Awake and Dreaming

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin

"Awake and Dreaming " oil and mixed media on recycled wood Jude Harzer Fine Art

detail     "Awake and Dreaming"

I began this painting while in New York City at the School of Visual Arts in the summer of 2009. That was a wonderful and life altering experience for me, having returned to school at nearly 46 years of age to devote my efforts exclusively to my art. The program lasted only 5 weeks, but it was an intensive period of time during which I immersed myself in my thoughts and my painting. When I returned home, I was very aware of the changes that had occurred around and within me. Imagine how noticeable the transformation would be if you hadn't seen a small child for a year! The changes would be monumental and immediately apparent! Mine were undeniably huge! The greatest challenge was in determining how to reconnect and assimilate back into my daily life where the people I most loved, existed and thrived. One of my best friends advised me to paint my way to where I wished to be.This was invaluable advice but not always easy to follow because the realization was that where I am going, those I love might not care to follow. I have struggled these past few years to remain sensitive to the idea that they didn't expect or invite these changes.I even surrendered myself to the notion of "staying put", convincing myself that my "selfishness" and restlessness could be remedied by altering my thoughts and perceptions...Hmmm...I failed at that endeavor!

Because, move forward I must.....We are designed for change and growth, however difficult it might be.This summer I will once again have time to fully dedicate to my art as I begin  graduate school .I am approaching this experience with more confidence and receptivity to change. During the past two years, I have grown bolder, braver,kinder and more patient. I have become a BELIEVER and  I am certain my work will reflect who and what I am...an artist:) Change is good!
"
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

Essential Music and Art Exhibit Chelsea, NYC

Jude and Ellie Colon (and yes she is young and drop dead gorgeous!)

Jude, Tyler, Seth and Jennifer
The Essential Music and Art Exhibit in Chelsea, NYC,hosted Saturday,October 17,2009 by curator Ellie Colon,was a great success. It was a pleasure exhibiting again with fellow SVA summer resident artists from this past summer: Seth Kitzmiller of West Virginia, Jennifer Shepard of Texas and Tyler Vipond of Canada,among others.It was a truly memorable experience and was an honor to be invited to partcipate as an exhibiting artist. Shhh!!!My next venture takes me out west. From city slickers to cowboys:)Arttruly is everywhere!
To view more images from this event,click on the link below.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38526&id=1483745280&l=b723f21d83

YOU ARE INVITED ! Jude and fellow artists exhibit in NYC!

As many of you know, I have been participating in an artist's residency program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City this summer. The culminating event is an exhibit of all of the work created during a one month period by myself and my fellow artists. It is certain to be amazing!
Please join me for this very magical event!
"Open Studios 2009: Summer Residency Program Exhibition" on
Thursday, August 6 at 6:00pm.
Event: Open Studios 2009: Summer Residency Program Exhibition
What: Opening
Host: School of Visual ARTS Summer Residency Programs
Start Time: Thursday, August 6 at 6:00pm
End Time: Thursday, August 6 at 9:00pm
Where: 141 West 21 Street

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=121075974400&mid=d7ca44G58702800G9cd0f4G7

http://media.schoolofvisualarts.edu/sva/media/16817/small/EVITE.html

SVA Studio Sleepovers

My bed prior to the girl's arrival

My guests have arrived! My beautiful girls, Alyssa and my daughter and muse, Christina!

My first "all nighter" in the SVA artist's studios occurred, not because of my typical obsessive desire to create but because my daughter Christina and her friend, my honorary daughter, Alyssa, are visiting for the weekend and staying in my dorm room. I don't think they quite believed the limited size of the room, which can be likened to an oversized closet, or the compact bathroom in which you can(or rather must) simultaneously, shower, brush teeth, etc:)My dorm room is ideal as it serves a purpose. It is comfortable and safe despite its small size.Although not optimal for group sleepovers,it encourages focus in its simplicity. But my best option having guests, seemed to be to sleep on the floor of my studio. I actually slept very little.There were other equally obsessive and devoted students, one of which even offered me the use of her cot.Most students departed prior to 3 am. I recall lights, music, sounds from the city, before dozing close to 4.
I love this place! Art drives my colleagues, as it does myself. It is amazing to be amid people who value the same discipline. Today however, I will venture out with the girls and seek inspiration in Chinatown which I absolutely love.
Stay tuned for more art and some images from the city rather than the studio.
I also plan to share some wisdom from a lecture I attended yesterday by renowned art critic from New York Magazine, Jerry Saltz.I almost invited him for a sleepover because his wit, humor and brilliance were exhiliarating and engaging. I think, however, that would have been inappropriate but I certainly would have invited his wife, an equally renowned art critic, Roberta Smith from the NY Times to join us. I think I would have felt as though I were in heaven if I could have fallen asleep listening to the two of them exchange ideas, opinions and stories.
I know, I know, my kids think I am a geek as well.
Make your day magical, wherever you be:)