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
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!
… 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!
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