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Artist of The Month: Judy Wood |
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by M. Y. Mim |
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Judy Wood's stunning work differs from that of any other artist you've read about in this magazine, or may be familiar to you from other sources.
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It's all about the medium: Judy creates her stunning images through digital photography.
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"I have consistently worked with glass in one form or another since the early '90s, but have in the past two years left my glasswork behind to concentrate on P hotoshop work, and mixed media pieces that use photo elements," explains Judy. "I enjoy both aspects of this type of work: the 'field' work when I am out gathering the photo images, and the studio' work where I
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work with the images in the computer to enhance the existing visuals, or sometimes to create entirely new compositions using bits and pieces of various source photos." |
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Digital photography manipulations represent a fairly recent development in art. Many "traditional" canvas artists and photographers balk at accepting the new medium. Because Judy shoots her own photos and works with a computer rather than a paintbrush, does not diminish her true worth as an artist. The work itself is so compelling, the eternal and irksome question "But is it art?" becomes completely moot.
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Analise War Pony by Judy Wood.
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Chris and the Girls by Judy Wood.
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For example, one of my favorite pieces, "Ranch Life," borrows from collage to create a complete picture of a life on the ranch. Some ten individual pieces come together in an ingenious composition. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
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Another favorite piece, "Annalise War Pony," suggests the vanishing way of life through the overall autumnal colors. Feathers attached to the horse's ears and rump represents both the Native American culture and the famous Bedouin saying "As he crossed the field to meet us with mane and feathers flying, there was magic in the air." "Annalise War Pony" is a complex piece one could analyze for hours, or, better, live with and never tire of it.
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Surely Judy's statement "I started working with equine imagery in the l |
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ate 80s and have worked consistently since then to establish myself as someone who understands the horse and can express that understanding in visual terms," proves itself in "Annalise War Pony." |
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Run Away by Judy Wood.
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Red Sleigh by Judy Wood.
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Although Judy majored in art at a university in the 1960s, "As far as the technical aspects are concerned, I am self taught re: photography and Photoshop use," she said. |
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Dark Angles (mural mosaic) by Judy Wood. |
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Ranch Life by Judy Wood. |
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"I have been obsessed with horses and with art since I was a small child. The prevailing academic 'received wisdom' at the time I was in university held that equine-themed art was by definition not art at all. The most it could hope to be was illustration. In fact, in those days representational art of any sort was considered a lesser form of expression. It wasn't until I learned to ride (in my mid-thirties) and became a horse owner, that I allowed myself to think that maybe work with horses in it could be considered art. By that stage in my career, I had enough confidence to feel I could leave the prejudices of my university art learning behind, and follow my heart by working with horse imagery. I have never regretted following this path which has brought so much richness into my life." |
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Asked "Where do you get your best ideas?", Judy answered "My inspiration is in the world around me, and in what I see on a daily basis. I generally think of myself as a 'walking eyeball,' in that I see potential artworks everywhere I go. With my new-found medium of digital photography, I am able to indulge myself constantly with an endless |
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collection of gathered visuals. I have continuous access to quite a large number of horses, both at the boarding stable where my gelding lives, and at the breeding farm I drive by every day to get there. Since I ride five or six days a week, I am regularly inspired by the horses around me at the stable, in addition to the many others I see at shows and horse events." |
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And Judy Wood's works inspire those of us who love horses and art. |
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Sharon's Herd by Judy Wood. |
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Warrior Princesses by Judy Wood. |
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Read comments or post your own comments to this article at the bottom of this page. |
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About the Author: M. Y. Mim is a free-lance journalist based in Santa Barbara, Ca. She may be reached at mymim3@cox.net, or through her agent R. Almqvist, 805-705-5349, http://web.mac.com/macmym. The author wishes to thank Mr. Almqvist for his assistance in making this article possible. |
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Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved. The above article is the property of the Author and may not be duplicated or redistributed in any way without permission. |
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Reader comments for this article |
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Name: Kim Santini Time: 2008-08-11 09:08:13
Comment: Judy Wood is consistantly an artist who's work pushes the "edges" - she's trying new approaches, layering more complex imagery, and inviting a variety of interpretations. She is truly a "walking eyeball," but in addition to that, she is terribly gifted and unbelievably generous in sharing her art and knowledge.
Name: Karen Thumm Time: 2008-08-07 06:08:02
Comment: As an equine artist, I appreciate an intelligent, well written article about a fellow equine artist.
Judy's artwork is absolutely wonderful and so inspirational. From a design standpoint, she nails it every time. From the aesthetic point of view it is simply outstanding! True eye candy!
Name: Karen Lockwood Time: 2008-08-06 05:08:57
Comment: Wonderful Artwork! I am also an artist and paint on wine glasses for the Corolla Wild Horse Fund museum store. Your work is very inspirational. Thank you.
Name: Delia Time: 2008-08-06 05:08:29
Comment: Wow what amazing works...I have always loved your beautiful art, mosaic stain glass, photos, and collages...great article..
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