Artists Registry

H. Hargrove

Toms River NJ United States

http://www.hhargrove.com
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Reaching Out by H Hargrove.jpg

The Story of Reaching Out
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Hargrove became passionate about what we as Americans hold dear to us-our values, our freedom, and our families. One element of "Freedom" has a special appeal for Hargrove: Lady Liberty, one of the first sights he saw upon his arrival in America nearly 30 years ago. As the War on Terrorism escalated, Hargrove felt the need to capture the essence of what America was feeling, what he himself was feeling. Thus, he returned to his easel to create the beautifully stark "Reaching Out." The painting, a monochrome with only the faintest touches of color, depicts the Statue of Liberty in an alcove such as one might see reserved for statuary in a church. Instead of standing tall, she is on one knee, the torch of freedom cradled on her other knee, her free hand reaching forward and creating a three-dimensional effect. Her face seems as stoic as ever, but upon inspection a tear can be seen falling from one eye. The painting works on many levels. Is the Lady reaching out for help in America's time of need? Or is she reaching out instead to comfort Americans in their time of need? Is her tear a manifestation of sorrow or compassion? Could it be both? Does her place in a marble alcove elevate her to a kind of secular sainthood? Hargrove does not (or will not) lend his own interpretation to the scene, leaving it up to each individual observer. He will only say that creating "Reaching Out" has provided him with a healing catharsis. Others who have seen the original have expressed the same emotion, whatever their interpretations.

-H. Hargrove
www.hhargrove.com

H. Hargrove, born Nicolo Sturiano in 1941 grew up in a small town just outside of Palermo, Italy. At the age of 23, he came to the United States with a degree in wine chemistry from the Wine Institute of Marsala excited to pursue his chosen profession.

Hired as a winemaker for a small vineyard in upstate New York, H. Hargrove's career soon changed direction when he discovered and fell in love with the American countryside. Literally awestruck by the beauty and the antiquity of the weathered barns and covered bridges, he began to paint. The owners of the winery were so impressed with his images that they asked him if he would like to create paintings to decorate the wine tasting room. Much to his delight the series of paintings depicting Monks in various stages of wine tasting became much more popular than the wine and the artist soon found himself in a studio in Greenwich Village, New York City.

The rest, as they say, is history.
H. Hargrove's accomplishments are many. His paintings are displayed in homes and businesses throughout the world. He today ranks as one of the country's most-collected and renowned living artists.
H. Hargrove was honored to create a commemorative painting for the centennial Olympic Games. "From Athens to Atlanta" is one of the artists most celebrated works. H. Hargrove was again honored to create a work celebrating the Women's World Cup Soccer tournament. "The World Is Watching" captured the spirit of this most historic event. The artist was asked to come to a special event at the state capital in New Jersey, where he presented the then Governor Christine Todd Whitman with a limited edition of the "World is Watching" to help celebrate the "kickoff" of the Women's World Cup Soccer Tournament.
H. Hargrove has been featured on television, radio and in magazines throughout the world. He has appeared on the NBC Today Show, FOX Television and local network and public television. Other highlights include a retrospective showing of his work at the historic Cincinnati Art Club where the artist and his celebrated guest, hall-of-fame basketball player Oscar Robertson raised thousands of dollars for inner city children.
The Children's Miracle Network benefited from a charitable appearance by H. Hargrove in New Orleans.
Additionally, H. Hargrove was honored by an invitation to our Nation's Capital by the United States Marines Corps in a special showing of his work at the Pentagon.

Referred to by some as a poet with a brush: by others, as a compelling visual storyteller H. Hargrove has captured the hearts of America for over twenty-five years.