Susan Dobay's Book, Her Art and Her Poets

To start the year 2018 Village Poets present the book "An Incessant Search for the Essence of All Art" by Hungarian American artist Susan Dobay, including slides of the paintings and digital art, as well as poems from the book ready by California poets, including Peggy Castro, Pauli Dutton, Lois P. Jones, Joan Stern, Maja Trochimczyk, Kath Abela Wilson and a guest from Japan, Mariko Kitakubo.

The event will place at the Bolton Hall Museum in Tujunga (10110 Commerce Ave, Tujunga, CA 91042) on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. The reading will also include Open Mike segments (preferred poems about Dobay's work) and refreshments. The George Harris Hat will be passed around to collect suggested donations of $3 per person for refreshments and to make a donation for the upkeep of the Bolton Hall Museum, Los Angeles Historical Landmark built in 1913.

SUSAN DOBAY - RESUMÉ

Hungarian by birth, Susan Dobay resides in California. After studying graphic arts both in Hungary and the U.S, she served as an illustrator for advertising agencies, magazines, and newspapers. Wanting to explore more creative options, Susan Dobay moved from commercial to fine art, and in 1968 she was invited to join and exhibit with the Alliance of Hungarian Artists both in the United States and abroad.
In Los Angeles Dobay helped found the Arany Janos Hungarian Literary and Cultural Circle. Dobay’s art is represented in collections in London, Switzerland, Hungary, Transylvania, Canada, New York and Los Angeles.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT
“Although I derive inspiration from various sources –e.g., music, nature, the human condition -I try to find the balance between mind and spirit. My goal is to involve viewers in a creative game where both the mind and the heart are stimulated.”

LISTINGS
Hungarian Painters and Graphic Artists 1988
California Art Review 1989
Contemporary Hungarian Lexicon 1999
International Women Artists 1997
Who's Who in America
Who’s Who in the World

DOCUMENTATION
Deri Museum, Debrecen, Hungary
San Diego Museum, California
Hungarian National Museum, Budapest
Szepmuveszeti Museum, Budapest
Vasarely Museum, Budapest
M.H. de Young Memorial Museum. San Francisco, CA
The National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington D.C.
Long Beach Museum of Art, CA

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2015 Museum Gallery Science Center, Debrecen, Hungary
2014 DVD presentation Hungarian House Los Angeles
2014 DVD presentation Bolton Hall Museum CA
2014 DVD presentation Altadena Public Library
2014 Shumei Hall Art Gallery, Pasadena, CA
2013 Interview of Susan Dobay Krickorian Movie Theatre
2011 Shumei Hall Art Gallery, Pasadena, CA
2010 Art Center of Ferencvaros , Budapest, Hungary
2010 Scenic Drive Gallery, Monrovia, California
2009 Scenic Drive Gallery, Monrovia, California
2007 Tibor Erno Galeria, Nagyvarad, Transylvania
2006 Szatmarnemet Museum, Transylvania
2006 Museum of Mateszalka, Hungary
2006 2B Gallery, Budapest, Hungary
2006 Wall Art Gallery Fermandia Beach, Florida
2005 2B Gallery Budapest, Hungary
2004 Zemplen Galeria, Satoraljaujhely, Hungary
2003 Gateway Plaza, Pasadena, CA
2002 Sumitomo Building, Los Angeles
2002 Glendale City Center, Glendale, CA
2001 Lurdy House Gallery, Budapest
2001 Bergamot Station, Santa Monica, CA
2001 Pincetarlat Gallery Budapest
1999 Deri Museum, Debrecen Hungary
1996 Invitational guest artist at the Millecentenarium of Hungary. The exhibit travels to: Budapest, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Israel, Japan and the USA.
1995 Three Palms Gallery at Sterling Vineyards, CA
1995 Featured Artist Allied Arts Association, Richland, Washington
1994 Featured Artist, Joslyn Arts Center, Torance, CA
1993 Vasarely Museum, Budapest
1993 Vroman’s Gallery, Pasadena
1992 Jozsef Varos Gallery, Budapest
1990 Fine Art Publisher’s Building, Budapest
1989 Style Connection Gallery, Encino, CA
1983 Teeblat Gallery, Freiberg, Germany
1983 Arcadia Public Library, Arcadia, CA
1981 Collector Showcase Gallery, Los Angeles,
1980 Pocket Stage Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
1979 Ma Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
1978 Dorog Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
1977 Open Studio, Monrovia, CA
1974 Qraz Gallery , Seattle, Washington
1973 KFAC Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
1972 Au Petit Jean, Beverly Hills, CA
1968 Bognar Gallery, Los Angeles

