A Summer of Inspiration

John D. Ressler photographer Santa Fe, NM

Joseph Standing Dancing Rock Taos, NM

I am a painter and a public school art educator.

While in the classroom, I am surrounded by my

most treasured subject matter…children. The purity of their

spirits and their natural beauty, inspires my work. I am

fascinated by their enthusiasm and their honesty.And while

I am being honest, another "joy" of teaching is the summer

hiatus. That extended period of time is a gift. Of course my

intention as an artist was to fervently create images during

this time. I envisioned sleepless nights devoted solely to

painting in solace, producing new and incredible work. As I

plan to return to the classroom in just a few days, I realize

that there was actually very little art making that occurred

this summer.

Instead I allowed myself to pause and reflect upon my recent

rediscovery of my art during these past two years. I thought

about my life, my goals and my values. Were they my own?

Were they meaningful and am I “brave” enough to continue

on this path, making a commitment to creating art? Socrates

said,” the unexamined life is not worth living.” Upon endless

examination, I know that my life is so worth living. Never before

have I been so certain of my purpose and so passionate about

my goals. I have learned to make decisions based upon my

“strengths”, rather than upon my “weaknesses” and to include

like minded people in my life who do the same.

I had the rare opportunity this summer to spend time and

correspond with artists who have devoted their lives to their

work. It became a “quest” of sorts to speak with them and

learn from them. Perhaps I was looking for guidance and

affirmation. I received that and so much more. Each encounter

was as different as the individual artist with whom I met, but

all yielded a very similar message: that Art in some respects,

"chooses you", that it has the power to "heal", to feed your

soul, to build community and that success is inevitable when

one is doing and becoming what they are meant to be...

(obviously success is relative and warrants an entirely separate

conversation). Funny, that none of this was a surprise, but

“seeing” it manifested through the lives of others, made it more

“believable.” The life of an artist is truly a life of abundance.

The inspiration, the process, the possibilities, the far reaching

connections, are endless. It is the right choice for me.

Some of the artists who graced my life this past year and

particularly this summer, were sculptor, Carol Saylor,

illustrator, Rich Harrington, painter, Joseph Breza,

photographer, John D. Ressler (who also happens to be my uncle),

illustrator, Marcella Moreaux, encaustic artist, Jim Inzero,

artist, Jody Kendall, artist, Dr. Barry Altmann ,graphic artist,

Terry Novatin, sculptor, Joseph Standing Dancing Rock,

artist/educator, Trish Maunder, artist/professor, Dr. Slavko Milekic,

from AENJ and so many

other valued friends and artists. I want to thank each of them for

enriching my life and my art...and a special "I love you" to my

sister Beth Anne.

The simplest guidance of all came to me from Joseph Breza as

he quoted lyrics from the famed Beatle's song: “Hey Jude,

don’t be afraid…” Soon after, I found a sketch book from

nearly 2 years ago when I first resumed painting, and I

discovered a message scribbled from my daughter who left

just yesterday to begin her college career. It said “Mommy,

don’t be afraid.” She is a wise, with an artist’s soul. And so

to Christina (our Tia) and my son Robert, I am no longer afraid

and I will recognize and make choices based on my strengths

and hope that you will do the same. The joy is in the journey.

Be fearless.

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!