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Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott
*Running Time => 10mins.*
A moving and powerful introduction to the life and art of renowned artist, Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister, Joyce Scott.
Judith Scott was born with Down syndrome. She was deaf, and never learned to speak. She was also a talented artist. Judith was institutionalized until her sister Joyce reunited with her and enrolled her in an art class. Judith went on to become an artist of renown with her work displayed in museums and galleries around the world.
Poignantly told by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler, 'UNBOUND' is inspiring and warm, showing us that we can soar beyond our perceived limitations and accomplish something extraordinary.
©2021 Joyce Scott (P)2021 Listening Library
A moving and powerful introduction to the life and art of renowned artist, Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister, Joyce Scott.
Judith Scott was born with Down syndrome. She was deaf, and never learned to speak. She was also a talented artist. Judith was institutionalized until her sister Joyce reunited with her and enrolled her in an art class. Judith went on to become an artist of renown with her work displayed in museums and galleries around the world.
Poignantly told by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler, 'UNBOUND' is inspiring and warm, showing us that we can soar beyond our perceived limitations and accomplish something extraordinary.
©2021 Joyce Scott (P)2021 Listening Library
1 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
July 31, 2021
An AMAZING story about twin sisters, one who is normal and the other who was institutionalized at a young age with Down Syndrome. This is one of the most amazing stories of sisterly love I have ever heard and the art is so beautiful. Just a wonderful, uplifting story. You can see her art on the Internet if you search for images of Judith Scott, it is utterly amazing!
5 stars
Happy Reading!
5 stars
Happy Reading!
February 9, 2023
I’m not going to hold back on how much it triggers me when I learn that parents put their special needs children in institutions. That is the absolute worst thing to do. They need love, families, and connections! My youngest, who is 6, has Down Syndrome too. I’ve dedicated all my energy into getting her home therapies and therapies at school and I’m grateful this is available to us in this day and age.
As far as the story, I love that her sister took her out of the institution and gave her a home and family life and an opportunity for a creative outlet.
As far as the story, I love that her sister took her out of the institution and gave her a home and family life and an opportunity for a creative outlet.
December 20, 2021
I'll be honest, I go into most children's books (and books for older people as well, but children's books can be especially dire) about disabled people with a healthy dose of skepticism. I'm not deaf and I don't have Down syndrome, but I am disabled, and the representation in picture books can too often veer into territories that are insensitive, offensive, or inspiration porn. I'm tired. A lot of the time, I pick up books (especially picture books) starring disabled people with a feeling of anxiety rather than any kind of excitement or eagerness. I have to say though, Unbound really surprised me in the best way.
This is a really sweet and tender look into Judith Scott's life, her relationship with her twin sister (one of the authors, whose perspective the story is told from), and how she became a renowned artist. It avoids a lot of the tired tropes so many other books fall into (such as being inspirational, pitying, etc). We learn lots about Scott's artistic works and process and how she got her start, all alongside her relationship with her family and her love for magazines. Some time is spent on Scott being institutionalised and her sister's fight to get her back to living with family, which is especially poignant given that deinstitutionalisation is such a significant part of disability activism. There are also some really good notes at the end, as well as some photos.
Overall, this was a really great read with illustrations that suited the spirit of the story and showed Judith Scott's art to full effect. It's a little on the long side for a picture book, but it's definitely worth the read for kids who are old enough to have the attention span for it. Highly recommended!
This is a really sweet and tender look into Judith Scott's life, her relationship with her twin sister (one of the authors, whose perspective the story is told from), and how she became a renowned artist. It avoids a lot of the tired tropes so many other books fall into (such as being inspirational, pitying, etc). We learn lots about Scott's artistic works and process and how she got her start, all alongside her relationship with her family and her love for magazines. Some time is spent on Scott being institutionalised and her sister's fight to get her back to living with family, which is especially poignant given that deinstitutionalisation is such a significant part of disability activism. There are also some really good notes at the end, as well as some photos.
