TOM JUDD (Suggested for Stage Three; Learning)
Tom Judd first exhibited his artwork at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1979, at the age of 25. Tom’s optimism and dedication to his craft has carried him far in his career, with representation in major galleries across the US. In spite of the representational elements in his work, Tom considers himself an abstract artist, using expressive brushstrokes and a subdued palette to convey a calm, slightly melancholy feeling, reminiscent of a faded memory. Judd also incorporates collage, and some works reveal evidence of a painting surface that has been covered with scraps of old paper, or maps that peek through in areas where the oil paint has been thinly applied. Join Susan and Tom while they talk art in his North Philadelphia studio.
Highlights from the interview:
• The inspiration and motivation for his paintings, including de-buffing the macho American persona
• What he loves in his work is freshness, beyond anything. Overworking sucks the life out of it. When he futzes, his loses its life and is edge.
• He believes in not thinking when he works. When you start thinking, you stop being with the painting
• You really have to know yourself to understand what you’re fascinated by, and not to second guess yourself
• Advice for emerging artists—the best thing you can do for your work and tips for approaching galleries