Spring Break
Artist, student source of 'unapologetic' wisdom
Undergraduate dreams of finishing bachelor's degree, mentoring
LOLA PAK
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Variety
Classmate Rohan Chatterjee said, "Judith is so enthusiastic and fun to have in class. She always participates and keeps discussions going. Her sunny personality always brings the positive vibes to the room, so even if you don't feel like being there she manages to get you interested and keep you involved."
However, this semester Judith helping her husband recovery from open-heart surgery and is not enrolled in classes. She said events like this are a harsh reality check but do not deter her from reaching her goal.
She continues practicing French each week at the Globe with a local Athens resident. Other times, she turns to her art studio at the Chase Street Warehouses.
Bedecked in an array of bright colors, the studio emanates Judith's optimistic energy. Hand-decorated felt pillows are stacked against the door, while a large, Plexiglass panel of her rendition of "Paradise Lost" leans by the exposed brick wall.
"Matisse is probably whom I admire the most for his movement and color," she said. "I also like Caravaggio because he was very unconventional and opened new vistas to the viewer."
One inspiration came from a New York Times photo of a woman wearing a billowy black gown. It hangs as a model next to its enlarged, pastel sketch on brown paper. She has added personal touches with immense flowers flowing out of the woman's posture.
Judith was born and raised just outside New York City. After graduating junior college in New Hampshire, her parents sent her to Europe for the summer. A summer turned into a year, as Judith went from visiting family and friends, to learning German and being a nanny living in Paris.
"That was the greatest experience of my life," she said. "I was raised in a conservative and sheltered upbringing and it was wonderful to see what the world had to offer. It was all very eye-opening; I felt at home there, I felt like I found a part of me that I didn't know had existed."
When she returned to the U.S., she married her college beau at age 21 and raised four children in Virginia Beach, Va., for 24 years. Then she remarried to Mark Ellis, a Navy physician, and moved to Winder in 1992. Five years later, they settled in Athens.
Today, she also volunteers as a docent at the Georgia Museum of Art in her spare time, leading educational tours of the artwork.
"I love art. It's an important part of my expression," she said.
Her wisdom and interests may set Judith on a different level than most University students. But one thing is the same: She loves being here.
"I love being at the University. I've met great friends, I've had great fun," she said.
"Having the University here [in Athens] is such a blessing because it is an international community. It has great drawing power."
However, this semester Judith helping her husband recovery from open-heart surgery and is not enrolled in classes. She said events like this are a harsh reality check but do not deter her from reaching her goal.
She continues practicing French each week at the Globe with a local Athens resident. Other times, she turns to her art studio at the Chase Street Warehouses.
Bedecked in an array of bright colors, the studio emanates Judith's optimistic energy. Hand-decorated felt pillows are stacked against the door, while a large, Plexiglass panel of her rendition of "Paradise Lost" leans by the exposed brick wall.
"Matisse is probably whom I admire the most for his movement and color," she said. "I also like Caravaggio because he was very unconventional and opened new vistas to the viewer."
One inspiration came from a New York Times photo of a woman wearing a billowy black gown. It hangs as a model next to its enlarged, pastel sketch on brown paper. She has added personal touches with immense flowers flowing out of the woman's posture.
Judith was born and raised just outside New York City. After graduating junior college in New Hampshire, her parents sent her to Europe for the summer. A summer turned into a year, as Judith went from visiting family and friends, to learning German and being a nanny living in Paris.
"That was the greatest experience of my life," she said. "I was raised in a conservative and sheltered upbringing and it was wonderful to see what the world had to offer. It was all very eye-opening; I felt at home there, I felt like I found a part of me that I didn't know had existed."
When she returned to the U.S., she married her college beau at age 21 and raised four children in Virginia Beach, Va., for 24 years. Then she remarried to Mark Ellis, a Navy physician, and moved to Winder in 1992. Five years later, they settled in Athens.
Today, she also volunteers as a docent at the Georgia Museum of Art in her spare time, leading educational tours of the artwork.
"I love art. It's an important part of my expression," she said.
Her wisdom and interests may set Judith on a different level than most University students. But one thing is the same: She loves being here.
"I love being at the University. I've met great friends, I've had great fun," she said.
"Having the University here [in Athens] is such a blessing because it is an international community. It has great drawing power."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Amy Chandler
posted 4/04/08 @ 11:21 AM EST
Judith is has a vibrant personality and is wonderful to be around. I was with her in Montpellier during the summer of 2006, and among many times together I'll never forget touring the Palais des Papes in Arles with her. (Continued…)
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