Some of the viewers to this blog
may be new to blogging hence if you want to see an image larger, just
click on it. Then click out of the photo to take you back to where you left off reading. If you see a word highlighted in a different colour it is a
hyperlink and will take you directly to the link.
Welcome to 22/31
I figured, if he can do it then so can I.
Come along on a little journey to meet the Seth Apter that I know and admire...
Seth Apter?
Who was he?
He seemed genuine enough.
I began reading his blog and googling him.
For some reason I wanted to know more.
"Numbers" 3 panel wall art life story
judy wilkenfeld visual anthologies
I must admit I was a little suspicious of
this fellow, however, soon enough Seth and I developed a “virtual” friendship
based on mutual respect.
"22" artist book
judy wilkenfeld visual anthologies
On one trip to New York we decided to meet. I was
absolutely terrified. You know, the imagination went wild. Here’s this guy who
sounds so genuine yet seemed to spend endless hours on the internet, commenting
and highlighting other artists' work and blogs. Maybe, I thought, he was some strange guy stuck in an apartment with nothing but an online life. The imagination went wild. I tried to picture what he looked like – won’t go into that!
Reality Strikes:
Nobody had met Seth at that time. I was
going to be the first or so I thought.
It
turns out that Karen was supposed to meet Seth at some point too. We decided to
meet him together – force in numbers type situation.
The date was set.
Karen and I booked into a hotel in New York
City and spent hours and hours discussing what Seth would look like based on
nothing but womanly intuition. Ahh, but then we did have a voice after arranging the meeting.
Then the moment arrived. In walked Mr
Altered Page and I happened to be on the phone to Australia. It gave me some time to
visually “check him out” whilst he was speaking to Karen.
We nailed it!
Seth looked exactly as we had
imagined – thank goodness.
We talked over dinner and I knew that I had
found a new friend that was extremely intelligent, interesting, softly spoken
yet definitive in his opinions (love that). I recall that we were so focused on
the brief time we had together. We viewed things very similarly. No surprise
that we struck up an immediate friendship.
We had to get a photo!
Initially Seth did not want his photo
posted on my blog for mixing his professional career with his art world was
something he was not ready to do, understandably so.
After seeing the photo, Seth agreed that the time had
come for the artist Seth Apter to be revealed:
Seth the student, me the teacher:
As you have probably gathered, Seth is
extremely focused and highly detailed.
I bet he was the kid who sat at the front of the class.
When I was teaching him how to make a book based on my techniques,
he was extraordinarily attentive.
He was a perfectionist (sounds like someone I know) and it appeared that
the book that was developing was quite linear - something that struck me
as the Psychologist side of Seth showing through.
Just look at those pursed lips - a sure sign
of extreme concentration and determination.
Not wanting to move on until he had mastered each step represents one side of the Seth I know.
And talk about determined...
I remember arranging to meet Seth to support his efforts in one of his passions - running a New York marathon!
I bet all that training has now paid off for you Seth - knowing that you need all of your energy as your book has been released and you go about your countrywide tour.
Now all of you will know where Mr Altered Page gets his stamina and energy from in order to respond to each and every email, blog post, Facebook comment, tweet etc etc related to his blog.
Seth has extraordinary commitment and tenacity.
Musings and the other side of Seth:
My initial instinct about him was correct.
He was genuine, honest and extremely intelligent - a winning combination for
me.
He makes me laugh like very few others can.
(See Seth, shocking photo of me but it tells the story - oh the sacrifices I am making for this post)
And laugh, until it hurts.
All these character traits, about which I speak, add up to the man
I respect immensely and who has come to be one of the most highly respected artists in the mixed media arts world.
When we speak, the conversations are often deep and
meaningful and then almost out of nowhere comes that other side of Seth which at first caught me by surprise. That relaxed, almost carefree part of Seth that has me in hysterical laughter.
These photos were taken in New York almost immediately after I had been chasing the history of my mother and her family in Lithuania. It was an emotionally draining experience. I had not processed much or any of what I had seen there. I was completely numb. I am not going to elaborate other than to say it related to what happened to them all during The Holocaust.
I wasn't even sure I was in any kind of frame of mind to meet up with anyone, so numb was I. I don't recall sharing much of that experience, if anything at all of it with him at the time. In hindsight, his extraordinary people skills must have sensed something.
