We at Studio 1482 have been weaned to communicate visually through culture and language. Once a project’s been declared the first step we take is to explore graphic possibilities historically presented by the culture we’re involved with. This is a page from my sketchbook done in Paris in 2006.

So did you ever ask what really identifies one culture from another? Consider, is it the fashion? Is it environmental? Is it the aesthetic design sensibility? Or maybe just the language? – In any regard, my take is it’s all worth exploring!

Drawing and designs by Michele Bedigian

There’s nothing more tender to draw than baby’s hands and feet. A small study from my sketchbook this week. Hope you’ve enjoyed yours. – Drawing by Michele

While Mother Nature continues to blanket the city with so much snow I thought I’d share a heartfelt desire for some warm inviting color.

Watercolor and crayon by Michele

It is said that the cry of the phoenix is that of a beautiful song.

Above is a drawing I had done while healing from the loss of a loved one on September 11th, 2001. Hearing of the bombings in Moscow on Monday reminded me when I did it and why the bird meant so much to me….You see, it’s said that the Phoenix was believed to die in its self-made flames periodically (each hundred years, according to some sources) and then rise again out of its own ashes.

Perhaps when horrible things occur it’s comforting to think there’s a little bit of Phoenix in us all, trying to rise with hope that this too shall pass and even more so maybe those at fault might even one day emerge a little wiser.- Michele

This New York winter for some reason feels excessively cold to me. So I decided to check out some pieces from last summer hoping to inspire some warm thoughts.

Above is a page from my sketchbook at the South Street Seaport. If you been following ODAD for a while you’ve probably seen a few sister watercolors from the same series. Looking forward to warm days ahead! – Michele

Since I was a little girl, Cleopatra’s Needle in Central Park has always been this incredible icon of fact and fiction for me. It was once the symbol I decoded on imaginary expeditions with my brother as we competitively searched for the Eye of Horus we swore was there. It was the landmark I always met my friends at for lunch in the park on Sunday afternoons. It was the obelisk that inspired this piece.

But yesterday I found out that sadly the gift I knew so strong and still is now in jeopardy of being taken back from whence it came.

According to Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, “Cleopatra’s Needle has not been adequately maintained.” He’s quoted saying, “The stone had stood in the clear dry Egyptian desert air for nearly 3000 years and had undergone little weathering. In a little more than a century in the climate of New York City, pollution and acid rain have heavily pitted its surfaces”, and has threatened to “take the necessary steps to bring this precious artifact home and save it from ruin.” We can only hope the president of the Central Park Conservancy and the Mayor takes to heart his request to improve conservation efforts. Really, my treasured memories depend on it.

note: In case you’re interested, the obelisk was built by the Egyptians around 1450 BC and generously given to the U.S. by the Egyptians to commemorate the opening of the Suez Canal.

Did you know? … In dreams, the Rooster is considered a time-keeper and is a sign of time passing in our lives. They say hearing a Rooster’s voice in our dreams may indicate we need a wake-up call, and need to pay attention to some circumstances ready for change. Better yet, they say seeing a brilliantly plumed Rooster in our dreams means it’s time to reveal our true selves, and start strutting our stuff, “those hidden talents” to others.

We’ve all got ‘em!

Here’s to a happy, healthy, holy 2011! - Michele

quote by – Elie Weisel

Drawing by Michele in the Medieval Sculpture Hall at the Metropolitan Museum of Art • 12/2010

Above is a study for a painting I was asked to do by the New York Kabbalah Center as a birthday gift for Karen Berg, the leading female kabbalist of our generation.

It was late in September when teachers and students living in New York were asked to think about Karen and express (along with a wish) what color she felt like to them. My job? … was to collect those colors and harmonize them into a piece that would illuminate a conversation on canvas, soul to soul. As time evolved, so did the painting, the balance changing gradually as the wishes came in.

In the end, it was complete..a manifestation of the love, respect and appreciation for Karen’s way. And me? … I simply held the brush.

