About Judith

Judith was born in the picturesque province of Nova Scotia, Canada, but her formative years were spent in West Hill and Pickering, Ontario. From a young age, her spirited and active nature found joy in running, swimming, bike riding, and tree climbing. Judith's childhood was an idyllic blend of outdoor exploration and creative pursuits, deeply rooted in her family's Christian faith. The spiritual dimensions of her youth were nurtured by regular attendance at Sunday school and participation in the Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) group, which included memorable summers at Ryde Lake CGIT camp.

Artistic expression was a constant presence in Judith's early life, largely influenced by her father’s inventive spirit. Her family engaged in delightful projects like constructing elaborate paper mache sculptures, including an impressive four-foot-tall Easter Bunny and an eight-foot-tall Santa Claus. Despite an undiagnosed learning challenge that made reading a struggle, Judith's tenacity and her family's support saw her through. With her father reading aloud entire novels to her and her siblings, she eventually developed a profound love for literature.

It was during high school, while engrossed in painting the abstracted patterns of a piece of driftwood, that Judith experienced a profound and peaceful happiness. This awakening moment fueled her lifelong devotion to art-making, where she continuously seeks to share that serene joy through her art and teachings.

Judith's creative lineage can be traced to both parents. Her father, who dedicated himself to woodworking, and her mother, an avid gardener and talented crochet artist, instilled in her a rich appreciation for the beauty of handcrafted artistry. Her formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History from McMaster University and a Diploma in Graphic Design from George Brown College. However, Judith believes that her greatest teacher has been years of dedicated art practice, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a willingness to experiment and learn from various mediums and techniques.

Post-graduation, finding a balance between life and art proved challenging. A career in graphic design led to physical discomfort due to prolonged computer use, prompting Judith to pivot. She established her own graphic design business while dedicating her downtime to art, eventually discovering a natural talent for teaching. This newfound passion for art instruction led to the creation of her own art academy, where she rented space from her church to share her process and inspire others.

Judith's work is deeply inspired by her sense of beauty, wonder, and the contemplative observation of nature. Her artistic process is one of intuitive response and mindful awareness, often incorporating elements of playfulness and surprise. The rhythms and patterns in her work reflect a meditative practice that embraces both the intentional and the ephemeral aspects of creation, often resulting in art that exudes a sense of deep calm and joy.

Through a lifetime of art-making and continuous learning, Judith's technique has evolved organically. She derives inspiration from various sources, including the teachings of Louise Fletcher’s Art Tribe, Betty Edwards' "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain," Richard Schmid’s alla prima painting methods, and Ning Yeh’s Chinese brush painting techniques.

Judith's art academy stands out as one of her most rewarding projects, providing her with the opportunity to foster a vibrant community of artists. She cherishes the collective energy and the shared creative journeys with her students, particularly the joyful engagement of children in the artistic process.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Judith enjoys photography, walking in nature, meditation, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi. These interests complement her art by promoting a balanced and mindful lifestyle, which she imparts to her students, enriching their own creative processes.

Judith views her role as an art instructor with great fulfillment, seeing it as a reciprocal journey of teaching and learning. Her art reflects her core values of joy, mindfulness, and aesthetic appreciation, striving to instill these principles in her students. Her goals include helping others maintain a positive mindset in their art-making endeavors, encouraging them to delve deeply and courageously into their creative potential.

Judith's art embodies her belief in the transformative power of beauty and mindfulness, celebrating life's moments with an openness to the wonders that unfold through the artistic process. Her work continues to inspire and uplift, inviting others to find peace and happiness in their own creative journeys.