Vermont Printmaker

I'm Moving!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:40:00 +0000

hello all!

I have been working hard to develop the vision for my artistic life and future. After a great deal of soul searching and exploring, I have decided to skip, run, and jaunt in a new direction. Although in my heart I will always be a Vermont printmaker; I need to follow my heart and soul.

So, I am moving my blog and website to a self hosted site. I have chosen the name Art and Soul Journey. I think it encompasses all of the goals I have for myself and my creative biz.

For me it's not only about offerring my own art to the world. My work is also about helping others find their creative and spiritual center. The center from which they can grow and move forward in their lives. As a psychotherapist, I walk along with people in their journey. I have not only found it to be a science, but an art. I am excited about joining these two loves of mine and moving forward by beginning to integrate them both.

In the future I have big plans to work with people in many medium and venues. So, please check out my new site and hop on board my Art and Soul Journey.

See you in my new digs,

Michelle Turbide

printing day video

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:55:00 +0000

Finally I had some time to finish my video from printing a few weeks ago. I think it shows some of the process. I often mix monotype and relief printing using stencils, everyday objects, and layers of color.

Hope you have a fabulous and creative day.

nature's joke

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:26:00 +0000

We found this tomato in our garden when we were harvesting. Such a funny thing nature. It makes everything a little bit different. I think that is the way life should be. Like snowflakes we are all unique and no one is quite like another, even when they are similar. I think art in that way as well.

Last year my ladies art group did a challenge and we each created a piece from the same photograph. It was amazing how everyone interpreted that photo differently. They were all beautiful in their unique and mystical way. I love that about life.

Here is to being different.

printing day...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:35:00 +0000

I did tons of new work today. I am working on putting together a video of my printmaking process, so stayed tuned in the next few weeks.

Loving the Zen vibe lately. Sorry for the iffy pic but I wanted to get at least one of the new pieces out to you ASAP. I was feeling the zone today. Since I get only limited printing time I save up all my inspiration and ideas and go to town when the schedule allows. I guess that is one of the wonderful things I have learned as a parent. Take advantage of your creative time and make sure to use it wisely.

Looking forward to a long weekend. I am sure there are plenty of families in VT who are working hard to clean up their homes and businesses after the devastation of Irene. My heart goes out to you!

Lotus Love, Monotype, 8x10

Namaste.

How can I...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 03:25:00 +0000

How can I take myself seriously when I have a small voice at my side reminding me of the joy in life.

Yesterday, I spent the day with my daughter. I was so excited to leave the house after a day of hurricane weather (BTW sending love to all those affected by Irene). So, Marielle and I headed into "town" to got the free library for a story reading. We had a blast; listening, singing, and then playing with the mass of puppets behind the theatre opening.

We walked outside with our tummies grumbling, ready to go out to lunch for our girls day. My stomach sank to the ground when I looked around and said "where is our car?" It took a minute for me to realize that my car was gone. Most likely towed as the lot was half empty. No doubt an end of the month city clean up to gain some revenue. But I had money in the meter! This was all I could mutter.

When I heard that small voice "The wind blew our car away....!"

My heart and soul laughed out loud as I realized what a three year old makes of her world when we just experienced the "big storm." How a simple heart puts two and two together and draws a conclusion. The one that makes the most sense to her.

Well, how can I take myself seriously? How can I be mad when I knew that I had some overdue parking tickets. Boy do they go up when you don't pay them for 10 years! How can I teach her how to "listen to the rules" if I don't do so myself. While a few years ago I would have thrown a temper tantrum; my meditation, yoga, and mindfulness kicked in full force assisting me in remaining calm and centered. I accepted responsibility and did the best I could to make it an adventure for my baby love. I made a mistake and now we had to just deal with it.

A long phone call and a cab ride later. We were in the car headed for some food. (Thank god for mommy big purses with snacks stuck inside!)

Yesterday was a lesson in remembering to accept responsibility and let go of control. I couldn't force anything. I had to let go and be flexible. For me and for her, I had to focus on the joy rather than getting angry and allowing that to ruin my day. Once again, that little voice reminded me that you can make an adventure out of the most unfortunate of events. BTW she adored riding in a cab and talking about our car going to jail because mommy didn't follow the rules. Another side lesson; even mommy makes mistakes.

Here is to not taking ourselves too seriously, letting go, and embracing joy.

Namaste

let me explain a little more.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:33:00 +0000

So in re-reading my last post with some feedback, I realize that I have more to say on the subject. For many years, I denied who I was; an artist. I denied how important it was to express myself. I denied myself because of all the doubt and shame that kept me from standing up and shouting out my truth.

