Hodge ‘paints a pretty picture’

By: Emily Capp

Posted: 10/3/03

The John Sloan Fine Arts Center is now featuring a second exhibition of artwork for students to see. Artist Jerry Hodge made a presentation to students, faculty, and other interested community members concerning his work of drawings and paintings on Wednesday night at 8 p.m.
Hodge’s works included a vast diversity of pieces, from the pen and ink drawings of a baby's heart to vibrantly colored portraits of insects. The variety of his artwork was appealing to many spectators.
Kevin Meyers, a Lock Haven University student, said, "The diversity of his paintings is very intriguing. He truly varies his work but remains consistent with his attention to detail."
In his presentation, Hodge explained several phases he embarked on as an artist. He first began as a professor at the University of Michigan. During this time, he illustrated medical and science books using pen and ink technique. Specifically, he used a difficult method called "eye lashing." He used an extremely thin and fine flex pen to carefully draw the anatomy of the human body. With this difficult form, he was able to recreate almost exact pictures of what the given body part he was drawing looked like. He actually sat with surgeons and perfected his work as the doctors performed their surgery.
Although it would be easier to do this with modern technology, Hodge remarked that, "For me it would take the fun out of it to do it on the computer."
For example, Hodge drew a picture of a spleen and subtly placed a face inside it. This did not please the surgeon he was working for.
Hodge has traveled to Spain, Turkey, Mexico, and the Amazon. In these places he discovered a love of insects, or at least a love of painting them. He would catch butterflies and later paint them using art deco designs. To catch these bugs, Hodge would go to great lengths to ensure he would have one to paint. He once paid a dollar for a bug off of a lady's blouse and has made a spectacle out of himself chasing after an insect in front of a tour group who could not miss this Kodak moment.
Hodge was granted the privilege to work in the Middle East at the University of Yarmouk in Irbid, Jordan. There he taught art classes as well as a bit of archeology. He began to paint and draw ancient finds, such as a Roman oil lamp and multiple vases. The experience was an amazing one for Hodge, and his artwork reflects the interest he had in the Middle East culture and history. Hodge remarked that if he came back in a future life he would like to be an archeologist.
Another diverse artistic idea that Hodge pursued was icon paintings. In his icon paintings he used a person, such as Saint Nicholas, or animals, like his old cat Harpo who has been immortalized in a painting that makes him look like a divine god of sorts.
A very interesting style that Hodge used was called tromp l'oeil, which is a French saying for "trick the eye." In these paintings, Hodge used props that were no bigger than a half an inch to a full inch to paint from. These paintings leave an impression to the onlooker that they can pick off what has been painted on. Hodge usually paints stamps, letters, or keys. These paintings can best be described as appearing like a bulletin board.
Hodge ended his presentation by saying, "I was told to keep it short because students like it when things are short."
Overall, the presentation seemed to be enjoyed by those who attended the event. Ray Hefner, the chair of the Art Department, said, "I am just happy he could come. He is very generous in sharing the details of his a technique and his stories."
His stories and wit helped make his lecture enjoyable and enlightening.
The Fine Arts Society (FAS) showcased a very worthwhile presentation of Hodge's artwork. Ray Hefner, the chair of the art department; Melinda Hodge, the daughter of Hodge; and Jason Braumer, all played a huge part in this event.
The Student Art Club and Faculty Exhibition Committee also contributed to the gallery display. The art department will also have the honor of receiving a piece that will be given from Hodge himself.
Hodge's works will be on display in Sloan until October 24.