We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Judi Bloom a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Judi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I began as a self taught artist 11 years ago after a 35 year career in the cosmetic Industry, 20 years running Special Events for an International Cosmetic Company. Six years ago I was invited to display and sell my art at the Artists of Scottsdale Ranch Art Show. This was a huge leap for me especially being so new to the art world. All the normal fears went through my head–will anyone like my work? will I sell anything–rejection?
Well I didn’t sell a painting the first year but I learned a lot—have confidence in the art I make and continue learning and improving. I did just that painting daily, watching artists paint, listening to podcasts and You Tube everything and anything I could find to help me grow.

Fast forward to 2022. In December of 2021 ASR Director called me and said she couldn’t continue due to health issues would I take over as Director of the show? The show was scheduled for the beginning weekend of February but I said absolutely I will do it!! I had never run an art show and there were a LOT of loose ends that needed to be handled. Talk about taking a risk!! I had 20 artists depending on me to make sure the show was successful and it was!!

I am still the Director and have made a lot of positive changes to the show with the help of my small team of artists. Most notably is the varied selection of artists and mediums, the layout of the show being sleek and airy, and my pride and joy our Silent Auction benefiting HonorHealths Tina’s Treasures Cancer care Boutique.

I am incorporating 3 of your Questions because they all weave into my story–Meaningful projects, Important lesson learned at a prior job and Taking a risk. My meaningful projects are Artists of Scottsdale ranch Fine Art Show and the Silent Auction. My prior job taught me decipline, being organized and prepared, focus on the details, always show respect for the people you work with, be positive no matter what situation you’re facing and have confidence in my ability. My risk was to think I could ever be a successful artist and accepting the job as Director

The Art Show has grown and become recognized as a high end boutique event with very talented artists. Our 2025 Silent Auction raised $9200 for Tina’s Treasures Cancer Care Boutique. To give this perspective our 2022 auction raised $4800 so we’ve worked really hard to grow this program. We donate 100% of what we raise and it’s given to help women who can’t afford the necessities after breast cancer surgery.

I am thrilled to be an artist and Director!! Both roles are challenging and exciting at the same time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was in the cosmetic Industry for many years the last 20 of which I was an Executive for a leading cosmetic Brand running their Specail Events Program for the Northeast of the Country. I loved what I was doing and had the opportunity to write the program I was leading.

After I retired my husband and I relocated to Arizona. I decided I need to do somethng different and attended a wine and painting party. I painted a tree and thought it was fun and decided to persue learnig more about art. I am self taught and have been on a learning journey for the past 11 years and continue to learn more every day. I have sold over 50 paintings my medium is acrylic and have aquired a lot of repeat loyal customers. They in turn have introduced me to family and friends who have since purchased art from me.

I do commission work and my 2 most challenging pieces were painting a deceased daughter and having to create a painting from a poem. I would like to think my clients find me compassionate, caring, knowledgeable and I listen to their wants and needs. I know my clients have all been thrilled with the work I have produced for them.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Seeing my art hanging on the walls in peoples homes or businesses. It’s a thrill to know my hard work has made another person happy. My art is Very Colorful and full of life! I love when I hear people say that my pieces make them smile.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to explore all different styles of art no matter how difficult the journey. I continue to challenge myself all the time. I have many very heavy canvases so full of paint because I continue to practice trying to better understand a skill that might not come naturally to me.

The outcome might not be good but this motivates me to continue and maybe one day I will conquer my fear and create something wonderful!! That’s what being an artist is all about– learning, experimenting, failing, frustration and ultimately success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: judibloom.art
• Facebook: Judith Bloom
• Other: email
  jbloom@scottgrp.com