On Top of My Head

I intend to surprise myself this upcoming year! I do. I have set in motion a path that will markedly change my life. I am apprehensive and a bit frightened but more fearful of standing still . My art has also begun to change and is more genuinely representative of who I am and how I think. We are our thoughts after all. Our ideas are inextricably tied to how we navigate and react to the world in which we live. For me, the awareness that I alone am responsible for my life, is more important than ever before in this season of my being.
A dear friend, unknowingly inspired me to retrieve and recover a creative project that I set aside, one that embraces all that I value in my art and life...children,love,whimsy and wonder. And so I have begun a new series of works that are tied to my Child's Play paintings, entitled, "On Top of My Head..." I hope, I know, I pledge...to surprise myself:)

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”
― Neil Gaiman

Red Shoe Series continued.....

My inspiration for my upcoming MFA painting program at Savannah School of Art and Design explores the emotional , spiritual and psychological transformations of women in mid life. I will continue to develop my "Red Shoe" series as I evaluate the redefining of the feminine figure and psyche as women mature.

In Process: Finding Self

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

Please Join Me at the Howland Cultural Center May 1st, 2010 !

You are invited to the opening of The World of Artists, featuring members of The National Association of Women Artists. I will be exhibiting two of my works.

My painting ,Fear, will be available for purchase. It is 2' x' 2' ,oil and silver leaf on canvas, mounted to a wood panel. The image is framed with hammered aluminum.

Please join us in beautiful Beacon, NY for this event!

Howland Cultural Center

www.howlandculturalcenter.org

477 Main Street

Beacon, NY 12508-3305

(845) 831-4988 

“Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves - regret for the past and fear of the future.” Fulton Oursler

Carol Saylor

Every year, the Art Educators of New Jersey celebrate "Youth Art Month" and have held a particularly special event at the State House in Trenton, to recognize young artists throughout the state for the past several years. Organized by AENJ executive board member, Carrie Davey, the YAM ceremony is both organized and impressive.A special feature, included to inspire talented NJ high school artists, is a presentation by a practicing professional artist. This year, Pa. sculptor, Carol Saylor, succeeded in inspiring an audience of students, their families and teachers as she shared her story and her work.

Carol Saylor's life and art are especially moving because she has managed to create a stunning body of work as both a blind and deaf artist. A mother of five children, Carol had to put her work aside many times throughout her life because of her own physical challenges and because of other tragic personal events which included the deaths of both her youngest child Alice at the age of 33 and her husband who both suffered from cancer. Carol also shared the responsibility of raising Alice's three surviving young daughters.The audience was captivated as Ms. Saylor spoke in a rich and self assured tone, matter of factly relating the unfortunate events of her experience and how they influenced her art.

Following her presentation many audience members approached Carol and myself with words of gratitude and awe. Carol's story is truly one of determination,persistence and passion. She sees "obstacles" as mere challenges to be overcome. She did emphasize that an incredible sense of humor is necessary as well. She is sharp, honest and wildly talented.

As we sat at her kitchen table late yesterday afternoon,discussing life and art over tea,I realized how fortunate I am to know this dynamic and strong woman, my dear friend, Carol Saylor. To read more about her art and her life, please visit her website at : http://www.carolsaylor.com/

The Success of Serendipity

On Saturday, February 7th, I had my very first solo art exhibit! It was entitled "Serendipity" and took place at the Mattison Gallery in Asbury Park, NJ.
The weather was unseasonably warm...a perfect day to walk around this historic shore town.And the opening was just as perfect!

2009 has started for me with a string of successes...not break out the fireworks,cash in the bank kind of success but genuinely valuable and life changing achievements. I had my first solo exhibition in a beautiful gallery. I sold work during a harsh economic time because I believe that art is necessary, healing and inspiring and witnessed that others feel the same. I completed 16 new pieces in an insanely short amount of time and participated in organizing and hanging 42 recent works with my husband,Bobby and the gallery owner,Joel Monesson, a truly kind and gentle soul.I shared work with family, friends, colleagues,fellow artists and passers by, hundreds of them. I was able to feature images of my children, nieces and nephews who inspire me with their pure and natural beauty.

These may seem like minor successes to some but just three years ago, I was painfully rediscovering my own art, wondering if I could ever complete even one painting that showed any competence.For 18 years I waited and feared and regretted. And now, I am awed that my passion, my effort and my time have resulted in this monumental moment. I am confident that I will actually grow up to become and artist:) and am genuinely grateful that others continue to join me to "see" and share in my dream.

Thank you,everyone who attended, those who sent their congratulations, those who have helped me and supported me throughout this 3 year process.A special thank you to my extraordinary family, my husband and children, my sisters and brothers who endured the unimaginable as children, all of their incredible families,and my mother whose life inspired me to demand better for myself and for all children.

Finally,to my friends and fellow artists, my life is one of pure abundance because of you. You enrich my life with your encouragement and friendship.
May you always find beauty in the world around you. It is there! I promise!

Upcoming Art Exhibit

Jude Harzer
Fly:Recognizing Possibilities
oil on canvas 48" w x 36" h
National Association of Women Artists
2/19 - 4/26/09 - HUB/Robeson Galleries, Penn State, State College, PA
(Reception: TBD)