Showing posts sorted by relevance for query nina. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query nina. Sort by date Show all posts

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Nina: Poster Woman for Chicks with Balls

Nina is Grace Under Fire

Our playgroup has spent the better part of the past 13 years “shopping for Nina”. By this I mean shopping for men for Nina. See, Nina has spent a good chunk of these past 13 years single. It’s a fun and vicarious pastime for non-Jewish Yentas like myself to find suitable bachelors for her.

Soft-spoken, sweet, kind, lovely and graceful, Nina has no trouble attracting men on her own though. Random men in bars and life become smitten and want to protect her, take care of her…sometimes to the point of obsession.

Though her soft-spoken demeanor might stir male fantasies of heroic rescues, Nina serves as her own knight in shining armor; breadwinner, healer, advocate, protector and tireless stable fixture in the lives of the 3 people in her care.

Nina is THE poster child for Chicks with Balls (actually “poster woman”…see the poster, post card and advertisment in CAN Journal coming out in June to advertise the opening reception of the art show on August 9th…she’s on all of them). Early in CWB I wrote a laundry list*  of struggles and triumphs my Chicks have risen to. Nina could put a check by most of them. She truly is grace under fire.

When we met 13 years ago in the playgroup that saved my new mom sanity, Nina was 25 with her first toddler. I was 37 with my third. Her daughter Lexi, still in diapers, was already talkative, outgoing, outspoken and had forged the strong identity that will grow with her into the Broadway actress she aspires to be. At that time, Nina and her husband were living with Nina’s parents, who have been constant and loving rocks of stability through the events to come.

Over the next few years of weekly playgroup for our toddlers and playgroup therapy for the moms, we saw her marriage come apart.

At the time we were all, more or less, “home with the kids full time”; an enviable, yet much-maligned position you can choose if your spouse makes enough to support the family. Nina’s option to stay home full-time with Lexi dissolved with her marriage. Knowing she must be the breadwinner from now on, she returned to school to finish her education and become a nurse. After several years of tireless dedication and full time effort, Nina emerged from school, highly employable with a nursing degree.

She would now be able to support herself and her daughter without need for a male protector. She did, however, meet a man before too long and remarry. Nina continued as breadwinner while her new husband, a veteran of the war in Iraq, returned to his schooling. She also gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy, Jake. Loving her role as mom, Nina became pregnant again, and, ever the over-achiever, this time it was twin girls.

Early in this pregnancy, I asked Nina to pose for me for Chicks with Balls…to which she immediately agreed. I pictured painting a lovely and doubly giant pregnant belly. Already, at this point Nina was highly qualified for CWB. Little did either of us know how her life would unfold in the coming months and years as she continued to unequivocally earn her title as poster woman for Chicks with Balls.

This third pregnancy was not the uneventful bulky but safe passage her previous two were. She developed placenta previa, a condition where the placenta slides down and blocks the cervix, thus endangering mother and babies with possible infection and excessive bleeding.

When Nina was put on bedrest, and then admitted to the hospital for heavy constant bleeding, she knew the score…she was a nurse. Her demeanor, however, made it seem like merely a frustrating inconvenience, not the life-threatening powderkeg her condition actually was.

After another release and another readmission, Nina was finally sentenced to the hospital bed for the duration of her pregnancy…which would hopefully be a long time still. You see, at this point, she was only about 18 weeks…barely half way on the road to a full term pregnancy.

Problem was, those babies were coming; but if they came now it would be way too early. Each day the girls could be kept at bay was a victory where lungs, hearts, brains, bones and vision could develop the healthy natural way…safely in the womb.

The doctors realized that delivery was imminent though, and the pneumonia Nina had developed complicated things more. Despite all efforts to prevent it, the babies came. Nina delivered Cadence and Carmella at 19 weeks, each baby weighing about a pound and a half.  

As luck would have it, she gave birth on a morning I went to see her in the hospital to bring her a stack of books and magazines for what I hoped might be a long boring hospital stay for her. Her husband had attended the delivery, and came out to tell me the news. Though tensions in their marriage had been running high for some time now, he rose to the occasion and was a strong presence for his wife and children through this dangerous situation.

Each baby looked about the size of a kitten. Cadence and Carmella were immediately taped, tubed and rushed up to separate glass isolettes in the neonatal intensive care unit. The tape that held breathing tubes onto their tiny mouths left little showing of their sweet purple newness. And so the womb simulation continued, blipping, beeping, monitoring their every beat and breath in their separate oxygen infused isolation chambers.

Happily Cadence thrived.

Sadly Carmella did not, and passed away a few days after being born way too soon.

I’m going to get the Kleenex now.

Let me take a little omniscient writer’s detour and wipe some tears.