I think as a young girl and as a woman, like many others, I received messages about being demure, not speaking too loud, and the importance of putting others first. I learned practicality and settling on what is realistically obtainable rather than stretching myself and reaching for my dreams. It's not one thing or person in particular that created my fears and shame. Rather a combination of life experiences, cultural messages, and my own desire to please everyone. BTW, If you want a good book on shame and living life whole heartedly, make sure to read Brene Brown's book The Gifts of Imperfection. It is totally worth it.

As a newish mom, I am realizing that it is more important than ever to be true to who I am. To not apologize for my truth. To not apologize that I need time for me to lose myself in the creative process. If I don't have that, then I am only half a person. Half living. Half loving. And I want to live out loud people. I want to stretch myself and keep growing, as an artist, as a mother, as a wife, and as a woman.

That is not to say I shirk my responsibilities for taking care of me and mine. But, I have learned over the last few years how to prioritize. How to do a whole lot of creating in a short amount of time. How to capture fleeting moments and draw on them when I have studio time. In ways, it has made me more productive, more intuitive, and more stimulated.

So my last post was a declaration that I am not afraid to speak my truth anymore. (I find it useful to shout it out every once in a while.) To shout out that I will not apologize for being me and taking care of my need to create.

How do you take care of yourself? How do you make sure that not only is there a little left over for you but that you live out loud? Otherwise, how can we love the others in our lives fully?

So don't apologize anymore. My advice to you, make some time for yourself to nurture your passions and live out loud. I swear it is worth it.

Namaste.

forgive me for I am growing...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:41:00 +0000

Well, I am not totally sorry that I am growing. But I know that those I love most get the me who is working on all of this. Who is thinking and processing. I am going through a growth spurt. I am learning about myself and what I want. I am learning again what I am capable of, what makes me laugh, what makes me inspired. As I continue to shed the layers of what others see of me, I am inspired to see what I see in me.

As this video says. "Never apologize for what you were born to be." So I am sorry for those who have to endure my changes, but those who love me tell me they understand. They understand that growing is a part of who I am and what they love about me.

What inspires you? what were you born to do? What would you do if you could do anything?

new page updates

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 03:45:00 +0000

Happy Wednesday to you. Wanted to let you know I am continuing to make updates and changes to the old blog here. I have added a "my story" page. So make sure to check out the story of my art journey and what it means to me.

Here is a little Wednesday inspiration for you.

What decisions have you made today?

compassion

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:33:00 +0000

Parenting has been my biggest lesson in compassion. I have been stretched in beautiful and uncomfortable ways, particularly in parenting a now spirited three year old. I love that she has spirit, is creative, and knows what she wants. I want her to listen to herself and not be afraid to ask for what she needs.

I try every day to help her listen to her body and emotions, speak her mind, and negotiate through her little world. It can also be exhausting with a a capital E. I work with many parents who are struggling with keeping up with it all. Giving all they can. Doing all they can. I find myself giving words of advice that I most need to hear for myself.

Compassion. Remember they are growing and growing is hard and messy. Compassion learning about yourself is the most challenging journey of all. Compassion. You are human as well as a parent and you will make mistakes. Compassion. For them when they are struggling and for you when you are at your breaking point. Compassion. We are all in this together. No one is perfect and everybody struggles. Compassion. You are doing your best.

Sometimes I feel so exhausted to do it all. To be the kind of parent I want to be. The kind of wife I want to be. The kind of therapist I want to be. The kind of artist I want to be. And then I remember compassion. Take one step at a time. It is worth it to stretch myself into learning and growing because I want her to know and feel in her heart that she is just as beautiful, amazing, as talented as I think she is. That if mommy can continue to live out her dreams, that she can truly do the same.

Here's sending you a little compassion for your day.

Namaste.

Inspiration or Intuition???

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:28:00 +0000

Today I am thinking about intuition versus inspiration. As artists we talk about the creative muse; the mystical flow of inspiration that strikes us with a creative spark and give us vision for our expression.

But this morning as I walked by the block that I started last week (I often put works in progress out somewhere I can view them everyday.) This particular one is a wood panel that has been primed with gesso and mounted with a gelatin monotype print with lovely greens and browns.

I have been waiting to be "inspired" with what to do next. It suddenly called out to me what it needed. Then I thought to myself; was that inspiration or intuition. I think I would prefer to think of it as intuition. I had prepared the block with another idea in mind but something told me it didn't "feel" right. So, I did what any good artist would do. I put it aside and waited to see what it needed.

