I have been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil and I have continued that way for most of my life. By high school, I was drawing cartoon stories to make my friends laugh at lunch and while I worked at B. Forman Company as a teen I drew realistic features on the cardboard hand forms that came out of gloves. My only goal for all of these years was a career in art.

I attended college first at SUNY Geneseo as part of an experimental program that allowed students to begin their studies in their major as freshmen, bypassing the usual introduction classes. So I was immersed in Art Studio work for that entire year and learned much. I ended up taking only a minor in Fine Arts after majoring in Anthropology for my BA. Needing a “day job”, I attended nursing school, first at Monroe Community College, then at the University of Rochester, earning my BSN in 1987 and three Master’s programs in Nursing in 1989, 1990 and 1997. I am a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with specialties in Women’s Health and Dermatology.

Happily, I have been able to stay at home with my family over the last few years and my art has bloomed again. As current President of the Irondequoit Art Club, I have enjoyed working with the many talented people in our club. I have won awards in most of our Spring Shows, culminating with a Best of Show in the Spring 2003 show for my pastel of “Ed”, one of my cats. I am working on a mural at the Irondequoit Town Hall with Jeanette Musliner that will be completed this summer. I have my own website, www.hbgarver.com and am featured on a Canadian website, Artspace 2000, where I was last month’s Featured Artist.  In 2002, I participated in the First Annual “Rare Chair Affair” benefit for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and painted two chairs that were auctioned off for their cause and were featured in a local display prior to the auction.

I do occasional commissions, usually pastel portraits, and work primarily in that medium. I also enjoy watercolor and acrylic and, as always, drawing. Participating in the Windows Project has been great opportunity for me.  As Chairperson of the Artists Committee I have met many local artists and have made some dear friends.  I am grateful for the chance to both create something that benefits my community and work alongside such warm and wonderful folks.

Artist’s Statement
“Lake Ontario Sunset” is the view one sees through this window/fireplace screen. It is an example of some of the beautiful sunsets we see all summer at the lakeshore, with the trees silhouetted against the brilliant colors in the sky.

My concept of this piece is one of both beauty and functionality. I like the idea that a painting can be viewed in not only an unconventional place and way but also perform a function. The fireplace screen is the type that is used in the summer and not to be used in front of a blazing winter fire! The screen is formed by the central window flanked by posts and decorative moldings that form feet on both sides and a central scroll molding that I had custom made for this piece. On the center scroll there sits a gold painted finial that suspends a large Swarovski® crystal into the circle created by the top scrollwork. The effect is meant to be relaxing and to reflect the light of the room. There are also gold painted spheres atop each post. The painting itself is done on a masonite panel prepared for the acrylic paint used on it and mounted behind the frame.

It is my vision for this creation that its owner can place it in front of their fireplace during the warm weather and enjoy a pleasant view as well as enhance their décor.

My thanks to the Frontier Corporation for sponsoring my windows project and I hope they enjoy the results!