Artist Spotlight: Jennifer Budd
Share a little bit about yourself and what you create.
My name is Jennifer Budd. I live in Paris, one of the prettiest little towns in Ontario. I love living in Paris. I enjoy the people I have met during the 25 years our family has lived in Paris. There is a thriving arts community in Paris and we support each other.
I grew up on an intergenerational family farm in Scotland and was very fortunate to have daily access to my Grandmother who was a gifted artist. She put a paintbrush in my hand at an early age and encouraged me to pay close attention to my surroundings. I worked in watercolour until 4 years ago when I discovered the word of felted wool. I now work with wool and embroidery thread to create woolscapes, or felted paintings as they have been described.
What is your creative process like and what inspires it?
I have a small studio in the attic of our century home. I work daily at felting. Each piece has a three-stage process, therefore I am always working at one of the stages. As with many artists, the creative process tends to spill out to other rooms. The kitchen, the family room and the yard. I am inspired by what I see around me. I love trees, stormy skies, wide-open fields, old buildings, windows and doors.
What has been your favourite creative moment?
It is difficult to define a favourite creative moment as I enjoy creating each piece. Time dissolves when I am engaged in the process. There is a wonderful sense of accomplishment when I am finished a piece of felting. And I suppose, pride and joy in being able to express my self through this medium.
What else do you enjoy doing with your time?
I love to walk and read. I think walking is a good way to slow down and take note of my surroundings. I often take my camera on a walk to capture an interesting sky or a graceful tree. Reading is good for my imagination. There is nothing better than engaging with a good read. I also love to sing.
Does creativity run into your family? If so, who is creative and what do they do?
Yes, creativity runs in my family. My Grandmother was a gifted artist. She had a profound impact on my artistic growth as a child and young adult. We would paint together on Sunday afternoons. It was sacred time. I cherish the memories and the fun that we had together.
How can we learn more about your work?
I have a website woolscapes.com that is linked to my facebook page.
I have a solo exhibition planned for May 2013 at The Old Town Hall Gallery in Waterford. The opening will be May 18th, 2-4.
www.oldtownhall.org
Where would you like your art to take you?
I would like my art to continue to make my heart sing. Time dissolves when I am engaged in the creative process. I would like my art career to grow to the point where I can attract regular traffic to my home gallery, and where I can expand on current workshop offerings to share my passion for felting with a wider circle of interested people.
How long have you lived in Brantford?
I have lived in Paris for 25 years.
What is your favourite restaurant in town?
Our family enjoys Indian food. We like to get take out from Taal. They have a great menu!
What local spaces or landmarks do you find inspiring?
I am drawn to the many beautiful and interesting century homes and old barns in Brantford and in surrounding Brant County.
What change would you like to see in Brantford?
An independent movie theatre that offered independent or foreign films that are not available through the main stream theatres. There are so many interesting movies that are not easily accessible to residents of Brant and Brantford.