Over the last few years I have been working hard to listen to my intuition. You know, that gut feeling, that sixth sense, that tells you if something is right or not. My birthday is today. Yeah 38! Last year I did some soul searching over the summer and knew there was some big change coming in my life. Instead of going out and making change happen like I had done in my past, I waited and listened for it. I waited for intuition to speak and show me what my next big adventure would be. Sure enough, it did and I never second guessed what it told me. I took a huge step and left a very good paying job with a great agency. But I knew it was my time to leave. I knew intuitively that there was something else for me to be doing.

When I look back over my life, intuition has never steered me wrong. The only "wrong paths" I have taken have been when I ignored intuition for some more authoritative voice or my fears saying; that's not practical, you should do this.

So this year my birthday resolution is to keep listening to my intuition and to wait for it to speak before plowing forward on things based on fear, authority, or practicality. Now I know, thanks to intuition, what that block needs and how to finish it.

What is your intuition whispering to you?

A little zen for your Wednesday...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:42:00 +0000

I have been thinking a lot about how our thoughts shape our minds and in turn shapes our reality. How we perceive things based on our already existing beliefs about ourselves and others. Especially when we are stressed, depressed, or anxious, it is harder to see the learning in our experiences and the growth opportunities available to us.

I found this little video that gives some space to think about how powerful the mind and thoughts are and how we CAN influence our experiences by paying attention to what we are thinking and believing. It was produced by Katherine Center.

I believe we all have the capacity to be creative and live our lives passionately. And even with this strong belief, I often get lost in the world of my thoughts; what I think I can or can't do, what I think others want from me, and what makes me afraid.

Living life passionately and creatively means showing up every day and practicing mindfulness to be aware of when I am straying off course, when I lose my center, or when I am starting to doubt myself. When I am having a hard time creating it is often my mind convincing me that I need to be in control, or planting seeds of "not good enough." When this happens all I can do is stop, take a few long deep breaths, and start again.

What do you do when you feel like you have lost your center? What do you do to live your life passionately and creatively?

I know the feeling...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:27:00 +0000

This morning my daughter woke up a little earlier for a Sunday morning. Pre coffee, pre breakfast, pre waking up....she demanded to paint. There are many days I would say "I would love to paint with you, just give me a minute to [insert must do here]." Today I thought, I know that feeling. That feeling that you just have to create something. Like there is a fire in your soul and if you just don't get it out in that moment, it will be lost under all the 'have to dos' of the day.

I looked into her beautiful bright blue eyes and said "yeah, I know that feeling." We got out the paints right that minute and she created this piece, which she described as a "beautiful rainbow." I added the butterfly shape and with that she was satisfied and went onto other things.

By encouraging her creativity, I encouraged my own. The many 'have to' lists can wait until I satisfy my creative soul. Sometimes you just have to stop and paint the roses.

Here is a new one that I presented at the annual CIAO show in July. Thought you might like to take a peek. I have started mounting my monotypes on panel with mixed media to create a faux encaustic style. Utilizing wood panels instead of canvas has opened up the door to printing layers of images because I can send the panels through the press adding several layers of monoprint, relief, and other techniques to achieve more complex pieces.

Winter is Coming, mixed media monotype

Have a great Sunday. I hope you are inspired to stop and paint the roses.

a nice mention

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:27:00 +0000

I got a nice mention on this site listing 50 inspiring printmaking blogs. It also has some great links to printmaking information.

Thanks Emma!

sometimes you need a break...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:46:00 +0000

Well it has been a long break...

So many changes in my life. I guess I needed a hiatus for awhile. You know those times you move into yourself before you break out into a new level of growth? Well that is where I have been. I have been taking steps to align my life, work, and activities with my philosophy of healing, being creative, and following my dreams. As many working artists, I have a day time gig. As a clinical social worker, I have always worked for agencies with amazing missions; to help children and families. But over the last year as I did some serious soul searching and listened to my inner passions, I knew it was time for a change. So I left my agency job and opened up a private outpatient therapy practice. I am loving it. Working with many kids, families, and adults who are seeking to become clear about themselves and grow into their potential. Needless to say I have been very busy.

In the meantime, we had another successful CIAO show in July. I did another demo of gelatin monoprinting. Yes, gelatin.

