Meet Judith HeartSong

We recently connected with Judith HeartSong and have shared our conversation below.

Judith, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I have always been a “glass full to overflowing” kind of girl. I try to look for the silver lining, the bright side, the positive lesson in adversity. I grew up in a very challenging environment that never felt safe, and I searched out safety in other friends’ homes. I found other families who were accepting and welcoming and inviting, and spent a lot of time with those families growing up. I look at my history now and I would not change it because it taught me empathy. I try to start every day fresh, and on a positive note. The older I get, the more I try to surround myself with positive people who can find something to find hope and optimism in daily. We all only have just this very minute. We are not guaranteed any more, so finding the good in this minute, sharing a laugh, or a hug, or a word of encouragement can mean everything… to me or to someone else. The world is challenging – but we cannot give up and lose hope. Each of us has the power to do one good thing today for someone else – and you never know, it could be life changing for someone.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Artists & Makers Studios is a 10 year old community-based organization for artists, creatives, and arts professionals. We started out as one art center in Rockville, MD and with the help of development partners have grown to three art centers, and soon a fourth, in three states. Artists & Makers Studios – Oro Valley is 4 years old, opening during the pandemic. Artists & Makers Studios – San Gabriel just opened and is filling now. Artists & Makers Studios – North Hollywood is about to break ground this month. Our focus is supporting these professionals as their careers grow, and offering expertise and opportunities as a part of our programming. We provide a wide variety of floorplans, and almost anyone can find a studio to suit them and their practice. We can meet one-on-one with artists who have questions about social media, their websites, pricing and promoting work, and more in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I learned my strong work ethic from my Dad, who was always working. He worked in education as a superintendent of schools, and when he came home from work he worked on projects both inside and outside the house into the evening. He never once complained about his life or circumstances. While he was never a nurturer, his work ethic was a shining example.

As an artist myself, I learned to explore every opportunity that was presented to me, and I walked through every door that opened. I eventually took a job at an art center, and with a corporate art consulting firm, and I learned so much more about the business of art. Hanging large exhibits, packing and shipping art, working with artists on commissions for corporate clients – this all taught me so much about the art world. The owner of the corporate art consulting firm gave me so much of her time, and shared so much knowledge and wisdom over the years – for that I am truly grateful.

The third quality that has served me well is dogged determination. I never give up. Although something might not be working, there may be a new way to do it, or a new way to look at it. Or, a failure might point toward the next right thing for you. Sometimes a fresh perspective is everything, and sometimes you have to hold on through the uncomfortable parts of life. I have this one finite life – and am trying my best to live in service and find some happiness along the way. The journey IS the thing.

For gallerists and curators starting out now – learn everything you can – even about things that are tangential to your work. Learn about packing and shipping art, and all of the elements that make up exhibits – even if those things are not items you are responsible for. Know how to spackle, sand, and touch-up paint. Learn how to create collateral. Most importantly – be willing to learn from those with more experience in your field. No one person knows everything there is to know – and the older I get, the more I realize I don’t know. Make learning a life-long habit.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

We are always looking for new artists to exhibit in our galleries. We love to partner with artists in new and unusual mediums – as well as classical painters, photographers, and fine craftsmen. We want to present things in the galleries that viewers may not have seen before, fresh perspectives, and timely work that is important right now. Sometimes the work is beautiful, sometimes it is challenging and raw. We don’t believe in a formulaic approach – we want to break the mold every day. We have shown young artists fresh out of art school, self-taught artists, and mid to late-career artists. If you have a clear viewpoint in your work, and you believe in your work – we want to see it. [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artistsandmakersstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistsandmakersstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistsAndMakersStudios/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithheartsong/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@judithAandM