Through Her Mind's Eye:The Art and Inspiration of Carol Saylor

My Kindergarten students were very fortunate to have my friend and fellow artist, Carol Saylor, spend the day with them, sharing her stories and her art. Carol is a mother of five children, grandmother of ten, great-grandmother of one. She is an artist, a renowned sculptor and a computer programmer. Carol's "story" is made more extraordinary and inspirational than one would imagine. She is both deaf and blind due to two very distinctive genetic conditions. She gradually lost her sight and hearing beginning in her late 30's. To read more about her art and life, check out her website at : http://www.carolsaylor.com
She shared her passion for art and her love for life with us today.

Seeking Inspiration

This past week at the Jersey shore we were graced with unseasonably warm weather. Instead of remaining in the windowless school art studio, teaching monoprinting to my Kinderartists,I took them outside to our beautiful school garden.They were incredibly excited for the change of pace and when one of them asked what it was that we would be doing, I explained that we were "seeking inspiration." Experiencing new environments,people,and ideas often leads to unexpected creative bursts and a rejuvenated spirit!And sometimes, when we feel "stuck",we cannot wait for a muse to move us, we have to consciously search for new ones.

And so as I watched my students explore the magic of our school garden, I knew where I would find my own much needed inspiration this weekend.Today, I headed to the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. Every year I encourage students, family and friends to visit two of my most treasured places where I go to wander and wonder : GFS and The Princeton University Art Museum. As always,GFS proved to be artistically awakening and beautiful.

I invite you to view some of my snapshots from the day which cannot even begin to reflect the intrigue and excellence of this "secret" sculpture garden.I was particularly interested in the welded structures as I am beginning to integrate steel and aluminum into my figurative work and will be welding this summer.Click here to see images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jude_harzer_fine_art/ or view above:)

And finally, I want to mention fellow artist, Carl Frankel. His generous and welcoming spirit, made my visit even more enjoyable. He shared news of his most recent works, inspired by his month long trip to Israel.Checkout his website to learn more about Carl and his art! http://www.carlspalette.com/

Tim Maslyn sculptor 1957-2008

Tim Maslyn sculptor 1957-2008
Last night I received unexpected news that the husband of my sister's childhood friend, died suddenly. Three young daughters are left behind. Words cannot express the pain and loss that they must feel. I wrote to Janine last night,wanting to express my condolences.A recurring thought, that I did share with her, was that Tim would continue to inspire, and his memory survive, because he shared with others his purpose and passion...his art.
Tim Maslyn was a NJ based sculptor. Several years ago, I remember standing in my sister's kitchen in upstate NY,at a family gathering,listening to Tim talk about his choice to sculpt and his success in supporting his family doing so. He encouraged me to return to my art and have faith that if I was doing the thing I loved most, the rest would fall in to place. Many others, including my sister Lisa, have relentlessly tried to do the same. And finally I am doing just that,and I trust that what I am doing is important.That my art is meaningful to someone other than myself.
Upon hearing of Tim's passing, I thought about what is most important to me and questioned what it is I will leave behind that is greater than my life with my immediate family.For the first time, without hesitation, I am confident that it will be my art.
Art gives myself and other artists their own unique voice,and the ability to speak to a great many others in a manner that transcends words,time,socioeconomics and culture. Art has the power to touch hearts,lives and the human spirit. It is a universal language... a gift. And so, when I think of Tim, I think how wonderful it is that he created so many meaningful works that others will continue to appreciate and share, especially his family.Tim ensured the perpetuation of his memory through his sculpture.
May Janine and her children find comfort in his memory and generous spirit.
To read about Tim Maslyn and to view his work, please visit his site at:
http://www.maslynstudios.com/

Art Connections: "Women in the Sun" at Grounds For Sculpture

While gallery sitting at Ellarslie mansion one
Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting a soft spoken woman, delicate in stature, named Jody Kendall. We had a brief conversation about the exhibited work and quickly discovered that we shared a unique connection and obviously, a passion for art. Also we had both created works entitled, "Fly". Jody's was a 3-dimensional metal mesh torso with wings and mine, a series of paintings each featuring a child, blowing a "breath of inspiration." Somehow even our art, seemed related in concept and spirit.

Jody, a fellow member of TAWA and an artist herself, volunteers as a docent at the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. She generously invited me to visit and offered to personally escort me about the magical 35 acre sculpture gardens. I accepted and had the opportunity to see her on August 27th. Both the weather and the tour were perfect! Jody's knowledge about the sculptors and their work, was astounding. She is agifted storyteller. She spoke of each artist as though they were a dear friend with words that were poetic and meaningful.

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit GFS, you are in for a treat. GFS was "founded in 1992 on the site of the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds by J. Seward Johnson to promote an understanding of and appreciation for contemporary sculpture for all people." The landscape is breathtaking and the art work superb. Each season offers a unique visual experience of this sculptural wonderland. Visitors are encouraged to touch many of the pieces with respect and care.

As I ran my hand along the surface of many of the works, feeling the smoothness of stone or the warmth of cast bronze, heated by the radiant sun, I thought of Carol Saylor. As a blind artist, she relies on the sense of touch, to create and experience her world and her art. She would love it here. I think she would particularly appreciate Leonda Finke's two cast bronzes, Standing Figure and Seated Figure from her "Women in the Sun Series". The surface texture is sensual, almost crude, but there is strength and raw feminity within these figures. Jody explained that Leonda Finke's "women" were symbolic of gratitude. Looking upward, "posed in self reflection",their faces bask in sunlight, greeting a new day, a new season, giving thanks. Simply beautiful!

There was an abundance of art to which I would like to refer but the joy really comes from

discovering the work on your own. The art is monumental, rich and diverse. The stories behind the career of many of these sculptors, seem to have been inspired by personal epiphanic moments that led them to choose the creation of art as their life's "work." For most artists, there is no other option. It is an expression of who and what they are. For me, it is no longer an option, It is an incredible blessing for which I am grateful. I am thankful for those who guided me toward this path.

Jody introduced me to several people throughout the day at GFS as an artist who

believes that we can all "fly." I sincerely do believe that! I hope that everyone has the opportunity to discover what makes them soar. To Jody, a genuine "thank you" and wishes always for self growth, healing and liberation! May we all fly!