Was 2022 a good year for you?
2022 was a very good year for me. I was able to create work that enriches my life and others. It is very satisfying to have had collectors tell me I’ve given them their greatest gift, and have had people connect with my art and find joy. It’s wonderful to have had my efforts recognized, an honor to have won awards, and to have been invited to show in prestigious museums and galleries. I continue to be grateful to be able to do what I love professionally and continue to grow as an artist.
What were some of the highlights in your art career?
My proudest career accomplishment this year was having been chosen as the winner of the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2022 juried exhibition. I was honored to have Renee Phillips, Founder/Director/Editor of Manhattan Arts International select my painting, “A Lotus Grows in the Mud” and present me with the Artist Showcase Membership Award from all of the outstanding worldwide entries. The competition was based on originality, innovation, and technical skill — art that has a significant impact on the viewer, inspires contemplation, insight, and transforms us. This was especially meaningful as this painting was born out of my personal journey. I was moved by the beautiful words of someone I respect profoundly.
I’m also thrilled over having several of my works of art selected for a trip to the Moon. Ten of my works of art will be part of the Lunar Codex that will be rocketed to the Lunar South Pole as part of the NASA Viper rover and Astrobotic Griffin mission in 2023. Having digital reproductions of several of my artworks being placed in a time capsule that’s landing on the Moon is a bit surreal to me. Additionally, this has brought much media attention, newspapers and tv interviews, along with several articles written about me and my works.
I am delighted to be invited to have my work included in D. Anthony Gallery located in Wausau, Wisconsin and become a part of their artistic family. David Hummer, the Executive Director of the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, just opened this brand new gallery and my painting, "A Lotus Grows in the Mud", is currently on display in this beautiful new space.
The year ended with my completing a month-long artist residency at the Pouch Cove Foundation in Newfoundland. I was thrilled to have been invited by James Baird Gallery to participate in their International exhibit "WOMAN” and offered an artist residency to live and work outside my usual environment. It was wonderful to be able to immerse myself in beautiful new surroundings and focus on creating every day. The physical and mental space allowed me to hear and listen to my own thoughts and grow as an artist.
The sea and crashing waves inspired me tremendously. The ocean has a way of putting life in perspective. I'm so glad that I had the chance to explore this on canvas. In addition to working on my portraits and figurative paintings, I created a couple small paintings of waves. These were joyous and freeing to make! I truly loved exploring different methods and the use of color with no attachment.
I am thankful that my residency coincided with the “WOMAN” exhibition. It was wonderful to be in Newfoundland and see this amazing exhibit in person. The show featured work by over forty painters from over twenty countries. It was exciting to exhibit with fellow residents and meet other artists and collectors from all over the world who stopped by the gallery to see our work.
Did your art sell?
I sold works online through 33 Contemporary Gallery and through my studio. It's always wonderful to have a work of art appreciated and acquired by new collectors. In addition I created and delivered portrait commissions to thrilled clients.
Were you included in any shows?
I have participated in many shows both internationally and online..
I am honored to be the winner of Manhattan Arts international “HerStory 2022. I was also invited to exhibit in other International shows such as, James Baird Gallery’s exhibition, Woman, and delighted to be juried into the “Divine Feminine” exhibition in the UK.
I have also participated in online shows through the Poets Artists community, Mujer, Presence and Absence, and Desperately Seeking Madonna where my new painting, “Autumn” was selected for the cover of the catalog.
Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?
My art going to the moon received much media attention. A television interview with Della Crews of News 12 NJ about my work being included in the Lunar Codex set off a serendipitous series of events.
After seeing the Della Crews interview, Greg Prince, author and NY Mets aficionado, was captivated by the portrait of my son Lonny sporting a Mets cap and jersey. I forwarded his email to Dr. Samuel Peralta, the physicist, storyteller, and curator of the Lunar Codex. Immediately, Dr. Peralta got "Lonny" onboard. Greg went on to interview me and write an article, which is now moon bound as well. My oil painting of Lonny is a portrait representing love and determination and now synergy is working to rocket it to the moon.
Greg Prince, "Moonstruck", Faith and Fear in Flushing, May 27, 2022
My painting, “The Beauty of Shabbat” will also be included in the Lunar Codex and I was thrilled to have Evelyn Frick write a fabulous feature for HeyAlma. “The lunar calendar is central to Jewish practice and informs our holidays and traditions. It is very meaningful to me to know that as the moon revolves around the earth marking each month, my art celebrating one of our most sacred traditions will be there.”
Evelyn Frick, "This Very Jewish Painting Is Heading to the Moon", Hey Alma, April 6, 2022
So incredibly honored to have this story about me by Smile Train. I'm passionate about supporting the life changing work Smile Train does and humbled to be featured by them.
Smile Train, “Nanette Fluhr: Art as a Medium for Connection" July 2022
I was excited by Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine's wonderful write up about my painting "A Lotus Grows in the Mud" and the award it won for Manhattan Arts International HerStory 2022.
Peter Trippi, "Out and About", Fine Art Connoisseur, July/Aug 2022
In addition to spotlight articles by my alma maters, Rutgers and School for Visual Arts, other articles include:
Canvas Rebel, “Meet Nanette Fluhr”, July 2022
Max Gillies, "Dressed to Impress", Fine Art Connoisseur, Nov/Dec 2022
Fine Art Today, Artist Spotlight: Nanette Fluhr, Sept 2022
Fine Art Connoisseur Featured Artwork: Nanette Fluhr, July 2022 The cover image, "Summer Wind", is available on Artsy.
What are you looking forward to in 2023?
I am looking forward to some exciting portraits I have been commissioned to paint as well as creating personal work for my collectors and myself. I always want to grow as an artist and continue to create meaningful and lasting art. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge of traditional realism through teaching and will be leading a workshop this summer at The Inview Art Center at the Landgrove Inn in Vermont.
I am also curious to see how my time exploring, reflecting and creating in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland will influence my future work.
With over two decades of professional experience, Nanette Fluhr has created paintings that hang in public and private collections worldwide. Known for her sensitive portraits and exacting technique, her art has been recognized by prominent artistic institutions. Nanette is a master portraitist able to capture a remarkable physical likeness, along with the true essence and spirit of her subject. Her Honors include, The American Women Artists Distinguished Achievement Award, the winner of Manhattan Arts International HerStory 2022, and a proclamation for her achievement in the arts by the Suffolk County Legislature. Her art has been exhibited at The Butler Institute of American Art, The European Museum of Modern Art, The Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as in a six-museum exhibition on contemporary American realism in China. Nanette is one of the artists from across the globe whose work was selected for inclusion in the Lunar Codex, a time capsule of digitized works of art and literature being sent to, and permanently placed, on the moon.