Cone Health Cancer Center Opening Celebration

January 22, 2012

Although it was a cold dreary January afternoon, the day was brightened by the community’s support of the opening celebration for the newly expanded and renovated Cone Health Cancer Center on Elam Avenue. The agenda included a presentation, four hours of wonderful music, delicious food and tours of the facility making for a delightful event. Local artists were on hand to answer questions about the original artwork procured for the Center. I am honored to have been among those artists. Eight pieces of my art were underwritten by generous donors for installation in the Center. Contemplation, Quiet Trust, Secret Thoughts and Quiescence can be found at the First Floor Elevator while Conscious Thoughts, Moments In Time, Moving Forward and Time Fragments are hung in the Radiation Waiting Room on the Ground Floor. It is my sincere desire that through my art, a life may be touched—bringing comfort and hope during a very difficult time.

About “Healing Art”

In 2011, the Healing Arts Committee—composed of cancer survivors and Cancer Center staff—had the vision of using art throughout the Cone Health Cancer Center in Greensboro, NC. Thanks to the generosity of community members, this dream is now reality. The Center contains more than 70 works of art including paintings, sculpture and pottery by 27+ local artists, purchased with generous community donations and Cone Health contributions through the Healing Arts Program. The power of art to stimulate, to inspire and to heal can be felt throughout the Cone Health Cancer Center.

Quiescence

January 20, 2012

Quiescence

Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
48 x 24 in.
SOLD

Filled with texture and feeling, this original is symbolic of the calming river of peace that overtakes us when we are in the right place at the right time doing what we are destined to do.

Quiescence was originally created to hang in the solo exhibit at the Center Point Model Penthouse Art Showcase presented by Heart of Living Home Gallery 2009-2010. It was later purchased to hang in the permanent art collection at Cone Health Cancer Center.

Commercial Installation:
Cone Health Cancer Center
Greensboro, NC

New Paintings

July 18, 2011

Here are my three newest paintings...Peaceful Waters, Focus and Edge

Peaceful Waters and Focus are currently in the “Eye of the Artist” Juried Exhibit at Yadkin Cultural Arts Center in Yadkinville until Sept. 10th and are available for purchase. Edge is currently at Aubrey Home, Greensboro, NC, and is also available for purchase. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or interest in adopting one of these new works of art.

Eye of the Artist

July 13, 2011

Two of my newest “yet to be revealed” paintings, Focus and Peaceful Waters, have been juried into this exhibit. Check back to see the new photos which will be posted soon.

PEACEFUL WATERS - TopFOCUS - Bottom — PEACEFUL WATERS - Top
FOCUS - Bottom

“Eye of the Artist ” Juried Show
Cultural Arts Center
226. E. Main Street
Yadkinville, NC

Reception and Award Ceremony: July 15th, 5:00-7:30 pm
Exhibit dates: July 15 - September 9

“Eye of the Artist” showcases the diverse artistic talent of North Carolina artists age 18 or older. Artwork submissions in 2D and 3D have been selected by committee. First, second and third place awards in both categories will be announced at the reception.

The public is invited to the inaugural exhibit and reception in the Welborn Gallery of the Cultural Arts Center. Awards to be announced at 6:00 pm, July 15th.

Peaceful Waters

June 1, 2011

I have always loved being on or near the water – whether an ocean, a lake, mountain streams, waterfalls or the Caribbean seas. Since early childhood water has been a calming sanctuary for me. Hours spent listening to and watching waves crashing on a sandy beach, water gently lapping at lakes edge and mountain streams rippling over hidden rocks have always pulled me into that sanctuary of peace and comfort.

This abstract was inspired by the vibrant blues and greens of the Caribbean. Water intrigues and fascinates me with its ever-changing appearance, varying colors and majestic power. For me, where there is water, there is a quiet calm that is soothing to the soul.

Peaceful Waters consists of twenty plus layers of heavy relief texture created with acrylic paste, tissue paper, and gel medium. Multiple layers of blue, green and yellow paint have been applied in thick and thin coats and metallic gold was scumbled on top to add highlights and depth. Natural or direct lighting brings the depth of color and metallic highlights to life.

Painting wraps edges of the 1.5" gallery wrap canvas and is sealed with an archival UV protective varnish. It is signed on the front by the artist (sjh) and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, wired and ready to hang. Does not require a frame.

