Meet Judith Henry | Artist, Writer & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Judith Henry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Judith, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Both of my businesses, as an author and an artist, grew out of my six-year journey of caring for my parents in the last phase of their lives. It began in 2007, when both of them became ill, and issues arose almost daily regarding their health and well-being. With so much to keep track of and learn, I found that writing everything down (often on sticky notes and napkins) and keeping it all together in a notebook helped me stay sane.

The rest, as they say, is history and with my parents’ passing, it dawned on me that everything I’d learned might help other adult children taking care of their own mothers and fathers, so I turned all my notes and experiences into an advice book called The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving: A Practical Memoir. I was 62 years old. A website and blog followed, along with doing talks, workshops and starting a writer’s group created specifically for family caregivers. It was life-changing soul work for sure.

At some point though, I found myself yearning for something more joy-filled, and just like the Zen saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher arrives,” I found my way to an online painting and mixed media class. My mother had been an artist and I still had her collection of brushes and used tubes of paints, so, using her materials, I just allowed myself to see what developed. People began responding to my work and asking about purchasing it, and at the end of 2019, I took the leap and launched a second business, this one focused on my art. I sell my work online and also teach creative workshops that incorporate art and writing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets you apart from others – I’ve lost count how many people have told me they want to write a book, but question who would want to read it, and when I share my art work or teach a workshop, people are often quick to say they have no creative talent, whatsoever. The main thing that sets me apart from others is that I pushed through those same fears of not being good enough and followed my gut. It was my first time writing a book, but I knew that my experiences as a caregiver could help others in similar situations. I’ve made crummy art and I’ve made good art, but the important thing is that I’m making art almost every day by suspending judgment and allowing myself to explore. Anytime we put ourselves out there creatively, in any form, we invite the world in. That’s pretty scary, but not listening to our intuition and staying hidden can often take a greater toll.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Any one visiting me knows I’m a complete homebody. Preparing delicious, healthy food, taking long walks, sipping coffee on my front porch and having a heart to heart chat are the ways I entertain my close friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
More than anyone, my parents, Mort and Sally, have been my inspiration in life. From my dad, I received the gift of curiosity and a love of knowledge. From my mom, I learned about the importance of expressing gratitude daily, and finding joy in creative pursuits. During the final years of their lives, they handled growing older with such fierce grace. I can only hope to do the same.

Website: Author site: www.JudithDHenry.com Artist site: www.JudithHenryCreative.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judithhenrycreative/