judith scott textile sculptor

sculpture by Judith Scott

Despite the challenges of Down syndrome, profound deafness, and thirty-five years of institutionalization Judith Scott (1943-2005) has been declared as "One of the most important artists of the twentieth century”.

When her twinsister became her guardian Judith moved to a nearby board-and-care home where she was enrolled in the Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, the first organization in the world to provide studio space for artists with disabilities. After observing a class being given by a visiting fiber artist, Judith spontaneously started creating the sculptures, for which she has become famous.
Scott’s talent was recognized by Creative Growth’s staff, and she was given freedom to use whatever materials she wanted. Her objects were wrapped, woven and entwined in yarns and threads of selected hues, until the artist decided that the piece was complete.
Work immediately began on the next sculpture, which could grow nine feet in length. The small fragile looking woman worked five days a week for eighteen years, producing over 200 cocoon-like sculptures which today are found in museums and private collections around the world. She died in March, 2005, living the last 18 years in blissful creativity.