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Sisters and Secrets: Unraveling the Silent World of Artist Judith Scott

Neal Ward

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Published in Entwined: Sisters And Secrets In The Silent World Of Artist Judith Scott

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Judith Scott was a deaf artist who, despite being isolated from the world and living with mental illness, created a remarkable body of work that has captured the attention of art enthusiasts and scholars alike. Born in 1943 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Scott spent her early years in a silent world, unable to hear or speak. She was eventually institutionalized at the age of seven and spent the next 35 years in a state hospital, where she was largely forgotten.

Entwined: Sisters and Secrets in the Silent World of Artist Judith Scott

by Darin Martineau

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4943 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In 1987, Scott's life took an unexpected turn when her twin sister, Joyce Scott, discovered her artwork. Joyce, a successful artist in her own right, was immediately struck by the power and originality of Judith's creations. She began to advocate for her sister's recognition, and in 1990, Judith Scott's work was exhibited for the first time in a gallery setting. The exhibition was a critical and commercial success, and Scott quickly became one of the most celebrated outsider artists of her time.

Scott's art is characterized by her use of found objects, which she wrapped in yarn and other materials. Her work is often described as "obsessive" and "compulsive," and it has been interpreted as a way for Scott to communicate her inner world and to cope with the challenges of her life. Her wrapped objects are often seen as symbols of the isolation and sensory deprivation she experienced, but they also speak to her resilience and creativity.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Scott's story is her relationship with her sister, Joyce. Joyce was Judith's constant advocate and champion, and she played a vital role in bringing her sister's work to the attention of the world. The two sisters had a close bond, and Joyce often spoke of Judith's "secret language" and her ability to communicate through her art. In a 1994 interview, Joyce said, "Judith's art is her way of speaking to the world. She has a voice, and she's using it."

Judith Scott died in 2005 at the age of 61. She left behind a legacy of powerful and moving artwork that continues to inspire and intrigue people around the world. Her story is a reminder of the importance of embracing difference and of the power of art to transcend barriers and connect people.