I thought it worth mentioning this week the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is hosting a series ofexciting events associated with the United States Air Force from August 24th through August 29th.

The mission of the event is to bring together the Air Force and the general public and illustrate the incredible mix of services the people of the Air Force do.

It’s always a treat whenever I go to the Intrepid. The energy and movement available to draw is incredible. The planes are beautiful..the river is beautiful, so simple and complicated at the same time.

Air Force Weeks were established in 2006 by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Hope you too will take advantage of it.

My opinion is just that, an opinion. Whether or not there’s ‘a right’ or some think it ‘wise’ to build a mosque two blocks from where the World Trade Center crumbled – the timing is awful.

There are pivotal moments in history that require time and space for those who experience its chaos to process, accept, and heal from suffering caused by the choice of others. If the 9/11 Memorial was already established and there was confidence restored in the system ‘the right’ might be easier for many to acquiesce. But does that actually make it ‘right’ ?

Ironically this is a drawing I did six years before 9/11.

Who knew then what it would mean to me now? Michele

It’s hard to believe just 5 days ago Chris and I were each standing in prayer at one of the holiest of sites, the Western Wall in Jerusalem, otherwise known as the “Wailing Wall”. At times tens of thousands of people gather here from all over the world to pray.

Although separated by a partition respectfully dividing men and women, we came back together afterwards and shared that we both experienced something truly indescribable, a moment sure to be treasured for a lifetime. Here is a drawing done as soon as I returned to our hotel in an attempt to capture the essence in time. Standing in gratitude, Michele

With such picture perfect weather,                                                                     undeniably yesterday was the most incredible day to be out and about in New York.                          It would have been sinful not to taking advantage of the day’s offering.

I am lucky enough to live across the street from a park with a small lake,                   (or maybe one would call it a big pond), filled with lots of turtles, coy and large goldfish, deliciously tempting for even the novice fisherman.

Below are two girls I really enjoyed watching. My guess is they were talking, dreaming, and planning the rest of their summer days under the willow tree since school just let out this week! Remember that time?

This guy was incredible. He circled the lake twice to catch the fish, instead of waiting for the fish to bite. I think he had a system, hehe, (didn’t look like he had much luck though). Let’s hope Mother Nature graces us with more magnificent days like the one we had!

Teachers, friends and books … three simple words, but they mean so much. This past Monday Dominick and I were having a conversation about art and asking what does it take for an artist to truly reach their potential?

So I shared with him something my Kabbalah teacher Sarah told me last week, (it was a real ah-ha moment and one worth a million treasures). She said that in order for a person to reach their fullest potential in life it’s critical they look at their environment and only surround themselves with what will nurture their path. (What doesn’t MUST GO!) She said there’s 3 elements in life key to fulfillment. Those 3 were … teachers, friends and books.

And so I took a look … I and my friends at the studio have been fortunate to have had the greatest of teachers, for whom without we’d never have set our heights as high as they are and yes, still learning from him.

Friends are what we are to each other, (for that I am forever grateful), and books? Well, if you know one of us, (or all) you know; our books are our lifeline. We can’t ‘be’ without them.

Take a look today at your environment today and settle for nothing less. It’s worth it, Michele

A study for a painting currently on the board. The letters are from the Aramaic alphabet and the sequence is called unconditional love.

The image of the pelicans this past week covered from head to toe in oil left such an indelibly painful impression on my heart. It’s so sad to see the how much devastation is happening to the ecosystem in the gulf. In response I thought I’d share one of my favorite poems, (which ironically seemed quite appropriate for the emotion).              Something to think about …   Let’s hope this tide moves swiftly - Michele

To see a World in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wildflower.                                Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour.

Auguries of Innocence, I-William Blake

This is my piece for Spring: “umbrella.learn.pretty”

In response to the earthquake in Haiti, the illustrators of Studio 1482 have each donated art to raise money on behalf of the victims in an effort to support the appeal for funds by CARE, a leading humanitarian relief organization. From January 19th until Feb. 8th please visit onedrawingaday.com to see how you can participate by donating $50 to CARE.

Below is the art I created for the fundraiser: ”Help is a verb”

In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible cresent) after the Vernal Equinox (the first day of spring). For most countries the official day of celebration is marked just 2 days away from today, on January 1st.

It’s a symbol of renewal and an opportunity to plant new seeds of thought, a new way of seeing the light in things … So in keeping with tradition I’m taking some time this week  to reflect on 2009, in all it’s way, to review what it brought and what I’ve learned from it. And as I till the soil with 2010 just hours away .. and water the thought … and nurse the vision for another day ……   I realize the answer’s been in the seed all along.

Happy am I, healthy am I, holy am I.

Here’s to endless possibilities! – Michele ]]> http://www.michelebedigian.com/2009/12/29/a-cup-of-kindness-yet/feed/ 0 http://www.michelebedigian.com/2009/11/12/bringing-her-to-life/ http://www.michelebedigian.com/2009/11/12/bringing-her-to-life/#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:43:00 +0000 Michele http://www.michelebedigian.com/?p=391

Last Saturday I had the privilege to attend the commissioning ceremony of the USS NEW YORK (LPD 21). Traditionally the commissioning of a naval vessel is a time of celebration, the welcoming of a new shipand its crew to the fleet. It’s a symbol of our national pride and steadfast resolve. Yet on that day, I have to share, it meant even more. It’s been eight years since our country was attacked.

What makes the USS NEW YORK so special is what it’s built from. There’s 7.5 tons of sacred steel recovered from the World Trade Center site that’s been forged into its bow with the intent to Never Forget.

Above is a page from my sketchbook that afternoon. It was done the moment they were setting the orders in place to bring the ship to life.

This drawing of a NYC firefighter was done while listening to one of the Commanders speaking. The Commander was sharing an “official” letter given to him by a an FDNY Captain dated September 15th, 2001 –  just three days after the collapse. The letter said that at that time (9/15/01) he was unable to relieve 343 of his men from duty – for they were missing and still considered “active”.

As expected, there were several dignitaries in attendance. Among them stood our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. I think one of the most moving and memorable things she said was “By commissioning this ship today, we’re noting the best and the worst of humanity… and sometimes we are stronger in the broken parts.” I couldn’t agree more.

Being present to see the order to man the ship and bring her to life was a gift me, my Dad and those affected by 9/11 will forever hold in our hearts.

To all the crew and commanders of the USS NEW YORK,  I pray your journey be true and may you always return home safely. Welcome and thank you – Michele

all drawings are copyright material by mbedigian©2009 ]]> http://www.michelebedigian.com/2009/11/12/bringing-her-to-life/feed/ 0