In the process of finding my way through this growth period, I decided I needed some inspiration. So, I am taking the Kelly Rae Roberts e-course, Taking Flight. She pointed us to this video by Brene Brown on what gets in the way of conquering your fears. I found it so inspiring I have watched it twice even making my husband take a look. I thought you might find it inspiring.

Little article about the Island Arts show

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 02:50:00 +0000

Just wanted to share the little article about my Island Arts show in the Lake Champlain Islander, our local community paper here is the Islands of Vermont.

I feel so lucky to live in such a creative place that encourages artists to exhibit and share their work.

Island Arts Gallery Show

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:32:00 +0000

Just wanted to let you know I just hung a show at the Island Arts Gallery in the South Hero Inn located within the Merchants Bank in South Hero, VT. The show went up on October 8 and will be there for a month. Please stop by and check it out (banking hours of course!).

I am very excited to show some new work, including the mixed media pieces I have recently finished. Here is a sneak peak.

Several new prints on canvas with mixed media

Yours truly with Moonstones II

A closer look at

Rooting, mixed media relief on canvas

Please stop by and check it out!

Thanks,

I got rid of my studio...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:48:00 +0000

Leaving the Nest

Well I moved it anyway. I have been feeling for awhile that life with a two year old is not conducive to secluding myself in a studio. I wanted my work to be integrated into my daily life and to be able to work on things every moment that I could.

My process is to percolate and wait for the piece to reveal it's next move.

So over the course of the last few months I have been planning to move all of my studio equipment down to the main living area. A few weeks ago my brother was here to visit and he along with my strapping husband brought the very heavy and awkward press down the first floor.

Now I have a closet full of supplies, my press, and plenty of high counters to work on pieces while I have a few moments to spare. I have to say, my intuition was right. It is working and my printmaking has added an element of mixed media, pushing my work even further.

I have been using prints and mounting them on canvas, adding luscious gels, mediums, and a little bit of painting for a final finish. I don't have pics yet, but remember this print?

Forest on Fire

I had quite a few artist prints and they are evolving into a narrative. I am not sure where it will lead, but it is really speaking to me. I will post some pics soon.

For now, I am having fun, exploring, and working hard.

CIAO show

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:06:00 +0000

Autumn Growth, 12x16 Monotype

The CIAO show is this weekend and I have been busy matting and preparing pieces to go in the show. I have started mounting some prints on canvas and panels. I really like the effect and have even collaged some prints onto canvas this year.

I am excited to do this show for the second time. I can't believe how my work has evolved over the last year. I am in a different place and really enjoying it. I still have limited time to do work, but when I do I use all the images that have been percolating in my soul and they take on a life of their own.

Spring Rain, 14x15 monotype

This year I am doing a gelatin monoprinting demo at 3:00 on Sunday. The show is Friday through Sunday in North Hero at the newly renovated Community Hall on Route 2. Come and check out all the art and the demos that will take place at 11, 1, and 3.

See you there!

as the seasons change...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:42:00 +0000

I know, I know. It has been forever. I sweat I don't mean to ignore this blog, but life has been so busy. Marielle is almost 2 now and we live a crazy busy life.

I have been doing some work this winter when I can get in the studio, but there is so little time. If anyone out there has the answers to balancing mothering, life, and artwork, let me know!

Although I have not been able to do a great quantity of work, the quality has changed. The joy I feel in my life is coming through in my prints and things have taken a new direction. As the seasons have changed over the last year, I have realized how much I am affected by the cycle of the year and how it influences my work.

I am not sure that I can verbalize yet what this new series is about as it is still a work in progress. But, it is about the transparency of the beauty around us. Do you look around and see how beautiful the world is? Do you always see it or just when you have time? How much do you look and what do you choose to see? The busyness of our lives often gets in the way of how much we enjoy the magic of nature and wonders of the earth. We are so tuned in to facebook, blackberrys, and twitter that we don't really see the gifts right in front of us. I am just as guilty as anyone for using these vices, but I am working hard at being mindful this year and paying attention to life. And of course, it has shown up in the work that I am producing.

Here is a little peak at one of the pieces that I created. I donated this print to my friends fundraiser for her preschool. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to get a better photo of this particular print before I handed it off, but there are others. Sooner or later I will share them with the world.

This shows a little of my process as well. I am using a lot of stencils and layers of color which gives a sense of depth and texture. I am really enjoying myself with this series. So if I seem absent just picture me in my studio working away and it won't seem like I am ignoring the world out there. Only being mindful to take notice and express the beauty I see around me.

