In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Gail Cowley interviews textile artist Jude Kingshott, exploring her journey through the world of creative expression, the realities of working in the arts, and her discovery of balance and fulfilment. Jude’s art has taken her across the globe, from teaching in Italy and Germany to showcasing work in galleries, all while navigating the demands and sacrifices of a professional artist’s life. But, as she reflects in this conversation, the journey hasn’t been straightforward or without hardship. We’ve provided an overview of what you’ll learn in the podcast below, accompanied by some of her beautiful artwork.
Jude Kingshott
Textile Talk with Jude Kingshott
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Overcoming Challenges
Jude opens up about her challenges, beginning with the abrupt changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many artists, she experienced a jarring halt to her usual pace of life. Previously, Jude would leave her home on Mondays to teach throughout the week, returning only on Fridays, with a busy schedule that kept her moving internationally. But the lockdown forced her to stay at home, a transition she initially struggled with. Jude describes how the stillness and solitude brought both peace and discomfort. At first, the time felt isolating, and she faced the loss of her two elderly dogs, which added to the weight of the period. Yet, she soon found a lifeline in her art studio in her garden—a place she calls her sanctuary. There, she reconnected with her creativity, experimenting with eco-printing and engaging in online workshops, which gave her the opportunity to rethink her work.
Finding Balance in Art and Life
This shift in her environment allowed Jude to assess her life’s pace and the toll it was taking on her health and creativity. She recalls feeling increasingly weighed down by her fast-paced lifestyle, finding it hard to maintain a balance between productivity and inspiration. Jude describes this sense of disconnect, where deadlines became the focus rather than the joy of creation, and she began to question if she was truly creating her best work. The heart attack she suffered two years after COVID served as a wake-up call, prompting her to redefine her goals, her health, and what mattered most in her art career.
Pressures of Social Media
Throughout the interview, Jude shares her candid views on the pressures of social media. Initially reluctant to embrace online platforms, she was hesitant to expose her personal work and self to the virtual world. But as her followers started to grow, she discovered that sharing her art could be a meaningful way to reach others, though she acknowledges the constant balancing act of sharing online without feeling pressured. As Jude describes, social media is both a window to a global audience and a source of pressure to keep up with content, which she navigates by giving herself permission to only post when inspired.
Working with Galleries
In discussing the ups and downs of working with galleries, Jude recalls her experience with Gallery 35 in Cranbrook, a collaboration she enjoys as it allows her to showcase her work without constant demands for new pieces. She contrasts this with an earlier experience in Folkestone, where a gallery took a significant commission from her work, making her wonder if the financial side outweighed the creative satisfaction. After the gallery closed, Jude reworked and reframed some of her art, reclaiming ownership of her pieces in a new form—a testament to her adaptability and resilience as an artist. She warns that while gallery representation can be rewarding, artists should proceed with caution and be mindful of potential financial and creative pressures.
Another thought-provoking part of the conversation centres on commissions and collaborations. Jude reveals that she prefers not to work to specific commissions, sharing a past experience where she was asked to create pieces similar to a previous work. While the client was pleased with the final product, Jude found that working to someone else’s specifications left her feeling constrained and less creative. This taught her that commissioned work, while financially beneficial, was not her preferred path as an artist. Instead, she chooses projects that excite her and allow for creative freedom—a priority she now embraces without hesitation.
Health and Wellbeing
Health and well-being are central themes in this episode, with Jude reflecting on how her heart attack and COVID changed her perspective. While once willing to fill her schedule to its limits, she now understands the importance of saying “no” to preserve her energy and passion. She’s learned to prioritize her well-being, making space for projects that inspire her rather than those that add stress. Gail and Jude discuss how aging has made them more discerning with their commitments, appreciating that experience allows them to protect their peace and health. Jude describes this mindset as essential, a way to nurture her creativity while still finding joy in her work.
Discover more
Discussing her up-coming plan, Jude tell us that she has exhibitions lined up, teaching commitments that will take her abroad, and a personal goal to maintain her well-being. She notes that she has turned down recent exhibition opportunities to avoid over commitment, a decision she feels reflects her growth. Jude’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of self-care, passion, and resilience in the pursuit of a fulfilling creative life.
This episode offers an intimate look into the life of an artist committed to authenticity and personal growth. Jude’s reflections on managing a career in art, the evolving pressures of the modern creative world, and the importance of health will resonate with any listener navigating their own life and career choices. Her insights encourage us to embrace the ebb and flow of creativity, to prioritize our well-being, and to stay true to ourselves amidst life’s many challenges.
Website: https://judekingshott.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judekingshott/