Nina’s situation is just the kind of circumstance that Chicks with Balls is all about; secret pain, the awkward torn emotions that no greeting card acknowledges, celebrating a birth while mourning a death.  How do you deal with it when you’re the mom? Where do you put this into your history…into the happy fun tales you tell your children about when they were born? For Nina, neither full joy, nor full mourning was allowed to run its course.

As protector and knight in shining armor of her family, she absorbed the aftershock of this tragedy and triumph with the superhuman strength sometimes magically granted to those who have work to do.

And work she did. Knowing Cadence would spent the rest of her gestation (3 months or more) in the NICU, and knowing she’d need to be home with her as long as possible when she did come home, Nina did not use her maternity leave for her own recovery, but went back to work as soon as she was allowed to drive. She also pumped breastmilk many times a day to fuel her daughter’s growth; just like she had done for so many years each with Lexi and Jake.

Daily visits to the NICU and coordinating frozen breastmilk deliveries, were squeezed in after full days of working as a nurse…at a different hospital across town. Nina’s mom resumed her role as daytime caregiver for the other two children.  When Nina came home each day to her toddler, teenager and husband, they all required more energy from this already stretched dangerously thin mom. But Nina didn’t break…she calmly bent with the storms, but didn’t break. Her marriage did though, and issues that had been put aside with the advent of immediate dangers to be fought, resurfaced as normal life returned.

Years of trying to make the marriage work came to an end. Nina realized she could do this alone…because to a large extent that's exactly what she'd been doing for years.

Now, two years later, Cadence is indeed thriving. She chats, she laughs, she expresses opinions, she crawls, stands and walks. She is hitting many benchmarks and is the petite poster child for beating all the odds. And Nina will be turning 37 with her third…like I was, when we met 13 years ago…when none of this was part of the plan.

I marvel at the strength and resilience of Nina. She is truly grace under pressure, and I’m hoping that from here on in it is smooth sailing for her and her family. She deserves nothing but the best, for the best is what she gives.

I called Nina’s portrait “Grace Under Fire”.


Monday, August 17, 2015

Nina Poses a Second Challenge

At 40, Nina’s got it Covered
by Judy Takács
Above is my second Chicks with Balls painting of Nina, which was included in the 2015 Chicks show at Cuyahoga County Community College Gallery East. You may recognize her because, back in 2013, she was my poster woman for Chicks with Balls.


Nina is Grace under Fire
by Judy Takács

Sometime in 2014, Nina told me she wanted to pose a second time. 

We talked about painting her tattoo this time with possibly more flesh showing… and maybe without balls this time…suggesting she had the “balls” to pose without using any balls.

As with all planned paintings, however, sometimes inspiration is more powerful than a list of great concepts.

It was the start of the summer of 2014 and before we could arrange the posing session, I visited Colorado to see the Daniel Sprick solo show, “Fictions” at the Denver Art Museum. We made a rugged family vacation out of it, with outdoor activities in addition to museum trips. One of our family hikes took us to Colorado Springs, just 2 hours south of Denver. 

Colorado Springs had been etched into the long-term storage portion of my brain since 1984, when I purchased my big fat John Singer Sargent coffee table book and discovered the hauntingly beautiful portrait of Miss Elsie Palmer. I saw that her painting was permanently installed at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and made a silent promise myself that if I ever found myself in Colorado, I’d go see it. 30 short years later, that’s just what I did…and it was infinitely worth skipping the family hike for!

Miss Elsie Palmer
by John Singer Sargent
courtesy Art Renewal Center

Miss Elsie Palmer’s symmetry and simplicity are brilliant. And, though Miss Elsie was a teenager, I saw a connection between her and Nina’s spirit and appearance…and since I’m 13 years older than she is, I’ve always thought of Nina as young…wise beyond her years, but young!

Nina could rock this pose just like Elsie did.

Sargent, of course, had a distinct advantage because of the flowing Victorian dresses his female portrait sitters wore. Not wanting to create a period piece (I think I never have) but one that was “of today,” I posed Nina with items that might compositionally do for my painting what Elsie’s dress did for Sargent’s.

I decided to go to Nina’s story for inspiration and props. I had her pose with baby blankets from all her children.  The striped and foot-printed blankets were a breeze compared to the pink and white knit afghan that had warmed her preemie twins, Cadence and Carmella. I almost threw in the brush a few times, but, short of derailing my new concept, I had no choice but to roll up my sleeves and paint the pink and white knit blankie. I feel I prevailed, but only just barely. It’s not a challenge I’ll take up again soon.

Nina had no need to use a ball for modesty though, her sumptuous auburn hair provided plenty of coverage. I did however include a ball beneath her feet to really drive home the concept of being in charge and to conjure up images of sitting on top of the world after prevailing through the gauntlet of trials her life has taken.

