Painting My Personal Journey

My recent show at Salon du Monde was a great success. I don't mean a monetary one, although I did sell work and acquire a few commissions. It was about the courage to move forward despite recent personal mistakes, mishaps and misconceptions."She Flies Alone," my most recent series, was unveiled to guests who know me well, friends and family, and some who don't. My paintings express ,quite blatantly, how I feel and think....alone,confused,confined and frightened.I know this is a state of mind...my state of mind... but it is honestly and unapologetically me. The more I paint, the more freedom and strength I discover . I reveal my mind and my heart as I create. It is a private process. To display it publicly, invites the questions, reactions and concerns of others.I am comfortable and prepared to share and respond to most of it. I can't really mask who I am, nor silence who I wish to become any longer....just me, sincerely and imperfectly myself.

This display serendipitiously coincided with news of my acceptance into a Masters of Fine Arts program in Georgia. I begin this summer. It is yet another step toward moving forward with my life. I want and need to paint. I feel and see great change! The transformation has been painful at times and downright terrifying . I risk losing the security of my current life. But I have learned that the risk of losing opportunities, challenges and experiences that I am confident will help me to grow, is far more daunting and fearsome. I can't stay still. I will fly alone and am fully prepared to be alone but believe that those who know and love me best, will encourage my journey.

So now I am sharing a glimpse of my evening at Salon du Monde...my exhibit, my dreams, my art. I was most surprised by the positive reactions and empathetic stories of others. My experiences and feelings are in many ways universal... but in the end, they are uniquely about me. One friend said I am in the midst of a true mid life crisis! I agree. I am awakening to who I am and what I am no longer.I am admitting change and seeking challenge. That is a beautiful thing! It is not intended to offend, hurt or alienate. It does not diminish the wonder and joy of what was.We are made for change. I have spent years trying to resist it. I want to know what I can become and what I can offer to others that is of greater value.I do know that it will be through my work and my art ....and for once, I am enthusiastically anticipating the obstacles and errors.

"Fearful?" A little. "Hopeful?" Without a doubt!

"She Flies Alone..." We become our thoughts I've been told. I trust how I think and feel ....alone but not lonely.Enjoy!

CLICK HERE to view moments from my recent exhibit!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104912&id=1483745280&l=4f90d75ef8

"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." ~Winston Churchill
109814

Jude Harzer Fine Art: Solo Exhibit

You are invited to attend!

"One artist!"...(that's me, Jude! )
"One night!"
Tuesday January ...25th
7-9pm

Please stop in and say hello ! Visit the beautiful Salon du Monde , meet and greet the artist(me again) and the owner Danielle and her amazing staff!
Salon du Monde
620 Arnold Ave.
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Phone: (732)714-1437
Fax: (732)714-1457
http://www.salondumonde.com/

New Work: Seeking Solace

Seeking Solace   2011     

The immediacy with which this piece unfolded during two brief sessions, surprised me. The use of multiple processes and media , reflects the lack of focus that I seem to be experiencing as of late. I don't feel settled enough to commit to a long term composition that might demand greater attention to detail or careful use of materials. I loved that I could switch from collage to painting, then drawing with ease. My mind switches from past to present to future, from pain to pleasure ,to sadness ,then hope throughout each painting session. The movement and fluidity of this work, successfully helped to quiet my mind.

What a gift it is to finally appreciate and use my love of painting, to calm my head and heart.

One Artist: One Night...Jude Harzer

You are invited to attend!
"One artist!"..that's me, Jude!
"One night!"
January 25th 
7-9pm
Please stop in and say hello!

Salon du Monde
620 Arnold Ave.
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Phone: (732)714-1437
Fax: (732)714-1457
http://www.salondumonde.com/

ART CONNECTIONS 7

Opening Jan. 23, 2011

2-5 pm

Montclair State University
George Segal Gallery
1 Normal Street
(973)-655-4000

  

In A Boy's Dream Jude Harzer 2010

http://www.montclair.edu/Arts/galleries/images/SeasonBrochure4Web.pdf

2011 Resolution: Be Your Best and Most Genuine Self

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." ~e.e. cummings, 1955

My advice to my children has always been,"be your best and most genuine selves." I have encouraged them to avoid conformity, mediocrity and complacency. I challenged them to be reflective with a greater purpose for their lives in mind, one that will benefit others as well as themselves. And above all else, they know that I expect them to be kind and compassionate. They laugh at me, often dismiss me, chiding me to "chill Bra !and lighten up!" I do know however that they hear me and I am realistic enough to know that  much of this won't "matter" to their youthful and selfish spirits for many years to come.I believe I have prepared them to "fight" for who they are and for whom they wish to become.I have to trust how I raised them.

My children fascinate me, not because they are mine or emerged "whole" in spite of my alternative views, but because they seem to have genuine confidence and direction...more than I ever possessed at their ages or ever. They are ready. I feel it! Robert turned 18 on 1-1-11. He visited Florida Institute of Technology this past week where he was accepted to study marine biology. Tia, at 20, has her sight set on living in Brazil. It was difficult getting her to return from her 7 month stay in Australia and I am certain that in order to see her in the future, I will have to travel to wherever it is she lands:)

So during this new year, I too am trying to be my best and most genuine self . I am simplifying my life, on many levels,quieting the noise and clutter and challenging myself to be more reflective. I need to more clearly define my "purpose."I somehow forgot what that was or perhaps it is only that I have changed and grown ...and so must my intentions. I am trying to proceed in the direction of my dreams, with a bit of grace, kindness and compassion for those I love. I may fail miserably, knowing my decisions will  transform the lives of others without their full approval or consent. As difficult as that concept is for me, it is even more disconcerting to stand still.

To Robert and Christina, may you embrace change and welcome challenge throughout this new year and always in your lives. And may you love deeply enough to respect and encourage growth in others even if it means letting go.Please have forgiving and grateful hearts!

And now to create and paint. I think that is my purpose:) I have avoided and neglected it ...minimized and devalued it, but somehow, when I dream, it is my painting that promises to get me to where I need to be.
Happy 2011! Dream with intention and authencity!

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." ~Anatole France

"Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights." ~Pauline R. Kezer

Being their genuine, goofy selves...my children. Happy 2011 !

"Where thou art, that is home. "~ Emily Dickinson