Best of Both Worlds Georgia OB-GYN Gary Bodner balances a career in medicine with artistic talents. by Jennifer A. Morrell On an empty canvas called "life," Dr. Gary Bodner is brightening the worlds of Georgians in more ways than one. A beloved Atlanta OB-GYN and celebrated local artist, Bodner seems to turn all he touches to gold. He is often asked if "artist" will ever become his main occupation. But this Midas man says he has the best of both worlds, and he's not changing a thing. Bodner was a sophomore studying architechure at Miami University of Ohio when his father suggested that a career in medicine would allow more financial security. He heeded his father's advice and attended Chicago Medical School, but earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine. "Since my architectural designs were not burning up the department, I went into medicine," says Bodner. "I wish my kids listened to what I suggested just 10 percent of the time." For the last 25 years, Bodner has been the first face seen by hundreds of newborn babies. He also has earned the respect and trust of the women for whom he cares. "Dr. Bodner is able to get to know each patient individually," says Randa Rutz of Lawrenceville, who has been seeing Bodner for eight years. He delivered both of her children, Lexi, 7, and Ryann, 5. "His strengths are his honesty, ability and humor. I can only describe him as Ôspecial.' It was adoration at first exam." Bodner was drawn to women's healthcare for several reasons. "I so enjoy delivering babies and sharing that experience with other couples," he says. "Women's health and the population are very healthy and, as a physician, there are less life-and-death issues to deal with." Bodner says the "dark cloud" of malpractice liability hangs over obstetricians and gynecologists. "In my specialty, many very talented OB-GYNs have stopped delivering babies for the reason of malpractice liability." Tapping a talent Throughout his life, Bodner was interested in and attracted to art. He tried his hand at making pottery, as well as painting with watercolors and drawing with pen and ink, without much success. But six years ago, he studied artistic techniques under Phil Carpenter in classes at the Atlanta College of Art and Chastain Arts Center. "Phil is a great teacher, and oil painting just works for me," Bodner says. "It is very forgiving, and the more you fix your mistakes, the richer your painting gets." Bodner participated in workshops with nationally acclaimed artist Robert Johnson at the Sara Britt Arts Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and studied under Sandy Grow in Atlanta. But he credits his wife, Melanie, and Anne Irwin, owner of Atlanta gallery Anne Irwin Fine Arts (which represents Bodner's artwork), with positively affecting his artwork. "My wife has a great eye and can 'fix' a painting pretty quickly," he says. "Anne Irwin has directed me to be a more expressionistic painter Ð almost an abstract painter. She has encouraged me to try different styles and take risks in the creative process." Bodner is most fond of artist Henri Matisse because of his color palette and his interior landscapes. And it seems to be all about color for Bodner as well. "I love painting and color, and one simple stroke of yellow next to a purple vase can change the entire painting because they are complimentary colors," he says, describing his work as strong and colorful with an expressionistic style. "The power of juxtaposing, or placing one color on top of another to create an image, is what drives my paintings." As a busy physician, Bodner finds time to paint early in the morning, late in the evening and on weekends. "Art balances me as a person," he says. "It is a great way to relieve stress. I can paint for three hours straight, and it feels like only 30 minutes have passed. Painting for me is hard work, but the last hour of a painting when I feel it all comes together is so gratifying." Having practiced medicine for 25 years and art for six, a common assumption might be that Bodner would retire from medicine soon and take up painting full-time. But that's not the recipe for this father of two (three if you count the dog). He has found the perfect mix with art and medicine. "I feel I have the best of two worlds, and I feel that medicine and my art complement each other," he says.

Copyright 2005 - Medical Distribution Solutions, Inc., 5445 Triangle Parkway, Suite 170, Norcross GA 30092