I have never revealed this to you Seth, you gave me a very special gift that day.
You gave me the much needed ability to snap out of my shock.
You made me laugh and laugh and laugh.
I hadn't laughed for weeks.
When that lighthearted, even cheeky side of you made an appearance that day, it is exactly what I needed.
Thank you for the gift that day Seth.
You know that I always feel that we never get enough time to enjoy each others company but inevitably we always make the effort to meet up. Now make the effort and come down here. You have a huge fan base down under.
As a friend, Seth "gets" me.
As a fellow artist, Seth "gets" me.
"Numbers" 3 panel wall art life story
judy wilkenfeld visual anthologies
He does not see the
darkness in my art as frightening like some do.
He sees way beyond the initial glance and goes deep into the intended layers that I present in my artwork.
"Kol Nidrei- Reflections on The Inquisition"
Part of which is featured in Seth's book
judy wilkenfeld visual anthologies
He
sees the layers of meaning - probably somewhat due to his professional career.
He has never failed to understand the message that I am trying to convey - probably due to his sensitive nature.
"Kol Nidrei- Reflections on The Inquisition"
Part of which is featured in Seth's book
judy wilkenfeld visual anthologies
I admire that about you Seth.
"Kol Nidrei- Reflections on The Inquisition"
Part of which is featured in Seth's book
judy wilkenfeld visual anthologies
I truly respect his love and
devotion for his family. It is that side of Seth, the calm and sensitively
loyal part of my friend that made me realize that that, in and of itself, is
part of the reason he understands me and my artwork.
When Seth first contacted me about his book, I
was in the midst of moving house, had no studio and had damaged my arms that
have now taken two
years to heal.
I went on my own journey of discovery,
allowing fate to take me by the hand and lead me into new directions.
It was
not easy to create a self-portrait without any art materials, mediums or a studio. I had
to think very laterally. It was challenging but I believe the piece in Seth’s
book conveys what I am about and how I view myself.
The other piece featured in Seth's book "Kol Nidrei- Reflections on The Inquisition" was not quite complete when I submitted it to Seth. However, I wanted to provide a piece of art that hadn't been seen before and that would be befitting the book.
About 22:
22 is a favoured and meaningful number for me. It has
continually presented itself to me throughout my life.
It is no surprise then that Seth
randomly chose the 22nd day of this month for this post.
"22" artist book
judy wilkenfeld visual anthologies
The number 22 is a master number.
"22" artist book
judy wilkenfeld visual anthologies
The Number 22 is the number of revelation
and communication.
The Number 22 unites the entire body of the
Torah (Jewish Bible).
The numerical value of 22 is equivalent to the
Hebrew word "Yachad" – to
unite or togetherness as part of divine providence.
"22" artist book
judy wilkenfeld visual anthologies
In Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) there are 22
lines that connect the ten “Sephirot”, when presented in diagram form.
The 22 connecting paths correspond to the
spiritual channels of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Kabbalah views the
Hebrew letters as channels of spiritual life force.
I consider meeting Seth as part of my life's journey. He has taught me many things, though he does not know it. He has a "life force" about him that is very unique and I guarantee that anyone who meets him on his book tour will agree.
Since this 22 of the 31 of the 100 had to answer the questions you Seth had posed...
I now turn the spotlight
even more directly onto you, my fellow "monster of art" and beg your indulgence in these very busy times for
you to answer the following questions:
“To me, my whole life
had been a journey that has taken me along a path that has led to this book”.
You are aware, as are
most of my blog readers are, that serendipity or in the Hebrew “Bashert”
(fate) – weaves its way throughout my artworks.
It plays a vital and integral
role in the shaping of my artist books.
Based on this I have
two questions for you:
- Do you believe in “Bashert” with regard to your art and does it play
a role in your pieces?
- Do you feel that the journey that led you to writing your book had
elements of “Bashert”?
Seth Responds
Answer One
I fully believe in the concept of “Bashert” or synchronicity
and see it play out in my life everyday. And that includes my art. Much of what
I create contains found objects and my sense is always that it was not a random
occurrence that I was where I was when I was so that the object could be found
by me. That is just one of many times that “Bashert” plays a role.
In fact, I owe the very existence of my book to “Bashert.” I
have not yet shared online how my book began, so I am giving you a scoop here Judy.