Overall, this was a really great read with illustrations that suited the spirit of the story and showed Judith Scott's art to full effect. It's a little on the long side for a picture book, but it's definitely worth the read for kids who are old enough to have the attention span for it. Highly recommended!
July 20, 2021
(content warning: institutionalization, family trauma)
I would give this ten stars if I could. I loved it so much that I bought my own copy after borrowing it from the library.
Imagine you are a little child and you wake up one morning and your twin sister and your dad are both gone. Your mom tells you that your dad is taking your sister to a special school. Your dad comes back, but your twin doesn't. When you finally visit her months later, you know right away that this isn't a school that she's in.
The twin sister has been institutionalized on a doctor's advice. She has Down syndrome and is Deaf. She receives no education and is labeled as difficult. Eventually, with a little gentle encouragement, she becomes an internationally renowned artist.
The art in this book is beautiful, with colors that mirror the mood of the text and small details that young readers will enjoy pointing out.
Very inspiring book about how art can change us all.
I would give this ten stars if I could. I loved it so much that I bought my own copy after borrowing it from the library.
Imagine you are a little child and you wake up one morning and your twin sister and your dad are both gone. Your mom tells you that your dad is taking your sister to a special school. Your dad comes back, but your twin doesn't. When you finally visit her months later, you know right away that this isn't a school that she's in.
The twin sister has been institutionalized on a doctor's advice. She has Down syndrome and is Deaf. She receives no education and is labeled as difficult. Eventually, with a little gentle encouragement, she becomes an internationally renowned artist.
The art in this book is beautiful, with colors that mirror the mood of the text and small details that young readers will enjoy pointing out.
Very inspiring book about how art can change us all.
February 10, 2022
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Judith Scott's dance with creativity as told by her twin sister Joyce, was a lovely addition to our pile of books on Art (our January theme this year). Judith had down syndrome during a period of time where institutionalizing was the main response to families who wanted to do "the right thing." Joyce and Judith were separated and suffered because of it. Still Judith had an opportunity later in life to be in a creative environment where she blossomed in her skills and joys, and we followed her journey through this book filled with her art.
It was affirming to be able to see how siblings can be blessings to each other when the opportunities present themselves. My group was interested in the story from start to finish.
Judith Scott's dance with creativity as told by her twin sister Joyce, was a lovely addition to our pile of books on Art (our January theme this year). Judith had down syndrome during a period of time where institutionalizing was the main response to families who wanted to do "the right thing." Joyce and Judith were separated and suffered because of it. Still Judith had an opportunity later in life to be in a creative environment where she blossomed in her skills and joys, and we followed her journey through this book filled with her art.
It was affirming to be able to see how siblings can be blessings to each other when the opportunities present themselves. My group was interested in the story from start to finish.
April 10, 2022
Joyce and Judith were twins born in the early 1940's. Judith had Down Syndrome, and in the early 1940's there wasn't much understanding about the condition. She was placed in an institution and labeled with unfortunate adjectives. They eventually discovered she was deaf.
Her sister wasn't happy about Judith being in an institution. As an adult, Joyce took Judith into her home as part of her family. Joyce also took Judith to a creativity center, where she started making art and sculptures in fiber and natural objects. Judith blossomed with an outlet for her artistic spirit. The artwork is inspiring.
Don't miss reading about a beautiful person.
Her sister wasn't happy about Judith being in an institution. As an adult, Joyce took Judith into her home as part of her family. Joyce also took Judith to a creativity center, where she started making art and sculptures in fiber and natural objects. Judith blossomed with an outlet for her artistic spirit. The artwork is inspiring.
Don't miss reading about a beautiful person.
July 9, 2021
Told by Joyce Scott, the twin sister of Judith, this picture book explores the closeness of the sisters as small children until they are separated for years. The two sisters shared everything with one another, playing together all the time. Then Joyce is sent to kindergarten and Judith is left behind. Judith has Down syndrome and has never spoken. Then her parents send Judith to a special school where she will live and learn to talk. They don’t visit for a long time and when they do, the school isn’t like other schools. There is no playground, no desks, no books. As they grow older, Joyce gets married and has children. She continues to think of Judith as being at her side all the time. Eventually, she is able to bring Judith out of the institution and to live with her. Joyce finds Judith an art program to be part of. Judith attends but won’t participate at all. Months go by until her teachers give her some natural materials and fabric. Suddenly, Judith is creating unique pieces of sculpture and is celebrated as an artist.
