jude harzer fine art: The Success of Serendipity

JUDE HARZER FINE ART

When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.”~ Paul Coelho

A young and vital child knows no limit to his own will, and it is the only reality to him. It is not that he wants at the outset to fight other wills, but that they simply do not exist for him. Like the artist, he goes forth to the work of creation, gloriously alone.

Jane Harrison

Monday, February 9, 2009

The Success of Serendipity

On Saturday, February 7th, I had my very first solo art exhibit! It was entitled "Serendipity" and took place at the Mattison Gallery in Asbury Park, NJ.
The weather was unseasonably warm...a perfect day to walk around this historic shore town.And the opening was just as perfect!

2009 has started for me with a string of successes...not break out the fireworks,cash in the bank kind of success but genuinely valuable and life changing achievements. I had my first solo exhibition in a beautiful gallery. I sold work during a harsh economic time because I believe that art is necessary, healing and inspiring and witnessed that others feel the same. I completed 16 new pieces in an insanely short amount of time and participated in organizing and hanging 42 recent works with my husband,Bobby and the gallery owner,Joel Monesson, a truly kind and gentle soul.I shared work with family, friends, colleagues,fellow artists and passers by, hundreds of them. I was able to feature images of my children, nieces and nephews who inspire me with their pure and natural beauty.

These may seem like minor successes to some but just three years ago, I was painfully rediscovering my own art, wondering if I could ever complete even one painting that showed any competence.For 18 years I waited and feared and regretted. And now, I am awed that my passion, my effort and my time have resulted in this monumental moment. I am confident that I will actually grow up to become and artist:) and am genuinely grateful that others continue to join me to "see" and share in my dream.

Thank you,everyone who attended, those who sent their congratulations, those who have helped me and supported me throughout this 3 year process.A special thank you to my extraordinary family, my husband and children, my sisters and brothers who endured the unimaginable as children, all of their incredible families,and my mother whose life inspired me to demand better for myself and for all children.

Finally,to my friends and fellow artists, my life is one of pure abundance because of you. You enrich my life with your encouragement and friendship.
May you always find beauty in the world around you. It is there! I promise!