Judith Scott

“She would essentially appropriate objects from the studio and wrap them in fiber, yarn, and fabric to make abstract sculptures. She didn’t have awareness of her work in the world, but she really enjoyed it when people came to the studio and loved how people wanted to meet her. That was a fundamental important thing—from social outcast to people who would make a pilgrimage to see her work, this is not easily accomplished.” (Tom di Maria, Executive Director of Creative Growth, 2008) 


Via http://www.divinecaroline.com/24169/47513-transforming-special-needs-contemporary-art#ixzz1oBmoazKv


Tom speaks about Scott after being a part of the Center for two years. What is most fascinating about Scott's practice is her development as a person to be able to reach such a sought after position. She and her work compliment one another. Scott was blind, so she created sculptural pieces that relied heavily on touch, an approach she encouraged her audience to take towards embracing her work. This concept of feeling would create a deeper connection with viewer and artwork. Connection between artwork, viewer and artist is what interests me in regards my practice. By having the Bust facing the reflective surface (installation concept for Degree Show), the audience is propelled into the installation, forcing a visible and physical relationship. What the each audience member chooses to create in terms of relationship towards the bust or rather, the person represented in the bust, is individual and personal. 


Scott's life has become a tool, used through literature and film, to aid in disability awareness. Fortunately, the institutionalizing Scott experienced has evolved. There are much more opportunities presented to people with various challenges but socially and culturally, preconceptions about people with challenges are yet to evolved. 

Judith Scott in 1999. Photo: Leon A. Borensztein.

Untitled, 1991-2 

and 1991-3; 51 by 10 by 7 inches 

and 61 by 11 by 6 inches, respectively.