Full of sorrow and loss, this picture book examines the destructive nature of the systematic institutionalization of people with special needs to both the person institutionalized and their loved ones. Having Joyce herself narrate the book is powerful. The beautiful connection the sisters have in their young childhood forms a foundation of connection that allows her to rescue her sister decades later. Even as the book moves to when Judith finds her artistic voice, there is a melancholy to the years lost and the muting of her voice for so long.
Sweet’s illustrations are incredible and moving. She incorporates collage and also builds sculptures to pay homage to Scott’s work. Built with string, textiles, wire and wood, there is a celebratory nature to them of an art newly found. In other moments, Sweet captures wistfulness, longing and connection with light, shadow and color.
An extraordinary look at an artist who was almost lost. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
Full of sorrow and loss, this picture book examines the destructive nature of the systematic institutionalization of people with special needs to both the person institutionalized and their loved ones. Having Joyce herself narrate the book is powerful. The beautiful connection the sisters have in their young childhood forms a foundation of connection that allows her to rescue her sister decades later. Even as the book moves to when Judith finds her artistic voice, there is a melancholy to the years lost and the muting of her voice for so long.
Sweet’s illustrations are incredible and moving. She incorporates collage and also builds sculptures to pay homage to Scott’s work. Built with string, textiles, wire and wood, there is a celebratory nature to them of an art newly found. In other moments, Sweet captures wistfulness, longing and connection with light, shadow and color.
An extraordinary look at an artist who was almost lost. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
June 30, 2021
This beautiful tribute to artist Judith Scott, written by her twin sister Joyce, inspired, sorrowed, and touched me. It was painful to read about Judith's institutionalization due to her Down Syndrome, but super powerful to see her explosion into artist and creator upon coming to live with Joyce and having access to space/resource for unbounded creation. This story is well-written, with short "chapters" that still feel natural in the picture-book context. Frankly talks about ableism (though this word is not used), institutionalization, and death.
Themes: Dis/ability, Siblings, Art
Age range: Elementary
Themes: Dis/ability, Siblings, Art
Age range: Elementary
September 24, 2023
Some children’s books make me cry in the 10 minutes it takes to read them: A Snowy Day and Love You Forever to name two. Add Unbound to that list. The life of artist Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister Joyce, is almost unbearably sad. Born with Down’s Syndrome and not understood to be deaf, she was institutionalised for most of the first 40 years of her life. Her sister finally got custody and enrolled Judith in an arts program, where her collages, created in the last 18 years of her life, have won international praise. Gorgeous collage based illustrations by Melissa Sweet adorn this tale of colour and love overcoming grey institutionalisation.
October 17, 2021
An inspiring, and gorgeously illustrated story about twin sisters, Joyce and Judith, and how Judith became a respected artist.
Joyce and Judith were inseparable growing up. Judith was born with Down’s syndrome, and was sent to live in an institution for much of her life. After leaving the institution and moving in with Joyce, Judith began attending a centre that helped people with disabilities to make art. After a year of not engaging, Judith began making woven, wrapped, amazing textile creations.
This book was pretty great.
Joyce and Judith were inseparable growing up. Judith was born with Down’s syndrome, and was sent to live in an institution for much of her life. After leaving the institution and moving in with Joyce, Judith began attending a centre that helped people with disabilities to make art. After a year of not engaging, Judith began making woven, wrapped, amazing textile creations.
This book was pretty great.
October 7, 2021
I will stan anything and everything illustrated by Melissa Sweet, but this book is something special. I also can't think of a better illustrator/artist to illuminate the life of Judith Scott than Sweet.
This is a heartbreaking and triumphant story of two sisters bound together by love, and how one sister finds her voice after being in an institution for 35 years. Through natural fiber sculptures, created incredible artwork that touched the world.