Peaceful Waters - 24 x 30 Acrylic Mixed Media — **Peaceful Waters** - 24 x 30 Acrylic Mixed Media

State of the Art/Art of the State 2011

May 9, 2011

What an exciting weekend!
A NEW BEGINNING was accepted into the 2011 State of the Art/Art of the State exhibit at Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC. The opening reception on Saturday evening, May 7th, was overflowing with curators, artists and art enthusiasts. An estimated 800 to 1000 attendees filled the CAM enjoying music, wine and artwork by 600+ North Carolina artists.

Curators:

The exhibition was curated by four internationally renowned curators:
—Timothy Anglin Burgard, Curator-in-Charge, American Art, Fine Art Museum of San Francisco
—Nicholas Cullinan Curator, Tate Modern, London
—Susan Davidson, Senior Curator, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York
—Apsara Diquinzio, Assistant Curator, SFMoMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

A New Beginning

April 8, 2011

During my quiet time in the pre-dawn hours of early February 2011, I envisioned this painting and its title. As I meditated on it, a poem began to emerge and A New Beginning was conceived. Later that day I began applying the first layers of texture onto a blank canvas.

This original was constructed by applying modeling paste applied with a paint knife to create depth and swatches of burlap were secured with acrylic gel medium for additional texture. Day after day, layer upon layer, it progressed until finally reaching completion. Twenty-five plus layers of texture and paint with turquoise accents embedded to add feeling and depth. Painting wraps the edges of the the 1.5" gallery wrap canvas and is sealed with an archival UV protective gloss varnish. Artist signature (sjh) is on the front lower right corner. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, wired and ready to hang. Does not require a frame. Where Love Begins would make a lovely addition to any room in a home or office.

A NEW BEGINNING

Out of darkness
Light emerges
Understanding awakens
Love is born

A new beginning
A second chance
Another opportunity
Love takes root

Light spreads
Darkness fades
Love absorbs all surroundings
Leaving only shadows of the past

Below are photos showing how A New Beginning looks in different room settings with different colors.

Click images to enlarge

Thoughts on A New Beginning

At Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington, NC

Secret Garden -- Sold!

February 13, 2011

Secret Garden has taken up residence in Florida. It has gone to a good home of a very dear friend of mine and I am sure it will enjoy the loving care it will receive and the wonderful Florida weather. It always thrills me when one of my paintings finds a good home. I sincerely hope that it will bring enjoyment to its new owners for many years to come.

Thank you for your purchase, Shelby J.!

Shelby's comment:
“Oh My Goodness. It is spectacular. The pic on your website did not do it justice and I loved it there. . . . Susan, I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have a little bit of you in my home. Thank you so much.”

Back in the Studio

February 12, 2011

Hurt my back a couple of weeks ago so painting has been a next to impossible task. However… the back feels better today and it’s great to be back in the studio painting. Two new paintings started… that makes five in progress… the most I’ve had going at one time. I love it when there are multiple paintings to work on. Gets the creative juices flowing.

Secret Garden

February 10, 2011

Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
36 x 24 in.
SOLD

Secret Garden is symbolic of that place where we tend to withdraw into our inner thoughts…a place we find rest during the midst of the turmoil and chaos of everyday life.

Private Collector: West Palm Beach, FL

Best of World Wide Mixed Media Artists

November 15, 2010

November 2010 Update:

Best of Worldwide Mixed Media Artists, Vol. 1 is finished. It is a bit behind schedule due to some unexpected language barriers between Kennedy Publishing and some of the foreign artists. Once that hurdle was handled and problems resolved, they moved quickly. I received my copies in the mail and am really excited about it. They made a change in painting selections for better layout purposes. Instead of Sisters, they published Vineyard's Song along with Shades of Sapphire. I am humbly honored to have been chosen to be in this book.

Thank you, Kennedy Publishing!

Three "R's"

August 7, 2010

After a hectic winter and spring schedule, it has been a season of the three “R’s” – Rest, Re-evaluate and Re-group. I have a tendency to get so caught up in the world of art…pushing to keep up with other artists and trying to sell and promote my art...that I lose sight of who I am and where I desire to go. Art becomes a “job” instead of a “joy.” While attempting to meet deadlines and produce enough artwork to be in various galleries and shows, I lose my creative edge and originality resulting in what I feel is sub-standard art. I know I have been quiet for awhile but it has been a necessary quiet to embrace the Three "R's".

Whew...

May 4, 2010

After two weeks of pushing to finish the new paintings and the past four weeks consisting of five art shows, this morning I hit the proverbial brick wall. It is time for some much needed R & R. I am hungry for some alone time in my studio with just me, my canvases and some paint but before that can happen, I need some time for body rejuvenation. Quiet time is good for an artist -- breeds creativity. . . . So, quiet time, here I come!

