From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
September 9, 2019
Eager to visit Old Westbury Gardens during its “Balance in Nature” exhibit of outdoor sculptures by JERZY “JOTKA” KĘDZIORA, I went Sunday, September 1st, when it brought kind summer weather and the bonus of “Fidos After Five” night.
• NOTE: Exhibit has been extended until Sunday, October 20, 2019
DEFYING GRAVITY
Strolling through the estate grounds with my friend Bob, who played guide with the crucial help of the exhibit map handed out at the entrance booth, I saw about a dozen of the 33 outdoor life-size, bronze resin balancing sculptures by Jerzy “Jotka” Kędziora, born 1947, in Czestochowa, Poland.
Old Westbury, NY, U.S., Sept. 1, 2019. “Athlete III – Deep Plunge” is an outdoor sculpture by Jerzy Kędziora (Jotka), b. 1947 in Poland, and his Balance in Nature art is on view at historic Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island, until October 20, 2019. Seen at dusk, the life-size, bronze resin balancing sculpture, dressed in blue swimwear, appears about to dive into the lawn. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)
“Athlete III – Deep Plunge” [see above photo] is an arresting sculpture of an athletically lean, muscled man dressed in a blue swimsuit and swim cap, with just his finger tips touching the lawn he appears about to dive into.
- more views:
“Athlete III – Deep Plunge” trees in background
“Athlete III – Deep Plunge” dense cloudscape in background
OWG
Old Westbury, NY, U.S., Sept. 1, 2019. “The Last Show False Tone” is one of 33 outdoor sculptures by Jerzy Kędziora (Jotka), b. 1947 in Poland, and his Balance in Nature art is on view at historic Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island, until October 20, 2019. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)
“The Last Show False Tone” [see above photo] is seen almost silhouetted by the sky, the life-size, bronze resin balancing sculpture, high on a wire suspended between trees, is of a musician holding three mallets to hit notes on 8 bars.
- more distant view: “The Last Show False Tone” framed by trees
FIDOS AFTER FIVE
During the final weekend of each month, from May through October, Old Westbury Gardens has “Fidos After Five,” when visitors may walk their leashed dogs in designated garden areas – which do not include the Walled Garden – from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
It was such a joy to meet, and at times photograph, the dogs, large and small – all looking happy to be out in the gardens with their families.
Old Westbury, NY, U.S. Sept. 1, 2019. L-R, Rosie the Yorkshire Terrier appears to be looking at the dried leaf on Heidi the Mini Schnauzer during “Fidos after Five” when leashed dogs are permitted in designated garden areas, from 5:00PM – 8:00 PM at historic Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)
[See above photo] Rosie the Yorkshire Terrier appears mesmerized by a dried leaf dangling from Heidi the Mini Schnauzer’s face during “Fidos after Five.”
WORTH A REVISIT, NATURE-ALLY
In the late summer – early autumn weeks ahead, I look forward to revisiting Old Westbury Gardens to see more of its “Balance in Nature” exhibit, which has been extended until October 20, 2019.
FEATURE PHOTO at top of post: [detail] Old Westbury, NY, U.S., Sept. 1, 2019. “Athlete 1 – Over the Hurdle” seen silhouetted by sky at upper right, is one of 33 outdoor sculptures by Jerzy Kedziora (Jotka), b. 1947 in Poland, and his Balance in Nature art is on view at historic Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island, until October 20, 2019.
Balance in Nature at Westbury Gardens: PHOTO GALLERY
• Old Westbury Gardens: SITE • JOIN
• Artist’s Site: JerzyKedziora.com
My Nov. 2019 blog post: From Poland to Old Westbury Gardens: Sculptor Jerzy Jotka Kedziora
