Fly

Fly: Breathe  Jude Harzer

When I started painting four years ago, my greatest inspirations were my own children,Christina and Robert, my students, and the children that we all are or once were. After considering for many years why any of us fail to recognize our talents,beauty,and potential to succeed and live fully, I realized that it had a lot to do with love or an absence of it:) True and pure love is offered without expectation, judgement or malice. It mutually nurtures the spirit of the "giver" as well as that of the recipient. I began a series of paintings entitled ,"Fly." Each featured a figure, usually a child, offering a "breath of inspiration." I believe wholeheartedly that if we were all encouraged with kindness and taught to celebrate our unique gifts, we would at least have a good head start as we ventured off to pursue our dreams...unfettered by thoughts of failure,fear or inadequacy.

I tried to raise my children with love and kindness. I  have failed at many things but I try like crazy to be a strong and mindful parent. I took seriously, the responsibility of encouraging my children to love and respect themselves and to pursue a life of purpose and passion. I imagine that they grow tired of hearing their wacky artist mom, spew motivational advice about chasing their dreams and embracing their own greatness:)....but they listen. I know they do. I see it in their eyes and in their actions.

Yesterday we said so long to my daughter Christina , who is bound for Australia for 6 months to study communications. As a young girl she would tell me about a recurring dream. It was clear and explicit and involved her travels to the Australian Coast . Okay , it also involved a beautiful surfer boy and his family  which is of no surprise because she was raised at the shore and prides herself on being a "beach bum".So at 19, she is chasing her dreams.Young, beautiful, bright and bold, this kid is destined to fly. And before she left she turned to me and told me to paint with all my heart. She hugged me ,praised my recent work (that is very generous coming from her)and advised me to return to my "Fly" images. I think she is right:)

Christina, last I heard, you were on a flight to Fiji. I will think only of your safety, the adventure and the possibilities! No fear! And although you will be missed (minus the mess, the mouth and the noise) I want you to live big my love and FLY! May you dream and dance down under....dreams really do come true:)
PS...Contact us ASAP when you land and are settled. I'm still your mama my muse:)

Saying "so long" for now 2-7-10

My Wish For You

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." ~ Leonardo da Vinci