By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Southborough – “We all look at the world in different ways and we all interpret what we see differently. For me, I always want to try and translate my perceptions into a perfect vignette ??” a little surprise within a frame. Windows allow us to see the world within a frame in much the same way a photographer does. In many ways my process is like making a puzzle: cutting the pieces out of paper and whatever else is at hand and pasting them together in a magical way that satisfies me and then give them to you.” – Judith King
For Southborough resident Judith Stoddard King, everyday life provides opportunities for creativity. In 1957, the Worcester-born King earned a degree in art history and studio art from Hollins University in Roanoke, Va. In the 1970s, she studied decoupage at the Hiram Studio in Boston and began translating her daily observations into simple (simple lines, colors and shapes) collages, which she hoped, would enhance people's awareness of the world around them.
Judith is inspired by what she sees in her surroundings, whether she is out for a walk, in the car or at the seashore. Her collages depict seaside homes draped in buoys, vast countrysides lined with stone walls, snow covered mountain peaks, quaint homes with potted window boxes, sailboats rocking in the open sea, and colorful cottages nestled behind white picket fences, to name a few. Each of the 400-plus handcrafted collages is simple, detailed, ethereal; a “window” through which she sees the world. The small enchantments measure just 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and are matted and framed.
Whether at her studio in Southborough or in Kennebunkport, Maine, where she has a second home (with photographer husband, Tony King), Judith finds happiness creating the diminutive scenes. She has said that the process brings her tranquility and is, in many ways, a form of meditation.
“Something triggers and there is a wonderful excitement in fitting all the pieces together. Making my windows is a continual source of happiness,” Judith said.
In addition to the traditional “tools of the trade” – brushes, scissors, paper and paint – Judith uses many non-conventional materials in her collages: birch bark, paper from wasp's nests, pencil shavings, moth wings and any other natural found objects that inspire her.
In 2004, a collection of Judith's (photographed) collages was published by Black Ice Publishers. The picture book is titled “Windows.” Each collage is inspired to answer the question: Look out your window – what do you see? In the future, Judith said that she would like to do another book, probably one with words and some recipes.
Judith's artwork has been exhibited at both the Fletcher/Priest Gallery and the Neal Rosenblum Goldsmith Gallery in Worcester, and at the Mast Cove Gallery in Kennebunkport, Maine. She is a trustee of the Worcester Art Museum as well as a member of its Collections Committee. In addition, Judith is involved with the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.
Judith's collages are on display and for sale at the Pucker Gallery, 171 Newbury St.,?Boston, since 2004.
To view Judith's work visit her website at judithskingcollages.com