I call this portrait, At 40, Nina’s got it covered.



This painting was shown when
Chicks with Balls returned to Northeast Ohio in 2015!

Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus
Gallery East


Friday, August 30, 2013

A long overdue thank you note!


A beauty shot of a few of the Chicks…
courtesy of Karin and her “eye phone”


Doesn’t the opening look like a New York Disco?

The Chicks with Balls show opened to rave reviews (see press coverage at right) and record crowds at BAYarts in Bay Village, Ohio. Some of the amazing ladies who posed for me flew in from New York, Boston and Omaha for the weekend to be part of the growing buzz that has surrounded CWB. And Ohio friends from as far as Akron, Hudson, Toledo and Columbus made the drive for the phenomenal opening reception hosted by BAYarts.

Karina and Kim in front of their paintings.

My honored houseguests this weekend were Pam, Karina, Kim, and Miles too. Arriving a day early, was my wise and funny friend, Norma, whom I’ve known since my early graphic designer days. She came from Massachusetts to show her support and to pose for me too…you’ll have to wait for the next show to see her painting though!


Pam and I crack up in front of hers.


Those of you who attended the gallery talk and have been keeping up with me on facebook know that my mom (my oldest Chick) had major surgery for her ovarian cancer in July. She still tires easily, so the non-stop action of the opening reception would have been too much for her, so she was not there.



My mom, Karina and Norma relaxing with some coffee



Table full of estrogen…we were joined by Karin, Maria and Cindy.

I did want her to experience at least some of the celebrity and friendship the other chicks were enjoying, so, on Saturday morning after the reception, I had a low key brunch for my houseguests and the local chicks who were able to make it…and of course my mom. Thank you to the ladies who attended…it was so great to see my friends making friends with my friends and do what we do best…talk, talk and talk.


Thrilled that Serpie was able to stop by the next morning as well!

A little mutual book signing going on.

Through the weekend’s activities, here’s what struck me the most, though I really shouldn’t have been surprised: my friends are such nurturing, caring friendly and welcoming people I was so proud to have them meet and bond with each other…bond the way I had individually bonded with each of them over the past 30 years or so. 



Nina, my poster Chick!


The second thing that so struck me were ALL the acts of nurturing, consideration, and support performed by so many of the people whose lives had been touched by “Chicks”. A multitude of thanks to those who posed for, came to see, supported, read about, commented on and have been following my Chicks with Balls painting adventure.


Some have been faithful supporters right from the start, following and sharing the blog, and keeping up with the paintings. Some have joined up along the way.


And over the past few years or so, I’ve had friends on facebook as well as neighbors in the street stop me just to let me know how they have been moved by my Chicks blogs. You have no idea how much I appreciate hearing positive feedback…really.



Maria brought her daughters to the show and poses with her painting.

So many of my friends…who posed and those who didn’t…have had the Chicks opening on their calendar for a year now…ever since I’ve started talking about it incessantly.


And at the opening reception itself, I was heartened by how many people were looking out for MY comfort. To be the recipient of all this unsung heroism was to truly be humbled and honored.


During the festivities, one friend kept me fed and made sure I didn’t starve during the fanfare of the opening. She also had a great tip for making it seem like I was socially drinking, when in fact I was trying to stay sober, coherent and upright.


Susie poses with her friend Joan…
you can see her painting in the background on the left.


Another friend noticed that I had my purse still hanging from my shoulder well into the opening. Knowing I didn’t want to leave the kind people who were talking to me, she made sure to take the purse from me and put it in a safe place, so I could truly play the hostess at the opening.


Another friend restricted her own son’s social life for the night of the opening, to ensure that no problems would arise and force her to leave during this special night. She told him it was a very important night for Miss Judy.


Sharon and I in front of her double portrait.
One of my friends who went incognito and tried to overhear what other guests were saying about my paintings…a tricky thing to orchestrate at your own solo show, but wonderful for her to do it for me!


And the thorough and kind people at BAYarts really went to bat for me too, facilitating press coverage and making sure I was introduced to anyone and everyone who expressed their love of the Chicks. 


And through the course of the weekend (and the past few weeks too), my own family really went to bat for me too. My boys took over many of my household chores as my sister and I took over many of my mom’s household chores during her surgery recovery. My oldest drove his brothers to their activities and lessons and my husband even traded cars with me for weeks so I could take my dad to visit my mom in the hospital in a nice comfy sedan instead of my very high truck.


Sunday morning was a relaxing floor play session…
legos are the BEST!


Even my mom, the original unsung hero…who likes to do things for herself, hired some temporary home care help, just in time for me to turn my attention back to the impending Chicks with Balls events. This was a great relief for me not to have to worry about her and my dad while I was worrying about the Chicks running smoothly.


