lorendigiorgi.com/

And speaking of Twitter, yes, I tweet and yes, come follow along! I'll admit I am borderline obsessed, but all good things deserve ample attention! Where else can you share your thoughts about life, inspiration, art, studio time, family, sleep or lack thereof?? I ramble often about all of these things. Besides, there are many wonderful people there, looking to connect and share with you. Come join the fun! http://twitter.com/shellartistree

--Shell

The Best Personalized Wedding Gift

michelle@shellartistree.com (Shell Artistree) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Sometimes the best ideas come straight from our clients!

We recently launched a new Jewelry collection and have been offering our beautiful glass lockets with several of my art designs tucked beneath the glass. We envisioned this being a great gift that a Bride could give to her Bridesmaids, especially since each locket can be personalized with a different art design. I still think this is a brilliant idea. But, guess who has been scooping these beauties up? The Grooms! Seems they had a better idea in mind…a one of a kind Wedding gift, from Groom to Bride on wedding day.

We are pleased to offer our glass locket collection, now available with your wedding date printed on one side, and a design from your chosen Ketubah on the other.

Please view all of our beautiful and unique wedding jewelry collection here.

--shell