Judy Taggart: Autobiography of an Artist

Life is but moments in time which flash by so quickly that it is hard to savor.

This collection is my way of stopping time… Painting something that pulls on my heartstrings or sends feelings of admiration, for another human being, a scene or a simple object.

The outdoors has always been very important to me. Living my childhood in the West Kootenays where I spent every summer at Kootenay Lake and then working in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon Territory confirmed that being in touch with nature has greatly enhanced my life.

During my ten years in the Yukon, I married Peter, had two children, Richard and Jennifer, and was involved in community life, especially anything to do with the arts. My first showing came when one of my works was chosen to hang in the Yukon Art and Craft Exhibition at the Vancouver Public Library in 1976. After moving to West Vancouver in 1979, I have had 6 one-man Shows and have been involved in several group Shows.

We moved to Bowen Island in 1994 and have thoroughly enjoyed living in Tunstall Bay. Even though our activities have changed from skidooing and tenting to gardening and hiking, being close to the outdoors has been an inspiration for much of my work.

I have painted primarily in watercolours until five years ago when I started using oils. Reflection and light are the inspirations for much of my work. I try to catch that solitary moment for a memory that will last a lifetime.

I am an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, and a member of the West Vancouver Community Arts Council and the Bowen Island Arts Council.