Judith Creed, ARTIST!

How did I get here — to this place I never saw for myself?

I was a businesswoman, a Speech Pathologist, a film maker, a mother, a grandmother, I created a non-profit for developmentally disabled young adults (JCHAI) — I even own a patent.

But one day, when I was 73 years ld, a friend suggested that I take a painting class at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA). I was reluctant. I had no inclination.

One class taken, and there it was!! Just like that! My personal missing piece. I was instantly struck with the wonder of the process of putting color on canvas and making shapes. I loved all the colors I could mix and change and make my own. It made my heart beat faster. I was swept away. I immediately started taking art classes non-stop. Two classes per semester-at various art institutes in my area. I did this for 3 years. There was so much I didn’t know-there was so much to know. And then, eventually, I started to find my own art voice-my own thoughts about what I thought I could create.

I now work from my heart, allowing the process of experimenting with shapes and color and materials to unfold and envelop me in the moment. I thrill at the transitory natures of each paint stroke — the imperfections of my own nature show up on the canvas and feel special as I marvel at the effects of unintended elements and accidental discoveries. Each time I start a painting — it’s brand new all over again.

And that’s how I got to paint. Very late in life! My art room calls me every day — and I can’t say no. I love it!!

The world of painters and painting is unique and special. I feel very lucky to have found it.

Thank you, Jace Stern, for taking me to my first art class.

Thank you, Doug Martenson, my first teacher who encouraged me to start “at any age,” and who made it OK that I knew nothing about painting or drawing in a class where everyone seemed to know everything. And thank you AL Gury for allowing me to be colorful and who taught me the history of art through the ages, and Jill Rupinski who taught me how to approach art in an organized way and to pay attention to the details, and to Bruce Samuelson who allowed me to break away from the figure and look for my own artistic expression, and finally Kassem Amoudi, who taught me to paint over the lines. And my forever thanks to my true friend and inspiration, Berny Brownstein.

And thank you Robert, my husband, who believes in me.