We are just like you

Judith Baker

Ipswich Poet, Author and Poet

Judy is one of the many faces of disability, accomplished poet and artists, she has worked in the community arts form many years, including the Lowood Show Society.

Judy has worked with ArtISability from day one and loves to encourage students with individual attention. Not all disabilities are visible from the human eye.  Nor is Judy's if a photo is taken from the was up.  Judy's ability to create beautiful art is not affected by her disability.

A Bushed Christmas

Designed by Judith M Baker

Once my artwork is hanging on a art gallery wall

my disability becomes invisible.

As human we a quick to judge others by their physical appearance, yet there a so many types of disabilities with various limitations.  Not all disabilities affect intellectual functioning. 

A disability is an impairment to normal human function.  Disability includes physical, developmental, intellectual, behavioural, sensory, cognitive and psychological impairment. Diabetes can be more disabling a physical disability. The barriers that disable us are the ones that only exist in other peoples minds. 

When I try to imagine what other people thoughts are towards artists with disabilities I shake my head. I know I see the world very different,  I don't begun to comprehend by art is different because the artists has disability.

Really what I think about a piece of artwork is irrelevant . .  If some find a person who falls in love with a piece of artwork then that sale validates them as an artists. Just like Judy know one recognised my disability in my artwork.

My struggle with exclusive thinking is how so I as a disability advocate unravel a lifetime of faulty teaching and misconceptions? Then I remember I am one member of an army of people striving to achieve the same goal.

Disability Action Week is the 11th to 17th of September.  Our message is it's time we were included. 

ArtISability is currently raising money to address the many access issues for artists living people with disabilities.  Through sales of cards such as the one Judy has designed for us. Click here to view our rage of Christmas cards.