Note: Kabbalah teaches that each color in the spectrum reflects a specific symbolic characteristic, also called “angels”. This commission was really unique and one I’ll never forget.

Study by Michele Bedigian

Often referred to as “the gift from one generation to another” for many native New Yorkers St.Patricks Cathedral is lovingly considered the big “granddaddy” of churches in the city. Now, as the holiday season is upon us I thought it’d be nice to share a watercolor I did a while back inspired by it’s majesty.

Drawing by Michele

I heard someone say this week that there’s 32,000 choices every one of us is expected to make in a lifetime.

Whether it sounds daunting or fabulous, my first thought was that kinda rings true for drawing too. There’s just as many options, left, right, up, down, in, out, turn here, turn there…. the possibilities!!! Above is a drawing I made on a typical morning in the Magic Kingdom, another fine place in quest of left, right, up, down, in, out, turn here, turn there….

Have a magical day, Michele

Newport, Rhode Island has always held a special place in my heart. It’s where my husband and I were married. It’s where we retreat to when time in the city gets hectic. It’s where we’ve built adoring friendships and memories we’ll always treasure.

Trinity Church is right in the heart of downtown Newport, a real anchor of rich New England history in this charming seaport town. If you haven’t been to Newport, consider it a must on your bucket list. Don’t forget to pick up a lobster roll or two!   Drawing by Michele

Puppetry is an ancient form of performance. Some historians claim that they pre-date actors in theatre. There is evidence that they were used in Egypt as early as 2000 BC when string-operated figures of wood were manipulated to perform the action of kneading bread, and other string controlled objects.

Above is a marionette I stumbled across one day in the French pavilion in Epcot. Her character was undeniably so fun and flavorful I simply had to draw her. If you’re into it, check out this blog I came across, diary of a genuine marionette maker. Tony is an artist working the craft today. It’s very cool and totally worth the read. - Michele

… exploring the gardens as they make their appearance for the annual Halloween Hoorah!

Calling all goblins and ghouls …. here’s to spooky (safe) adventures!

Study by Michele Bedigian

ding,dong … goes the door…next stop…42nd Street                                                     The train begins to crawl, a microcosm of New York life journeys on silently, patiently           intent on their way.

Suddenly, a chord strikes, the silence broken…bold, bright, voluminous sound fills the car, jolting the all too familiar hum into a excited fury of motion.                                But from where? THERE! I see them!          It’s the mariachi, swaying ever so to the rhythm of the train, commanding attention as they play.

Ahhh….the sound, the melodious sound that so easily stirs the soul.                                     Yes, something has changed. 2 minutes have passed, the train begins to slow…a new ease is in the air … next stop 34th Street.

Drawing by Michele

A few minutes spent warming-up for the day as I sat enjoying my morning tea.     Have a pleasant day. - Michele

Drawing is a skill that always needs attention. Like any art form, it takes practice, practice and more practice. Below is a page of hand studies done for no other reason than for the exercise (always a great barometer to see where I’m at) – Michele

Last night I took advantage of some relaxing time at home and decided to watch Tim Burton’s dark and whimsical interpretation of Alice in Wonderland, (it didn’t hurt that Johnny Depp was in it, as I shamefully admit a secret crush I’ve had on him for years now).

It was an interesting go at an old tale and reminded me of a poetry assignment I had in the 2nd grade when I had to memorize and recite JABBERWOCKY by Lewis Carroll in front of the whole class. Maybe in all it’s treasured way that’s what led my desire to be a storyteller?

The drawing above was done in the Magic Kingdom a few years back, (thought it’d be nice to share another place Alice calls home).  - Michele

As New Yorkers we often think we’re so much “in control”. Yet this week Mother Nature really let be known who’s in charge! Still stunned by how many trees we lost in my neighborhood from the tornado I spent a few minutes in the yard wondering how the birds reacted to the loss. To my surprise as I looked, there were several I had never seen before.

There was this gorgeous male Northern Cardinal and even a pretty busy Hummingbird! It’s probably safe to assume they’re checking out the real estate for a new place to call home.We can only wish them the best. – watercolor by Michele