Written by Tamela Maxim

eff Fitzharris will tell you up front that his first love is his sweetheart and wife, Bobbi Jean. His second love is his art and that is the secret of his success; he loves his family and he loves what he does. Jeff is a master of trompe l’oeil, an artistic technique used to create optical illusions involving false depth. But Jeff is also a self-taught fine artist and has mastered genres from impressionistic to contemporary abstracts. The Breeze is proud to introduce Jeff Fitzharris.

BB: Where and when were you born?
JLF: I was born on May 30, 1970 on the south side of Pittsburgh.

BB: Tell me about your family.
JLF: My parents were Elvira Marie Garritano and Richard Stephen Fitzharris. They met in 7th grade and have been nearly inseparable ever since. They married for the very best reason – love, and they raised our family in a wonderful Irish/Italian home full of laughter and tradition. I am the youngest of three children with a sister named Beth and brother named Rick.

BB: When did you know you wanted to be an artists?
JLF: My first painting was at age 4 -- a Kuala bear for my mom on a canvas given to me that year by Santa. I was a shy kid when I was young, so I would draw all the time – mostly caricatures of my schoolteachers.

BB: What brought you to Bluffton?
JLF: My wife Bobbi Jean, who was born and raised here, is what brought me to Bluffton.

BB: How would you describe Bluffton?
JLF: There is only one way to describe Bluffton – authentic and genuine “What you see is what you get.” No pretentiousness here - people say how they are and really mean it. For me, the purpose of art is for people to reconnect in an authentic way and as I imagine what small towns used to be like, I sense that Bluffton is a place where good, old-fashioned memories are still being made.

BB: Describe your philosophy of life.
JLF: I believe that everyone can take an artistic view of life and that all of us are, in reality, creative – even accountants. It’s up to the individual to take responsibility for the way they live, whether positive or negative; life is your painting. (no offense meant to accountants)

BB: What is your driving force for being an artist, besides making a living?
JLF: I thank God every day for giving me the clear perspective that the gift of creativity is not mine, but is meant for sharing. It is up to me how I use my gift. I believe that I redeem the riches of life through what I do.

BB: What are your greatest loves and why?
JLF: By following my heart, which is my love for Bobbi Jean and my son Kenyon and developing my art, which allows me to demonstrate what is in my heart, I am reminded of how grateful I am. I think we all need to become more like children to truly love and be happy in each moment. I’ve learned, it aint’ about me.

BB: Tell me more about your perspective as an artist.
JLF: I always wondered where the band “YES” got their name and since I believe that an artist has the opportunity to express themselves in a positive way; to say “yes” to what our Great Creator has provided – which seems like the best way to live as an artist. There is an unseen force that creates everything; the word inspire comes from the Latin words “in spirit.” I recommend a book by Julia Cameron called, “The Artists’ Way,” which changed my life and my view of life.

BB: Tell me about your life in California.
JLF: My journey as an artist began to pick up speed in 1998 when I decided to leave Pittsburgh in search of my dream. I had always heard that visual artists should go to New York, but to put it simply, it’s too cold there. I decided to go to California and started out in Carmel.

BB: Did you hope to become famous?
JLF: When I was young I wanted to become famous, but I learned that the real riches are in the “doing,” not in fame or fortune. As my Grandpa Joe Fitzharris used to say, “Show me a man who loves his work and I will show you a man who will never work another day in his life.” And, I really love my work.

BB: Did you earn a living as an artist in Carmel?
JLF: After being there for 4 years I had a one man show at the Martin LaBord Gallery of 25 paintings, which were advertised as fantasy art. I found out later that there hadn’t been any artists under the age of 40 who had “hung” anything in Carmel before then. I sold 5 paintings in that show, which was very discouraging to me because I suddenly realized that I probably couldn’t make a living as an artist. I was really sad and thought about just packing up and going back home.

BB: What happened next?
JLF: That’s when what I considered a miracle happened. I spotted an ad in the newspaper that said, “Artist for hire – will train the right person.” I found out that the job was for specialty finishes for a large estate in Pebble Beach. I was one of three to be hired and the amazing thing is that I was paid to learn an ancient and well respected art form that would not only pay my bills, make me more appreciative and humble, but would also pave the way for me to develop my artistic talents as a painter. I would literally leave my faux finishing job at 5 pm and pick up a paintbrush as soon as I got home.

BB: Did you specialize in any particular kind of faux painting?
JLF: Yes, I learned to master the art of trompe de l’oeil, which means, “to fool the eye.” It is an artistic technique that creates optical illusions of depth on a flat surface. But, as I said, I was also working on my other artwork after hours and I tried every style from impressionistic to contemporary. This period of time as an artist gave me a sense of purpose and confidence, especially since my new clients were so appreciative.

BB: Tell me about your clients in California and also about your work here in Bluffton and Hilton Head.
JLF: I worked for some very interesting and famous people, including Sylvester Stallone, Sidney Poitier, Paul Reiser and Sumner Redstone. One job would lead to another and I was very grateful for that security and the joy of doing what I loved. After moving here to marry my Bluffton sweetheart, Bobbi Jean Dulcie, I have continued to develop my talents in various art forms, including the interior of the Blue Coyote restaurant in Bluffton and some work that I’m doing now in a home on Palmetto Bluff. My work can also be seen at Spice Restaurant and Metropolitan Lounge on Hilton Head. As for fine art, I specialize in portraiture and landscapes, but feel that I can do most anything that a client needs or desires. I can be reached by phone at 843-301-2264 or by email at fitzharrisworks@hotmail.com and my website is www.JeffreyLouisFitzharris.com