I loved this book.
This is a heartbreaking and triumphant story of two sisters bound together by love, and how one sister finds her voice after being in an institution for 35 years. Through natural fiber sculptures, created incredible artwork that touched the world.
I loved this book.
January 15, 2023
5 stars. Outstanding biography of a unique fiber artist who came into her art later in life. Born with Down syndrome, Judy was institutionalized at age 7, away from her twin sister and best friend. In her 40s she moves to California to live with her sister and attends Creative Growth Art Center, and the rest is history. Fabulous back matter and illustrations, potential Caldecott? Check out the case cover and end pages.
July 22, 2021
A unique and touching look at an artist who flourished in a program for creative people with disabilities. The mixed-media illustrations are as vibrant as Judith Scott herself.
November 1, 2021
A story of twin sisters who love each other very much and a story of how one twin expresses herself when given the opportunity as an adult to be creative. Several of the section titles relate to Judy's art (Entwined, Unbound, Tying Loose Ends). The notes and the timeline are good, but I wish there were some more context about Judy living in an institution (what doctors told families at the time, why an institution).
Drawn and painted illustrations through much of the book with little bits of collage. But when Judy picks up materials, the collage work becomes more 3D as actual twigs appears when the text mentions the twigs Judy selects. Colors show mood. Bright, warm, happy early childhood together. Even the nighttime blue looks cozy with spots of warm yellow stars and light from the window, and hints of pink. Bright gives way to colder, subdued colors -- blues, grey, and browns to depict sadness. The sisters get a pocket of light together and a stream of colors follows Joyce as she thinks of her sister. Bright colors return when the sisters are reunited and remain until Judy creates her last piece, the only piece that is black and then blues return to depict sadness. But the last two-page spread is another one with shades of blue but there are some brighter blue along with those bright starts and some pinks, to echo a happy summer night when the twins were little girls. So you feel sadness for Judy's death, but also a warmth as her art lives and that she's always with her sister.
The first time we see the sisters, they are snuggled together and each image of childhood shows them holding hands or very close. When they are shown together as adults, again they are side by side, touching and there is more of a sense of aloneness when one is shown without the other.
The introduction to the art center with smaller images and actions portrays the activity well. The placement of the text with the activity of the art center draws your eye to the almost empty spot of Judy, alone at a large table. It is the one place on the spread that is quiet.
Front papers -- drawn and painted. End papers and underneath book jacket-- yard, thread, twine, spools.
Who made the bird on the dedication page? Not like other pieces created by Judy so assume Melissa Sweet.
The final image in the book is Judy's artwork titled Twins. Perfect.
Drawn and painted illustrations through much of the book with little bits of collage. But when Judy picks up materials, the collage work becomes more 3D as actual twigs appears when the text mentions the twigs Judy selects. Colors show mood. Bright, warm, happy early childhood together. Even the nighttime blue looks cozy with spots of warm yellow stars and light from the window, and hints of pink. Bright gives way to colder, subdued colors -- blues, grey, and browns to depict sadness. The sisters get a pocket of light together and a stream of colors follows Joyce as she thinks of her sister. Bright colors return when the sisters are reunited and remain until Judy creates her last piece, the only piece that is black and then blues return to depict sadness. But the last two-page spread is another one with shades of blue but there are some brighter blue along with those bright starts and some pinks, to echo a happy summer night when the twins were little girls. So you feel sadness for Judy's death, but also a warmth as her art lives and that she's always with her sister.
The first time we see the sisters, they are snuggled together and each image of childhood shows them holding hands or very close. When they are shown together as adults, again they are side by side, touching and there is more of a sense of aloneness when one is shown without the other.
The introduction to the art center with smaller images and actions portrays the activity well. The placement of the text with the activity of the art center draws your eye to the almost empty spot of Judy, alone at a large table. It is the one place on the spread that is quiet.
Front papers -- drawn and painted. End papers and underneath book jacket-- yard, thread, twine, spools.
