Judith Schmidt
Which 3 words best describe how you would like your art to be perceived?
PLAYFUL, NOURISHING , STRONG
What creative challenge have you faced and overcome that has transformed your art practice?
Moving to the countryside and the birth of my children – finding time and making space for my practice has been and still is challenging, but is also very rewarding. Family time with 5, almost 6 children, just takes such a different energy and attention. I find it is good to have on and off moments however, to really let go and detach from the art work.
When I come back to my studio, I always find that my perspective has been enriched unconsciously and I see things with a fresh eye. There must be a regular practice though, otherwise the on/off- mode doesn’t work.
Life in the countryside offers huge inspiration with nature, space, tranquility – but sometimes I also miss the input of the kind of culture you can only find in cities.
What tools do you use as part of the preliminary process?
I like to work with sketchbooks, notes, quick paper sketches.
How do you usually start an art session - any habits or rituals?
When I come to my studio I start by making coffee or tea, I open the windows, sit and take time to look at my work. From this, I get impulses for the next steps to take. Sometimes, when I have too much daily /mundane stuff in my head, I do some automatic writing or I begin with quick drawing or watercolour painting on paper in small sizes and in series . Other times music is the entrance to workflow.
With which intentions do you infuse your art making?
I am constantly concerned about the balance between free and playful forms and being precise and present.
How do you deal with doubts and fears?
I don’t like them, but they are part of the process I guess. Normally I try not to give them too much attention, and try to just keep working .When I am in working-mode, I feel a sense and strength and courage, but when doubts and fears arise and are too strong to be ignored, it is often a sign for me to take a break, slow down the pace, clean up my studio, read, look into new ressources, observe, listen. These can be moments when new impulses come up.
What do you like about your work, and what do you dislike about it?
What I like about my work is that there are so many different aspects to it, within the process, from ideas, research, preparation, networking, painting/producing, until preparing an exhibition etc... Parts of the process I like more than others : I love my studio, painting, moving forward - preparing projects, cooperating with other artists - these moments of workflow generate a deep sense of meaning, contact, energy, inspiration, and enthousiasm.
The parts I like a lot less are documenting, the outside struggle of arts, the more business side of it. But once I begin however and overcome the early stages of the uncomfortable tasks, I can cope with them and even find pleasure.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Light and landscapes, exchanges with other artists, sometimes literature, music.
What brilliant piece of advice were you given on your creative journey and would be happy to share?
Allow yourself time and space for regular practice.
