Judy Woods is an artist living in Whangarei, New Zealand. She creates abstract mixed-media work combining paint, ink, and dry media along with collage. Her work is a playful expression of contrasts and juxtapositions of shape, line and colour. Peppered with intriguing surprises she builds the surface with edges and layers created through her process of rotating the canvas and alternating between control and loose application of media.
She earned her Fine Arts degree at Otago Polytech in 1985 and went on to teach in secondary schools for 16 years. She now continues to teach art online through courses and workshops.
Judy has exhibited widely throughout New Zealand with additional shows in Santa Fe, and London. She has won many awards in her home country as well as being awarded 1st Place in an international juried show in 2021.
What does mixed media art mean to you?
Options. It means anything is possible and all is available.
How long have you been a mixed media artist?
I’ve always enjoyed mixing media in drawing, but began painting with mixed media in 2017.
How has art impacted or enhanced your life?
Art has been my living. I have taught Art in Schools for 16 years and online for 4 years. I feel most fortunate to have made a living doing what I love and sharing it with others. Art has allowed me to find joy in the mundane, to discover who I am and to help others find these revelations in their lives. This is hugely rewarding.
Tell us about your creative process.
I don’t plan my work – it starts with playing with media and materials. I experiment and respond to the effects that appear on the surface. I create a puzzle that asks to be solved. Then by following what I love in the work I find a direction and complete the work
What inspires you?
The process inspires me. Every painting is a new adventure and has a personality all of its own. I love revealing this personality – it’s exciting. I’m always learning and finding new ways to create work that I love.
What do you do when faced with a creative block or rut?
I lower my expectations. Just ask myself to spend half an hour in the studio. I revisit my successes and remind myself that it all comes from within. Usually a creative block happens if I spend too much time away from my work and I lose momentum. Reacquainting myself with my process gets me back.
What are a few of the mixed media art supplies you find yourself returning to?
Oil sticks, Chromocolor Permanent Pencils, Acrylic Ink, Pastels.
Who are some of your favorite mixed media artists?
My students.
Where would you like to go with your art? What are your goals?
I am just curious to know what I can produce. My work always surprises me, so my goal is to never be complacent and always be excited while creating my work.
Aside from art, what makes you giddy in life?
Spending time with those I love. Teaching. I play tennis – and find hitting a good ball euphoric but unfortunately infrequent.
Where can we find you?
Judy has put together a PDF of 50 mark making and painting prompts. Download it here.
