http://www.sjharris.com/ en susan@sjharris.com Copyright 2013 2013-02-22T23:48:46+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/finally-im-back-in-the-studio/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/finally-im-back-in-the-studio/#When:23:48:46Z I have missed being in the studio for the past several months…well, almost a year.  My how time flies.  2012 turned out to be quite a year including many facets which I will not venture to cover.  After starting off the first part of the year with website update difficulties, extended family issues, and my attention being needed elsewhere, my creative juices dried up and I found it most difficult to create. However, 2012 ended on a much brighter note with a wonderful addition to our family. Our son married a delightful, beautiful young lady in December and we are so happy to have her as a member of our family. Welcome Mrs. Harris! Trying to take care of everything, catch up with all the website information, prepare for art exhibits, and attempt to keep up with the social media demands literally zapped my creativity. I discovered that I really don’t like it when I want to paint, but there is just nothing within to draw from.  So, I took a step back, came to terms with it and decided to be at peace. I took a sabbatical and chose to peacefully wait until the motivation returned.  This week has been a turning point.  The past several days I have intentionally been doing what I could to get those creative juices flowing again and today I finally made it back into the studio. It was wonderful to pull out a canvas and begin creating once again. Now I just need to try to rebuild my momentum and continue the creative process.  Once I can get that restored, perhaps I will be able to better manage the social media aspect of promoting art.  Will take it a day at a time and see how it goes.  Behind The Scenes 2013-02-22T23:48:46+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/viewpoints/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/viewpoints/#When:13:35:45Z “VIEWPOINTS” FALL 2012 ART EXHIBIT is currently happening at Davidson County Community College in Lexington, NC (right off Business 85).  Exhibiting artists include:  Jeffrey Bliss (acrylic), Ingrid Erickson (mixed media, cut paper), Carl Galie (photography), Charlotte Munning (raku pottery), Dr. Jo Nicastro (oil, acrylic, pencil), Rankin Willard (paper collage) and yours truly, Susan Harris (acrylic mixed media).  The Opening Reception will be held on Tuesday, September 18th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Refreshments provided.  Public is welcome so please stop by if you get a chance. Art Updates 2012-08-31T13:35:45+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/fall-art-show/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/fall-art-show/#When:15:53:01Z I am getting paintings ready for delivery to DCCC.  Installation takes place the week of August 6th!  Nine of my paintings were selected to go in the Fall Art Show at Davidson County Community College in Lexington, NC.  The show will be in the Mendenhall Administration Building on the DCCC campus from August to December. More info to follow when I have an opening reception date and time. Events 2012-07-26T15:53:01+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/art-exhibit/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/art-exhibit/#When:16:25:37Z WHO: UPTOWN ARTWORKS WHAT: NEW ART EXHIBIT!! WHEN: Sunday, June 10th, 2012 from 2pm til 5pm WHERE: 1007 Arnold Street, Greensboro, NC WHY: To view new works of art from our studio artists as well as the work from our local special guest artists. Then there’s the snacks, drinks, music and Sunday afternoon art conversation… Exhibiting Studio Artists:  Carol Meetze-Moates, Judy Meyler, Kathy Phillips, Allie Scott, Steve Robinson, Amanda Austin-Bolton, Heath Carrier, Vicki Johnson, Jay Bruni, Leigh Rodenbough, Kevin Burnette and Jeff Beck Special Guests Artists:  Chuck McLachian, Cheryl Lipstreu, Susan J. Harris and James Canady Events 2012-06-06T16:25:37+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/open-doors/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/open-doors/#When:14:55:29Z I believe there is a purpose and plan for my life and if I listen carefully and move forward with what I hear, one day that purpose and plan will be fulfilled.  I have never been one to try and push doors open but when an opportunity to walk through a door is presented and I have peace about it, I will certainly walk through it.  May 2012 brought two such doors.  Door #1—I was offered the opportunity to oversee, or I supposed you say, “curate”, the “Gallery of Art” at the Chamber in Greensboro.  At first I was a little hesitant because I have never done anything like this before, but then I reminded myself that it was a door of opportunity and I’d never know what was on the other side or where it would lead if I didn’t go through it. After the first few weeks, I am really excited about it.  I have met some wonderful artists and set some goals to work toward.  It will be exciting to see where it leads. Door #2—I was asked to be a juror for an online contest by AbstractArtistGallery.org.  The first jury process begins on June 2nd.  Looking forward to this adventure as well! Life 2012-05-31T14:55:29+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/up-and-running/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/up-and-running/#When:17:16:21Z It’s been months since my website was rendered inoperative and I was unable to upload photos of new paintings.  Thanks to Jamie’s persistence with the website host, I am now able to upload again.  Please check out the gallery for photos of new paintings.  Some have already sold but there are still more available for purchase.  Commissions are welcome. Art Updates 2012-04-05T17:16:21+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/opening-celebration/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/opening-celebration/#When:00:19:51Z 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 the 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 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 through the Cone Health Cancer Center. Events 2012-01-23T00:19:51+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/new-online-gallery/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/new-online-gallery/#When:16:19:52Z My art was accepted this week to appear on the new online gallery, Abstract Artist Gallery.  It’s a pleasure to be a part of a site that specializes in abstract art.  So many times abstract art gets lost in the mix of realism and impressionism.  Abstract Artist Gallery not only features excellent abstracts but it also offers information on understanding abstract art. To check out the main site, go to http://www.abstractartistgallery.org And to view my page, go to http://www.abstractartistgallery.org/susan-j-harris My thanks and appreciation goes out to Jaison Cianelli for creating a great site especially for abstract artists. Art Updates 2011-09-01T16:19:52+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/new-paintings1/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/new-paintings1/#When:18:52:46Z I have three new paintings I have been trying to upload to my gallery but I am having technical issues with the site right now.  I decided to upload them to the blog to give you a preview while the site is being worked on.  As soon as the website issues are resolved, I will post them in the Gallery.  I hope you enjoy them and do check back for descriptions and more info on each painting.  The first one is:  Peaceful Waters The second one is:  Focus The third one is:  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. PEACEFUL WATERS 24 x 30 gallery wrapped canvas FOCUS 24 x 36 gallery wrapped canvas EDGE 11 x 14 black metal frame Behind The Scenes 2011-07-18T18:52:46+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/eye/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/eye/#When:11:26:11Z Two of my newest “yet to be revealed” paintings have been juried into this exhibit.  Check back to see the new photos which will be posted soon.  “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. Art Updates 2011-07-13T11:26:11+00:00