Who made the bird on the dedication page? Not like other pieces created by Judy so assume Melissa Sweet.
The final image in the book is Judy's artwork titled Twins. Perfect.
August 11, 2023
Biographical UNBOUND: THE LIFE + ART OF JUDITH SCOTT will inspire adults and children and likely make many of them cry, too. Twins Joyce and Judith are called two peas in a pod by their mother and do everything together, but when their parents decide that a residential school is the best place for Judy, born with Down’s Syndrome, everything changes. Sister Joyce never does feel like the institution where her sister lives is allowing her to reach her full potential and when she is able, brings her Judy to live with her. At Creative Growth Art Center, a unique studio for those with developmental delays, Judy begins to blossom into a renowned fiber artist. Author Joyce Scott’s story of undiscovered potential and intense love for her sister may help readers/listeners begin to look for the gifts that all of us possess, even those whom society discounts as “not able.” Her parents’ decision to move Judy into an unenlightened facility is handled with grace. Watercolor, colored pencil, and mixed media illustrations by Melissa Sweet are wonderful and convey the dimension of fiber art and even include pieces done by artists at Creative Growth Art Center. A timeline, bibliography and photographs of the sisters are included in the final pages. Excellent picture book biography for ages 7-12.
A ‘23-‘24 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee.
A ‘23-‘24 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee.
March 31, 2024
Raw pain, poignant relating of institutionalization as the former way of life for disabled people, told by the twin sister. Brilliant art. A story you can’t shake. A timeline included for Acts signed into law—enforcing a shift in practice and prompting a needed change in thinking towards disabled people. Gripping for my kiddos, great conversations.
December 10, 2023
This was a wonderful, heartfelt memoir of growing up with a twin who was very different. The author told a story of loving her sister through good times and bad. The illustrations were wonderful, as you would expect from a story telling the life of an artist.
November 14, 2021
Enjoyed learning about Judith Scott
February 26, 2024
read this for a work project - absolutely incredible book about inclusion & Down syndrome!
August 9, 2021
Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott is a children's picture book written by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Scott reminisces about her twin sister, an artist with Down syndrome.
Judith Scott was an American fiber sculptor, born with Down Syndrome and deaf. She was internationally renowned for her art.
Scott's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Told in an order that allows readers to appreciate Judy the way Joyce does, this book's creators successfully render a personal story of love, nurture, and individual gifts. Backmatter includes timeline, photos, author's note, illustrator's note, sources, resources. In delicate lines, illustrator Sweet commemorates the story's most emotive moments – Joyce's desolation, clutching twin stuffed bunnies, when Judy vanishes, and the whole-family embrace that enfolds Judy when she arrives to live with Joyce's family.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Joyce and Judy are twin sisters and did everything together. However, when Joyce is ready to attend school, Judy, who has Down syndrome, stays home. One morning, Joyce wakes up to find Judy gone, institutionalized by their parents. As an adult, Joyce brings her sister to live with her family and enrolls her in an art program, where Judy begins making intricate, colorful constructions with string, twigs, and found objects, word of which grows among buyers, critics, and museums.
All in all, Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott is a sweet yet troubling account of sisterhood and the power of art.
Judith Scott was an American fiber sculptor, born with Down Syndrome and deaf. She was internationally renowned for her art.
Scott's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Told in an order that allows readers to appreciate Judy the way Joyce does, this book's creators successfully render a personal story of love, nurture, and individual gifts. Backmatter includes timeline, photos, author's note, illustrator's note, sources, resources. In delicate lines, illustrator Sweet commemorates the story's most emotive moments – Joyce's desolation, clutching twin stuffed bunnies, when Judy vanishes, and the whole-family embrace that enfolds Judy when she arrives to live with Joyce's family.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Joyce and Judy are twin sisters and did everything together. However, when Joyce is ready to attend school, Judy, who has Down syndrome, stays home. One morning, Joyce wakes up to find Judy gone, institutionalized by their parents. As an adult, Joyce brings her sister to live with her family and enrolls her in an art program, where Judy begins making intricate, colorful constructions with string, twigs, and found objects, word of which grows among buyers, critics, and museums.
