Judith Ivy Hayden

Sometimes the worse thing that happens to you turns out to be the best thing that happens to you.

My story is not unusual. I had to start my life all over again at 51. It was like stepping off a cliff into the dead of night; not knowing when or where I would land. It was terrifying. It was heart breaking. It was humiliating. It was stressful. And being sick and in chronic pain made it all the more so.

I have Ankylosing Spondylitis, a rare and crippling form of arthritis. I had been sick for a long time but finally the illness forced me to leave my job in advertising. I had no disability insurance or retirement fund. I had to live off my savings and apply for Social Security Disability. Then I had to make some major changes in my life.

About four years ago, I was at the “Story Telling Festival” at Old Town, in Montgomery. I heard the “Ten Man,” Charlie Lucas, give a talk about his life. No one expected him to get up and talk, but he did. He spoke about creativity and inspiration and a deep connection to God. He spoke with such purpose and open-hearted joy. It was one of those experiences where you get chill bumps and you hair stands on ends. It was if he were speaking directly to me. He made me remember how much I had enjoyed painting in my high school art classes.

I went out that Monday, bought paints, brushes, and canvas, and I started painting. Color came naturally, but it took me a while to find a style of my own that fit my physical limitations. Through painting I was finally able to express my belief that everything on earth is alive, connected, and in motion. I soon discovered than when I was painting I was less aware of my pain. I was transported to a place filled with the beauty of nature. Painting began to center me. It became a sort of meditation, a connection that made me feel whole and complete.

I joined the Elmore County Art Guild. I decided it was the only way to meet other artists and I find artists inspiring and stimulating. Seeing other artists’ work sparks my imagination and makes me want to do better work. So here I am, painting ull time. I’ve found my little niche in life and I am meeting new and interesting people. As for the prizes, I got some. And suddenly those ribbons don’t seem stupid or ego driven at all.

They say the longest journey you’ll ever make in your life is the one from your head to your heart. For the first time in my life, my heart and my mind and my eyes are open to all the possibilities of life. Painting gave me this.

Contact Information:
Judith Ivy Hayden
415 N. California St.
Montgomery, AL 36107
Phone: 334-834-5116

Beautiful in Death, Third Place, 25th                              Meditation in Green, HM Category II
Annual ECAG Winter Art Show, February 2010            26th Annual ECAG Winter Art Show
                                                           February 27, 2011

Afternoon in Gold Star Park                                                            Winter Afternoon in Gold Star Park
Acrylic                                                                                                Acrylic
30 x 24                                                                                                24 x 30

Hot House Orchids                                                                                     Yack-a-d Yack
Acrylic                                                                                                          Acrylic
30 x 24                                                                                                          30 x 24