On March 9th, 2010 I held a giveaway on my blog to celebrate a
blogging milestone. Given that I had just finished posting “The Book Guild”
series on my blog, I decided that a book giveaway was apropos. I chose five
books that I thought would be great for my readers. I could have chosen from
among 100s of books but the first of five that I listed was “Journal Spilling”
by Diana Trout. On March 17th I received an email from Tonia
Davenport, an acquisitions editor from North Light Books, asking if I had ever
considered turning The Pulse into a book. She was the editor of “Journal
Spilling” and had discovered my blog and The Pulse project because I had chosen
Diana’s book for the giveaway. “Bashert?” Oh yes!!!
Question Two
As you are aware, my
artworks speak to issues of tolerance, understanding and social justice to name a few. Many
of my artist books convey the impact historical events have had on my life,
those of my family and the Jewish people. My artist books are intimately
personal.
As a book artist, one would assume that one would find words that
assisted the viewer to understand the story being conveyed.
However, as you know,
my books reveal the story through layers of symbolism using different mediums
as the conduit for that symbolism.
Were I not to explain the history behind
them, via my blog, I often wonder if the viewer would understand the artworks.
Based on this I have some
questions for you:
- On what basis do you decide on themes for your artwork?
- When
your artwork goes on display either on your blog or in an exhibition do you
ever feel that you need to explain either the motive behind the piece or the
piece itself? Are you content to let the artwork speak for itself, allowing the
viewer to interpret the piece as it affects them?
Seth Responds
Answer Two
Unless I am working on a collaborative project where a theme
is necessary, I rarely begin a new piece or a new series with a theme in mind.
Often I start with an object, art supply or paint color and initially let the
materials guide me. Many times I start with an emotion that I am feeling and
let that be my guide. Because much of my work is abstract, this “themeless”
approach seems to work well for me.
I do love that the viewer projects their own thoughts,
feelings and experiences onto any piece of art that they see. To me, that is
what art is all about. But I am of the school where I think that knowing the
motivation or story behind a piece of art does not detract but actually
enhances the viewer’s experiences. That is the basis for much of the content of
The Pulse of Mixed Media. I do not always have the opportunity to describe the
backstory of my work but almost always prefer to share the story when I can.
Question Three
Way back in 2009 in an
interview on the “Alteredbits” blog you said:
“I have many favourite
blogging artists but one that stands out to me is Judy Wilkenfeld. Every piece
that she creates speaks to me artistically and her work is always, and I mean
always, so meaningful, emotional, powerful, and real!”
I am still blown away
by that statement – thank you.
There was a time
when one of my art pieces was not published by a magazine for fear that the readers of that publication would find it too
confronting and too “emotional, powerful, and real”. (Fortunately it was taken up by another magazine and the response was overwhelmingly positive).
It never changed my focus
on presenting the “emotional, powerful, and real” or as some call it “dark”
art. In fact, it suggested to me that my artworks affected people deeply and my
goal was achieved.
As a Psychologist you
deal with other people’s emotions. Do both disciplines, Psychology and being an
Artist ever blend in your pieces and if so would you ever fear not presenting a
piece of art for fear that it may “negatively affect” some viewers?
Seth Responds
Answer Three
Because psychology and art are both such big parts of my
identity, I think that each discipline finds its way into the other – sometimes
directly but most of the time subtly. My attraction to layers and textures and
aged objects definitely relates to my experiences as a Psychologist. I have not
yet come across a piece of my own work which I thought might in any way
“negatively affect” the viewer, other than the fact that they may not like it.
But if I ever thought my work might “negatively affect” a viewer, I would still
reveal the piece because art, among so many other things, is meant to move,
affect, and impact the viewer.
Conclusion
I consider myself very fortunate to have
met Seth. There are very few like him.
I am appreciative and honoured that he
chose me to be one of the 31 spotlight artists. I am proud to be in such an amazing line - up of talented artists.
However , when all is said and
done, it is Seth my friend that I am most grateful for.
To know that if I ever
needed him on a personal level, he would be right there by my side, “virtually”
or otherwise is wonderful. Thank you to "Bashert", the universe, fate, serendipity or whatever one chooses to call it that brought such a special
human being into my life.
Congratulations my friend, you deserve all the accolades you have coming to you. Good luck, I know the book will be a best seller.
xoxo
