Judith
Beattie
Judith studied fine art at Duncan of Jordanstone, her current focus is on print making and illustration. She utilises pattern and line work to emulate textures and shapes found in nature. It is important to her that her processes are organic. She uses traditional printmaking methods and illustrates with dip pens and ink. Recurring motifs of waves, clouds and corvids throughout her body of work communicate a sense of freedom and flow. She describes herself as an artist with a busy and often jumbled mind, so the driving force behind her process is a desire for calm. Through making marks, putting pen and ink to paper or brandishing a well-used, familiar carving tool, she can replicate a sense of grounding, connection, and quiet fulfilment akin to spending time in wild places. Her work is intended to share the sense of healing that she has found in the wisdom of the natural world. That intangible quality brings her a sense of hope and growth, and she tries to weave this magical property into representations of Scotland’s flora, fauna, and wild landscapes. The use of bottled ink connects Judith’s illustration to her printmaking practice. She uses the same calligraphy techniques to carry her designs over to lino plates. The free-flowing ink gives her mark making style a bold yet natural feel.