Michele Bedigian

Studio 1482 HAITI FUNDRAISER

Michele — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:51:11 +0000

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”

a cup of kindness yet

Michele — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:24:07 +0000

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

winter’s gift

Michele — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:05:18 +0000

Sunday morning we made sure to set the alarm for 6am. Anticipating the first snowfall this season, (I mean real snowfall, the kind that makes you think twice before leaving the house) we wanted to be out, and out early, to seize the offer of that precious hour just as day breaks.

It was Winter’s first gift, The quiet of a Sunday morning magically hushed even more by the buffer of fresh white snow. This was the kind of moment that makes it soooo easy to hear your soul speak and appreciate life’s wonders.

And then it happened .. like the sound of a locust on a warm summer’s eve. Before we knew it, our silence broke. Vibrations of the almighty snow blower revved it’s engine as it came closer and closer. If I knew any better I’d say this disturbance was nothing more than testosterone “battling another for the mystical blue ribbon on the slopes of sidewalk way”. Those who had one in hand dominated the snow, feeling ever so proud of their new found power, while those who did not looked on with envy at the efficiency of modern technology…or maybe not.

I was determined not let this interruption disenchant my day. So with an arsenal of hot chocolate, a few pencils and my handy dandy notebook I started to draw…

There he was, my Chris, diligently shoveling to clear my parents walkway. My Dad (seen above) and the neighbors never far behind him tending to the lighter loads of snow. Yes! ! ! this was the image I had in mind .. nothing like a communal effort of kindness to illustrate the wonder of the season!

So if Sunday was any indicator of what’s to come it’s sure to be a memorable one! Here’s to a healthy and happy New Year for all! - best wishes, Michele

Tis the season

Michele — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:28:03 +0000

… in Rockefeller Center

There’s a joy of skating in the middle of Manhattan I’ve never been able to find anywhere else.

As I look up from the ice it’s 8pm. The night’s sky (as expected) is replaced by the vision of lights on this years Christmas tree. There’s cars and people everywhere! They’re moving east, moving west, left, right, up, down. All with an agenda. Although it might appear chaotic there’s a rhythm to the way this crowd moves that’s just so inherent to New York City. It’s as if each person intuitively knows exactly where the other one is going. When done correctly, it’s an urban two step that’s undeniably quite impressive, (and not so easy to learn).

And yet with all the energy stirring about there’s still something so timeless, so constant about Rockefeller Center that I know I can depend on.

There’s always a place to shop, a place to eat, a place to pray, a place to wonder and even a place to sit.

.. and there I am , lovin’ every minute of it … ’tis the season!

“bring her to life”

Michele — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:43:00 +0000

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

home away from home; Newport,RI

Michele — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:22:21 +0000

A long acquainted sister to Mystic’s busy shore . It is early Sunday, here in Newport, Rhode Island. Ah, the crisp morning air feels so good as I’m graced by the essence of fresh coffee and warm fudge being prepared for the day’s sales. The familiar is genuinely comforting. I draw, but am not alone, as the spirited folk who tiptoe by whisper greetings of “mornin’ … mornin’ to ya” (ever so careful not to waken the weary). The crumbled sound of the morning paper rustles about. The bells toll for first service.

So it is most Sunday’s in Newport - generously simple.

Transcending Time on 9/11

Michele — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:49:12 +0000

This September 11th it rained … and rained

… and rained here in New York. One might’ve called it tears of angels.

It was a tender day for the many who were reminded of the destruction we had experienced 8 years back. For me, personally it’s always been a painfully sad day. So each year I try to do something special to ease the heart. This one was no exception. I had the privilege of seeing Andrea Bocelli perform at Carnegie Hall. He was accompanied by the New York Philharmonic and the world renown conductor Asher Fisch. Words are few that can illustrate the beauty of such heavenly sound. All I can say is that it truly did transcend time and for that, I am grateful.

One thing I didn’t know was a small fact about the orchestra that couldn’t be any more appropo … “In February 2008 the Philharmonic made a historic visit to Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. It was the first performance there by an American orchestra and an event that was watched around the world for which the Philharmonic received the 2008 Common Ground Award for Cultural Diplomacy.” What a glorious movement! It’s one that so easily can be embraced by Despina’s concept for “End Terrorism Day” . Think about it , music connecting lives from country to country. It’s a language that crosses all borders. So simple - yet so incredibly powerful.

If only…

medium?: a ballpoint pen I stole out of my Mom’s pocketbook ………………….. paper: why the type? it was the evenings PLAYBILL (actually it was the only thing available, no excuses)

The gift

Michele — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:36:16 +0000

In my world, today is no ordinary Monday. It’s August 31st. In the past this day was filled with Birthday cake, memories of laughter, and of course plenty of gifts. Back then, with every effort to make this day “extra special” for him - it became extra special for me. Yet now it’s different, and I find myself every 31st of August sadly filled with silence and a drive to Greenwood, (the place he once said was the most beautiful cemetery he’d ever seen). Today’s visit though was a little different. It took years after his death for me to draw again, (really draw again). So in honor of his Birthday (and to give him one more gift) I decided to do just that, draw him a picture.

Happy Birthday my Carl! - with each day, xo Michele

Parading about town

Michele — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:42:42 +0000

happy happy happy

go the animals

as they parade through the African village in Animal Kingdom

happy   happy   happy   am I  to be drawing them

Drawing this parade was really an adventure. There was no room to stall, no room to judge. I had to be quick and trust my instinct! When I looked a little harder and studied what was coming down the street, the experience was amazing. It was global, it was evolutionary, even historical. I guess the message was clear … that we all need to look a little closer at the world and appreciate it’s gifts - Michele

Here are a few thumbnails done 10 minutes before my colorful friends arrived.

Summer Days in Bryant Park

Michele — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:19:44 +0000

Ah, the days of summer are in full swing here in the city and it couldn’t be sweeter. Last Saturday I met a few friends in Bryant Park for a breakfast picnic. The weather was ideal to sit and people watch for a bit so I drew some, ate some, talked some and loved every minute of it. Here’s a few drawings of our neighbors on the lawn.

Can’t wait to get back and enjoy more bagels … and drawing.

Michele