And during the Chicks weekend, with four female house guests, where the home estrogen to testosterone level went up to 50/50, my teen boys babysat for 3-year old Miles. I loved when my middle son, Eric, the house quizmaster, expressed incredulity that he could give a very thorough and reasonable answer to one of Miles’ many question and still have Miles ask “why?” again and again. Oh the irony.


So, as I relax and reflect, I am so thankful that the Chicks exhibition, opening reception, extravaganza weekend, gallery talk AND workshop all came together so beautifully…so much due to all the support and help from so many Chicks (and dudes) in MY life. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!



Me and my wonderful workshop students in front of my painting of Laurel…
who was also our figure model!

And lest you fear that this big thank you letter is some kind of a conclusion,
fear not! 

The show at BAYarts was the debut and Chicks is only just beginning to take off. Watch this blog and your emails to see how the Chicks with Balls journey continues to unfold!



My mom and dad in front of her portrait

Just one more… I did bring my parents out for a private viewing to see the show…doesn’t my mom look amazing?



Love this picture!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Oil Painting the Figure and Face with Personality and Grace


Laurel…just another day
by Judy Takács



I’m getting excited about the oil painting workshop I will be teaching at BAYarts in conjunction with Chicks with Balls! And, I just confirmed this moments ago, Laurel (from the painting above) will be our figure model for the workshop.  Laurel is the one I had in mind when I came up with the words, “Personality and Grace”…she is a true pleasure to paint.

Oil Painting the Figure and Face
with Personality and Grace
 

A Two-day figure painting workshop with instructor Judy Takács
Saturday, August 24th and Sunday August 25th
Each day from 10:00 to 4:30
At BAYarts in Bay Village, Ohio
sign up at BAYarts.net


If you want to get in on all the wit, wisdom, fun and paint that comes along with talking to me about art and life, I'd love to meet you when you take this really special workshop. I will stress gesture and expression of the nude human form using a live model, along with focusing on the portrait aspect of figure painting. We will work on short oil sketches as preparation for a longer figure painting on canvas.

My demonstrations and workshops have generous doses of  “how to” as well as “why to”. Because I really like to get to know my students one at a time. After the workshop, I continue many of the friendships I have made with attendees through facebook and continued interaction in the Northeast Ohio art world. In other words, there is personal attention for those who seek it. Check out my website to see photos from past workshops and classes I have taught. 


This workshop is also special because, the Chicks with Balls paintings will be on exhibit right downstairs from the studio, so during lunch at Mojos café downstairs and on breaks, students can immerse themselves in these figurative portraits where I have done my darndest to capture the female form with boatloads of personality and hopefully some grace too!

And a note about my personal workshop philosophy. I teach very few workshops or classes, and try to come up with a fresh concept for each one…to keep it interesting for me as well as for you.  And I do not cancel them even if the enrollment is small. The reason for this, is that I am so thankful for the students that signed up, I want to reward them with a small and intimate class where everyone gets a great spot and lots of instructor attention. 




Nina is grace under fire by Judy Takács


Tentative Workshop Schedule:

Morning Day One… will begin with my quick and lively demonstration of spontaneous gestural oil sketches on paper, after which the students will do the same.

Afternoon Day One… the longer pose will start which the students will paint from for the remainder of the workshop. I will demonstrate my process for how to start this long pose on canvas, then the students will paint their own beginnings.

Day Two…  students will continue on the long pose on canvas. I will demonstrate the progression from painting values to augmenting with color during the day to lead the students into the final stages and details of the second day of this longer painting.

A supply list will be given when you signup at BAYarts.net. 

And I'll have my paint, so if you want to try a squirt of something before you buy, I'm happy to share.

Shoot me a quick email if you have questions about the workshop:
judytakacs@me.com 


I look forward to seeing you at the workshop
…or at the opening, Friday night August 9th from 7:00 to 9:00
…or at the gallery talk, Wednesday night August 14th at 7:00.
…or stop by to see the show at BAYarts from August 5th to August 30th. 

Gallery Hours: Monday through Saturday 9:00 to 5:00, Sunday 12:00 to 5:00


Make a day of it with lunch at Vento Trattoria next door, a trip to the BAYarts gift shop and a visit to see Rob Crombie’s amazing landscapes, displayed in the adjacent Diane Boldman Gallery. 


And if nature inspires you, you could take a hike in the Metroparks Huntington Reservation, just behind BAYarts or a visit to the Huntington Beach, just across the street from BAYarts. (really, its all walking distance at this beautiful and cozy, art and nature campus)

BAYarts
28795 Lake Road
Bay Village, Ohio
440 871 6543



Lexi defends and defines her path by Judy Takács