Troika

May 1, 2010

Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas Triptych
36 x 24 in.
SOLD

This original artwork consists of three’s….3 canvases, 3 circles, etc… The title, Troika (pronounced troi-kuh), means “group of three acting in unity.” It is representative of Love, Word and Truth acting together in unity giving us never ending hope.

Private Collector: Greensboro, NC

For Everything A Season

April 13, 2010

You're invited to the “FOR EVERYTHING A SEASON” Art Show this weekend. If you are in the area, I would love for you to stop by Southridge Gallery and see some of my newest paintings which haven’t been posted on my website yet. I will also have note cards with photos of my paintings for sale at this show.

“FOR EVERYTHING A SEASON”
Featuring paintings by artists
Vivian Robinson and Susan Harris

SOUTHRIDGE GALLERY
308 Southridge Road
Jamestown, NC
336-454-2499

SATURDAY and SUNDAY
APRIL17th and 18th
2:00 – 5:00 PM

Vivian paints figurative art in oil, acrylics, oil pastels and watercolor. Her paintings are in private collections and five of her largest acrylics hang in the new School of Communications at High Point University, High Point, NC

I paint contemporary abstract mixed media in acrylics. My paintings are in private collections throughout the US and Canada and two of my artworks, “Sisters” and “Shades of Sapphire” are being published in “Best of Worldwide Mixed Media Artists”, Volume 1 book by Kennedy Publishing.

Refreshments ● Open to the Public ● Free Admission
10% of all proceeds go to benefit the Guilford County Animal Shelter

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

A sampling of available artwork....

Quote for the Day

April 9, 2010

“Painting requires the bravery of solitude. Painting requires disciplined labor. To be a painter is to search the world with a benevolent eye for every subtle beauty that the infinite world offers.” Charles Philip Brooks

April's Here!

April 6, 2010

April’s here in full force..nature is bursting forth and so is my calender of events!

This week started April’s burst of activity….. If you are in the area, please do stop by one or all of the opening receptions….

April 8 (Thursday) —“Dimensions 2010” Opening Reception, 5 to 7 PM at Associated Artists in Winston Salem, NC….

April 11 (Sunday)—“A Greater Vision for Autism”, the Cosmic Cow Society’s Autism Benefit Exhibit Opening Reception, 2 to 5 PM at Mitchell & Bartlett Orthodontics, 5314-B West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC.

April 17 & 18 (Saturday and Sunday)—“For Everything A Season” Joint Exhibit with artist Vivian Robinson, 2 to 5 PM at Southridge Gallery, 308 Southridge Road, Jamestown, NC

May 1—Heart of Living Home Gallery’s Spring Home Show…details to follow soon!

Note: At the April 17 & 18 “For Everything A Season” show, I will be unveiling, and showing for the first time, five of my newest paintings ... “Troika”, “Anticipation”, “Secret Garden”, Tranquility” and “Joy Unleashed”. As you can see, 2010 started out with lots of inspiration and painting.

Two more

March 24, 2010

Finished two more paintings! Yay! Now to seal them. Since today is nice and sunny with calm winds it will be a good day to carry them outside to apply the sealant. Then off to the photographer. I’ve gotten a little behind on posting photos on my website but I should be able to post some of the new paintings soon. Counting down to the April shows and trying to get everything ready. It’s been a busy start to a new year…but for the good!

Equilibrium

March 20, 2010

Equilibrium was inspired by the ever present challenge to maintain a balance of joy and peace in the midst of life’s stressful situations and is intended to serve as a reminder of this much needed balance.

Equilibrium was one of the artworks I created to hang in the solo exhibit at the Center Point Model Penthouse Art Showcase presented by Heart of Living Home Gallery 2009-2010.

I applied acrylic medium with a paint knife using a different technique on each side. One side is black with scumbled white and the other is mottled gray with scumbled black layered over medium relief textures divided by a line of metallic copper. Painting wraps edges of gallery wrap canvas and is sealed with a satin archival UV protective varnish. It is signed by the artist (sjh) and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Does not require a frame.

Vertical or Horizontal?

Sometimes rotating an abstract can make it look entirely different or give it a different feel. Several of mine offer the option of hanging horizontally or vertically. Equilibrium is one of those abstracts. Whenever viewing an abstract artwork, keep in mind there may be other hanging options making it more suitable for the hanging space.