Madame Butterfly (based on Puccini Opera) by Susan Dobay

GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2010 The Pico House Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2010 Art Center of Thousand Oaks, CA
2006 Museum of the American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick, NJ
2004 2B Galeria, Budapest
2001 Sushi Performance and Visual Art, San Diego
2000 Galleria Adonis Woodridge, Ontario, Canada
1999 Priory Gallery Swiss Cottage, London, England
1998 Museum of Arts Downtown Los Angeles, CA
1996 Art Exhibition Galleries Marin County Civic Center, San Rafael, CA
1996 Galerie 101 Corte Madre, CA
1996 Zantman Galleries, Palm Desert, CA
1993 Luthar Gallery, Budapest
1994 Invitational guest artist at the Milicentenarium of Hungary. Exhibit travels to :Belgium, Germany, Austria, Israel, Japan and USA.
1995 Kortars Gallery, Budapest and Debrecen, Hungary
1991 Orlando Gallery, Shermen Oaks, CA
1991 Var Gallery, Budapest
1984 U.N. Woman Conference, Nairobi, Kenya
1985 Mc Houston Gallery, Pasadena CA
1982 Mucsarnok Museum, Budapest
1979 LA Artists Equity, Los Angeles CA
1979 New York Artists Equity, NY
1975 California Museum of Science and Industry, Los Angeles
1972 Olympic Art’s Festival, Munich, Germany
1967 California Museum of Science and Industry, Los Angeles

Susan Dobay with Maja Trochimczyk surrounded by her artwork, 2009.

CRITIC’S STATEMENTS ABOUT DOBAY'S ART
“ Her work offers a rich cross section of our century’s spiritual and stylistic movement. Her work is part of that artistic movement which express in a contemporary manner the sensitivity, the mentality, and cultural needs of modern man facing the turn of the millennium.”
“ She has the courage to use the visual tools and forms to say many things in many different ways.”
~ Gabor O. Pogany, Art Historian ( Director of the Hungarian National Gallery)

"She is primarily interested in clashing emotions, in opposites. While living in and surrounded by a society of material worship, her studio in Southern California stands as a shelter for an idealistic revolution where Dobay ventures into exploring the duality of existence: matter and soul."
~ Anna J. Winslow, Author

“The monumental yet sensitively refined forms give a unique floating sensation to the work, which reflects simultaneously the link between artistic tradition and individual trademark of the artist.”
~ Andras Bohar, Art Critic, (Art Today Magazine)

"A Cervantes with a brush”
~ Bernardo Blanco Gonzales, Ph. D., Author

“Dobay’s love, emotion, and philosophy have exploded on canvas: Dobay’s creation had to be born.”
~ Akos Thiery, Ph. D. ,Art Historian

“Dobay’s creations have impact not only on the mind, but their unusual concepts and color compositions shake up the emotions too.”
~ L. Babonici, Ph.D., Art Historian

"Dobay projects her thoughts with a newly modern, assuredly contemporary flair"
~ Lilla Szabo, Ph.D. Art historian, Hungarian National Gallery

http://www.blurb.com/b/7909354-an-incessant-search-for-the-essence-of-all-art

ABOUT THE BOOK

“In her book An Incessant Search for the Essence of All Art, Susan Dobay hopes to reach more artists, inspiring them to develop conscious artistry, and their own philosophy of art. She delves into the major questions of creative energy and creativity as a force and a significant element of our society, making this essential reading for both artists and those interested in contemporary art. “

