Judith Haron: The Artist Bringing Medieval Art to Modern Environmental Causes By Writer and Contributor Emily McGinn
Judith Haron is an artist based in Laguna Beach, but she isn’t a conventional painter. She works with a unique medium called egg tempera to craft illuminated manuscripts reminiscent of Medieval Times artworks.
Egg tempera is an ancient mixture of natural colored pigment — such as from flowers or semi-precious stones — and egg yolk. It was more commonly used during the 13th to 15th centuries to create books called illuminated manuscripts. These books were important for communication since many people of that era could not read or write. Nowadays, these manuscripts give us insight into the Middle Ages.
Haron uses her chosen medium to create artwork focused around endangered species, especially birds. In addition to making the artwork, she writes poetry to go with the pieces. Haron aims to use her artistic platform to raise awareness about environmental challenges.
“We have an issue with our environment,” Haron says. “We are seeing record amounts of habitat destruction, fires, flooding [and] abnormal sea temperatures. It affects everything.”
Haron decided upon using egg tempera when she was deciding upon a niche for her fine arts career. However, it is not an easy medium to use. It requires small brushstrokes and attention to detail, and Haron must use a magnifying lamp to add the detail in her work.
Haron says she “kind of created [her] own lane” by using this rare medium. She participates in local art competitions and has been participating in the Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters show for three years. In the festival’s 90-year history, she is only the second artist to use egg tempera.
She views the history of egg tempera and the illuminated manuscript as a powerful dimension in her art.
“What drew me into it is probably the historical nature of it, [like] the storytelling that was created around any of the species that were formed fascinating people on the ground, who saw [birds] as deities and gods,” Haron says. “Birds fly above and [people of the time] were fascinated by why that was happening, so they wrote multiple stories about it. And the illuminated manuscript — once it was created in Western Europe — it became what all the queens and kings and emperors wanted from all over all around Europe, through Asia, and even into Ireland. And people were creating their own versions of that.”
She finds that adding her own environmental statements to her art gives the illuminated manuscripts she makes a contemporary twist. Her artistic elements often serve multiple purposes. Not only are the species she incorporates into her pieces a nod to historic symbolism in ancient cultures, but also they point to the modern struggles we face. Likewise, the bubbles she uses in her work give her art a three-dimensional feeling while also symbolizing air and its importance.
“I'm compelled to do the practice that I do the way that I do it because it 100% fulfills me,” Haron says. “There's so much more that I've got to say and do that I will never run out of subject matter. That's how I designed it. And so all of it excites me.”
Haron pulls inspiration from various sources, including the world around her, historical research, other artists and her past experiences. She used to be a textile designer in New York City, so she incorporates that knowledge into her work.
“Bringing the thoughts and the notes that I make through my research to fruition onto the page [is one of my favorite parts],” Haron says. “I get this really giddy kind of feeling right when I get about a third [of the way] through any of my works, and I can't wait to see how it [will turn out] because it's working. And when it comes to the end, and it's exactly how I had imagined it, then that's the fun part. That’s the fireworks at the end.”
For Haron, as with most artists, it has taken time for her to become recognized for her work. She has also had to educate many people about her unique art form, since it is not widely used. However, she aims to remain diligent and committed to her art every day. She has now done a number of private works, including for international clients.
The hard work and diligence pays off for Haron when she sees her art move people emotionally and enjoy what she has created.
“As an artist, that makes me feel very fulfilled — that I'm creating things that are meaningful for people, as well as creating something beautiful and meaningful for myself,” Haron says. “If it communicates this to the other person and gives their life joy or refuge for one single minute, then I've done my job.”
For more information: https://www.judithharonartist.com/
Emily McGinn: A Dedicated Journalist
Fueled by passion and curiosity, Emily McGinn is a fervent journalist whose heart beats for truth and creativity. As a graduate of California Baptist University, Emily’s academic voyage is adorned with rich interests in environmental science, political science, and graphic design. Her portfolio is a mosaic of hard work and dedication, evidenced by a repertoire of content that stands as a testament to her journalistic commitment and academic pursuits.
Emily doesn’t just chase stories; she seeks the truth with a thoughtful blend of accuracy, respect, and diligence. Her journalism transcends mere reporting, reflecting a meticulous effort to maintain integrity and excellence in every piece. Inspired by a profound respect for her craft, Emily is unafraid to push boundaries, perpetually aiming to enhance the quality of her work.
Experimentation and innovation light up Emily’s journey, especially in the realm of design. With an artistic flair, she loves exploring the vibrant intersections of journalism and graphic design, continuously experimenting to breathe visual life into stories and publications.
In Emily's world, journalism is not merely a career choice, but a calling—a space where passion meets purpose, and stories are crafted with care and conscience. In the garden of journalism, she continues to cultivate a bouquet of skills and experiences that resonate with her dedication to truth, creativity, and excellence.