How time has passed...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Celebrate the Harvest, 11x17 Monotype

Wow it has been a long time since I have blogged! But I have been busy in the studio and working on some new monotype prints. This fall has gone so quickly and already the Vermont leaves have fallen to the ground and dried up. I am happy to say that I was able to utilize their inspiration while they were here.

Silos in Autumn, 11x17 Monotype

I have done some new work this week and need to wait for a sunny day so that I can photograph them. I have been using a lot of inspiration from walks in the woods and the spirit that I feel from Vermont. I love autumn. It is my favorite time of year, so naturally it is a season of great inspiration for me.

Don't forget

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:31:00 +0000

The CIAO art show is this weekend. If you are close to Grand Isle and want to come out, there will be over 60 artists represented! It should be a great showing. It starts Friday afternoon and goes all weekend. There will be demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. Here is a sneak preview of one of the pieces that I will have in the show.

See you this weekend!

New work and connections

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Last week was a very productive and inspiring week for me. I spent a lot of time with Marielle and we had a blast! She is such a good baby and I love her more and more every day. I was able to get some work done too! I finished two pieces.

These two sweet little prints are part of my fields series that I have been working on in monotype, but have now extended the series to relief prints. These two are done with BFK paper and Akua inks.

Akua inks are non-toxic and have a great consistency and wonderful colors, but there is a big learning curve to them. I feel like I am still learning them. The more I use them the more I feel like I am mastering them.

I went to the open Farm and Studio tour here in the Champlain Islands this past weekend. I was amazed to find so many wonderful artists here in my backyard. I got to talking with some of the artists and was extended an invitation to join a group that meets every Monday. They work on supporting one another and increasing their creativity. I went the other night and felt so welcomed. I feel like I have found a new home. I also joined the CIAO (Champlain Island Artists' Organization) and will be in their yearly art show which takes place next weekend. I am very excited to find a local community to connect with about art.

first day of Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:26:00 +0000

Today I went for a 50 minutes bike ride with my the new bike trailer I got for the babe. It was wonderful and such a gorgeous morning. She was a little uncomfortable with her helmet on, but fell asleep half way through and seemed to enjoy herself. I know I did!

I took advantage of her nap time and cleaned out my studio a little. I found a whole box of paper that I ordered months ago and had not even opened. Yeah! I am so excited to do some printing. I am hoping to spend good quality time with babe going to the beach in the mornings when we have nice weather... and tire her out! that way I can get a decent amount of time to do some printing. It's win win for both of us. Then bike rides in the afternoon.

Too bad that the next two days is forcasted for rain, but the end of the week looks good. So hopefully my plan will work. I have some ideas burning in my head for some monoprints. I have not been able to do any monoprints in months and months. So I am really excited to play around and do some experimenting.

So... the first day was productive. Let's hope it continues.

Inspiration to keep on track

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:45:00 +0000

Since I have decided to concentrate more on relief printmaking, the ideas have been churning and gestating in my soul. I have been doing a little bit of sketching. Not every day, but when inspiration hits I have been able to formulate and sketch a few good ideas to keep for when I have time to carve and print.

The ideas have continued to flow, and I have been inspired lately to try doing some block prints on fabric related items. I had considered doing screen printing, but didn't want to stray from my promise to stick to one medium for awhile and see where it takes me. I had done some reading of other artist blogs and websites and there are many artist who have had great success block printing right onto fabric! I have many ideas for some new children's wares, tea towels etc. I had a gift certificate from my father burning a hole in my pocket and I was waiting until just the right idea came along in order to use it. The other day I ordered some fabric inks from DickBlick and am waiting for them to get shipped. I can't wait to give them a try and see how my experiment turns out.

Oh, and on the smudge ink problems I was having with Akua intaglio inks that I used for relief, I emailed Susan Rostow, the owner of the business. She got back to me super quick with some ideas to try for my current prints and a few hints to use for future prints. I can't wait to give them a try. Thanks Susan!

new specs

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Turbide, an artist on a soul journey) — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:56:00 +0000

Check out my new specs. I went with a little bit of conservative because they are dark brown frames. but they have a flash of funk. The sides and inside rim are blue and they reflect a lot of light when you turn the right way. Great for the day job and good for my funky personality.

Not much art this week. I started printing a new series and don't have the right color of ink to do the next layer. I have been using Akua inks. I love them, but they are not drying the way I would like. I am using recommended papers, but when I use dry paper they still tend to rub color when touched. hmmm. Don't know what to do about that. Let me know if you have any suggestions. They work great when I pull monoprints with wet paper. But with relief work they tend to dry with a residue. Any suggestions?