’’It was with great pleasure that I explored your book. I always find it extremely interesting when a visual artist expresses him or herself verbally. It is preciscely why, because of the personal resonance of the book, I don’t want to, and it is not possible to, critique the content or the images. I simply enjoyed the way the personal message and visual artistry unfolded page by page. Congratulations! "
~ Deme Edina, Múzeumpedagógia, főosztályvezető Szepmuveszeti Muzeum, – Hungarian National Gallery

’’I like your book very much : It is versitale, honest, multicolored . It captured me with its magical within and without beauty, the natural and at the same time poetical context. I received true answers to those questions that you are in engaged. Furthermore your sad and happy passages of life in conection with the already known creations got into a new dimension. Through your book I got to know the life of a true artist and a true human being.’’ Adrienne Darvay Nagy, theatre expert, writer, historian.
’’Your book is fascinating. I feel you are speaking for all creative people, for all artists, specially those who wished someone would express how they felt expressing themselves ’’
~ Fereidun Shokatfard, visual artist, poet.

“ I have spent the day reading your beautiful BOOK!! I loved every minute of it! All the color that feeds my soul and the brilliant, genius mind that brings out the questions that life asks us.. that some will never discover. Real, and authentic and “in your place” where an artist fulfills a purpose to move goodness into others... You have blessed my life, my journey...paths cross like painting lines from the Master’s hand.”
~ Rachel Walker, song writer and singer

Susan Dobay with Mira Mataric, Maja Trochimczyk, Kathabela and Rick Wilson.

“ This book is not strictly autobiographical, although Dobay shares some of the major events that have influenced her life and art. But she manages to make the personal-universal, such as her growing up in war-torn Hungary during WWII, which lead readers to think about how today’s young children are managing to grow up in the middle of war. The events Dobay shares add interest and depth as she searches for the meaning of art and shares the thoughts of the intellectuals who have influenced her. Susan Dobays book is enhanced by her paintings and compositional art, which like herself, has many Layers. “
Penelope Torribio, Author

“ I am in awe of what you have been able to become: artist par excellence, speaker and mentor. You are truly an inspiration to the young people.”
~ Georgette McMorris, Ph.D

"I am so happy that your book has been published. Whoever is fortunate enough to receive a copy can learn much from it.”
~ Robert Horvath, photographer

Susan Dobay with Poets on Site. Pauli Dutton in pink.

"This gorgeous collection of art, memories, and sage words both delights and inspires. We might all wish to be more like Susan who has persistently followed her own path of passion, intuition, and ideals. Here is a book, an art, and a life, we can all admire.”
~ Pauli Dutton, poet, former Director of Altadena Public library

“ We are deeply touched by your lifelong dedication to the exploration of the human condition through your art. Spiritual, musical and historical insights alternate with whimsical images that captivate the viewer. Talent and imagination and insight created a gift to us all. Thank you Ms. Dobay”
~ Laszlo J. Cser, professor emeritus, Los Angeles City College , Maria E. Cser, music educator, performer

"It’s such a treat to read through your book. I think it’s a wonderful representation of who you are. I know I have only known you a short while during your long, creative life, but the combination of your art, your philosophical thoughts on life’s myriad joys and struggles, and the poems of those who had the privilege of encountering you and your paintings shows an entire crop of bountiful relationships from which more creative lives and more creative art will come. I especially enjoy reading and watching how different poets respond to your art in different ways, which are also different from my own. It’s a great way to keep learning about life, art, and the world. Thank you for sharing your book, your gallery, and your life with me! ”
~ Just Kibbe, visual artist, poet

Susan Dobay and Kathabela Wilson

“It is a great gift to all of us that you have worked to create your magnificent artwork and to express the mystery of passionate and natural creativity in this book. You have worked strongly with a sensitive heart to the beauty and difficulties of life with the positive power of the artist to express and even transform the world. Part of your process has been to embrace our community of Poets on Site as "kindred spirits" and to nourish their artistic strength by hosting them in your home and in this book. The Poets on Site have been attracted by the unique colorful world you have created artistically in your "incessant search" for meaning. You have expanded and included all of us who know you in person and all who this book like a door into understanding themselves and art itself. By making your book you have gone one step further, in giving a key to the door of an artistic life. It is a miniature of the large world you have created. And our poems are honored as part of that world. An artist works alone but in concert with all the artistic strength and questioning of human history. You open your door to this by creating art and sharing it in this special way. “
~ Kath Abela Wilson, poet, artist, creator and leader of Poets on Site

The Kiss

A KISS

(Inspired by the art of Susan Dobay)

By Joe DeCenzo

Thoughts cling to me like ivy to a trellis

Climbing to your bedroom window.

Foolhardy were ideas that any garden could be

More vivid or aromatic than the fervent one you tend.

Away from you, the flowers of deception touch the sky.

Morality grows more crooked than the thorny hedge;

The frail breath of loyalty, a snare for the naïve;

The promise of success as empty as pauper’s bowl.

The morning grass is bathed in dew.

The unfolding petals bear their naked innocence

To the sunlit sky that warms the sandy path

To what was always known as home.

To walk back to blooming fields

Where beauty exceeds imaginings,

To cast away the shadows

That invade the daylight hours,

To know the shelter of your arms

And blankets of your kiss

Is to fulfill the only goal in life

That merits any search.

Cheerful is the sparrow upon your branch

Who builds his nest.

Rescued is the man who discards ambition

For those two lips.

Joe DeCenzo

January 2018

City Whispers by Susan Dobay

Awakenings

~ after a painting “City Whispers” by Susan Dobay

First to wake: the maple tree.
Up and up, sprouting from a seedling.
With a crown of burnished gold, white
diamond crystals for winter –
It slept through blizzards to flourish
dressed in pinks and celadons.

Second awake: the girl.
Watching the trees from her bed
Or her wheelchair. She cannot go far
Into the streets, filled with noise.
Protected by smooth glass panes
She sees the buds on each twig
Fill out until they burst
Into carmine, wrinkled bows
Small and shiny, maturing
As they change into the green.

The third: a robin calling out
To his friends, dispelling darkness
With his shrill fluted motives.
The spring is woven from his calls,
Warmed up in red feathers on his chest.
He came late to scratch the ground
For a worm to peck, a beetle.
The looping birdsong measures
The coming of days. It floats up and up,
Above the rooftops.

The girl touches her curly blond hair
Growing longer, straighter
As the nurse braids it each morning.
The life, the light, she wishes
For this power to come in.
Make her walk, yes, make her walk.
She stretches up and up.
Outside, city whispers.

The Sunflowers by Susan Dobay

Sunflowers

By Pamela Shea

Sunflower angels

Stand sturdy, subtle, humble

Sublimely smiling

Halos rippling in the sky

Roots grounded in soil

Perky and unpretentious

Savoring sunlit breezes

They dance upon the landscape

Uniting heaven and earth

Still Life With Coffee

by Pamela Shea

Soft awakening

Early morning connections

Written words inspire

Coffee aroma rises

Feelings intertwine

In lovely lacy patterns

Then unraveled on paper

Words strung on unending chains

Attachments in solitude

Still Life with Coffee

Crossing the Threshold

(Inspired by Susan Dobay’s painting, Still Life with Coffee)

by Dorothy Skiles

Lovely painting in blues,

reds, yellows, greens.

All inviting me in!

In an instant, my reality

expands beyond picture

frame and wall.

I swiftly cross the threshold…

Quiet is the morning

just after sunrise.

A cup of dark roast coffee

awaits at the table

covered in fine lace.

I take my place, opening

the journal to pages filled

with private thoughts,

poems and scribbles.

Watch on chain keeps time.

I must hurry back, lots to do!

How much time do I have?

To drink another cup?

To write another poem?

To see another sunrise?

Dorothy Skiles

January 28, 2018

Searching by Susan Dobay

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COMMENTS

January 25, 2018

COMMENT BY SUSAN DOBAY:

I would like to express my gratitude to Maja Trochimczyk , who is enriching All Art with her talent and knowledge. I am grateful for her friendship and for the beautiful poem “Awakenings” that is enriching my book An Incessant Search for the Essence of All Art.

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