All in all, Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott is a sweet yet troubling account of sisterhood and the power of art.
November 3, 2022
This book is narrated by Joyce Scott, Judith’s sister. Joyce and Judith were twins, born in 1943, but because Judith had Down syndrome and a number of developmental disorders, their parents placed Judith in an institution in 1950. Judith stayed in the institution for 35 years, until Joyce, now married and a teacher, became Judith’s legal guardian and took her in to live with her and her family.
The author begins with the girls’ childhood, when they felt like they shared the world like two peas in a pod. But as Joyce entered school, their paths began to diverge. Still, Joyce writes:
“The doctors say that she is slow and will not get better, but they don’t know Judy like I do. She is perfect just the way she is. She knows things that no one else knows and sees the world in ways that I never will.”
After Judy was taken away, Joyce felt like “my whole world disappears and is replaced with the colors of gone.”
She dreamed of having Judy back again at her side, which she finally could accomplish in 1985. She heard about a local art studio, the Creative Growth Art Center, that offered programs for adults with disabilities, and enrolled Judy there. After many months, Judy finally began to work with the art materials, creating sculptures from fibers and found objects. She continued to do so for years. Then one day she created “a new piece unlike any other: small and black, all the colors gone.” Judy died the next day.
Joyce writes that now Judy is celebrated as a great artist.
Back matter includes more information on the Creative Growth Art Center, and on Down syndrome. There is also a timeline about Joyce and Judy, and about disability rights.
One should never pass up a book illustrated by outstanding award-winner Melissa Sweet. Her mixed media art is a joy to behold.
Evaluation: This book for readers 4 and up is about the love that can bind family members, especially twins, and about the ways in which opportunities rather than rejection can cause anyone and everyone to blossom, no matter what the seeming obstacles.
The author begins with the girls’ childhood, when they felt like they shared the world like two peas in a pod. But as Joyce entered school, their paths began to diverge. Still, Joyce writes:
“The doctors say that she is slow and will not get better, but they don’t know Judy like I do. She is perfect just the way she is. She knows things that no one else knows and sees the world in ways that I never will.”
After Judy was taken away, Joyce felt like “my whole world disappears and is replaced with the colors of gone.”
She dreamed of having Judy back again at her side, which she finally could accomplish in 1985. She heard about a local art studio, the Creative Growth Art Center, that offered programs for adults with disabilities, and enrolled Judy there. After many months, Judy finally began to work with the art materials, creating sculptures from fibers and found objects. She continued to do so for years. Then one day she created “a new piece unlike any other: small and black, all the colors gone.” Judy died the next day.
Joyce writes that now Judy is celebrated as a great artist.
Back matter includes more information on the Creative Growth Art Center, and on Down syndrome. There is also a timeline about Joyce and Judy, and about disability rights.
One should never pass up a book illustrated by outstanding award-winner Melissa Sweet. Her mixed media art is a joy to behold.
Evaluation: This book for readers 4 and up is about the love that can bind family members, especially twins, and about the ways in which opportunities rather than rejection can cause anyone and everyone to blossom, no matter what the seeming obstacles.
June 14, 2021
Heart-wrenching and full of love. This biography unfolds in unexpected directions. Would be good to open a discussion about perceptions and discrimination of people with disabilities.
February 10, 2022
Powerful and moving story. A twin sister recounts the story of her sister who was placed in an institution as a child and who later found joy and expression in art after coming out of the institution to live with her sister.
It is an important and horrifying history bur presented in a way that is appropriate for children. The love and understanding of her twin shines through and the story of Judith Scott's later work is inspiring.
Melissa Sweet's illustrations are beautifully designed to highlight the two stories of first childhood separation and later life out of the institution with her sister and her artistic creations.
Sensitively wrought and a piece of important history.
It is an important and horrifying history bur presented in a way that is appropriate for children. The love and understanding of her twin shines through and the story of Judith Scott's later work is inspiring.
Melissa Sweet's illustrations are beautifully designed to highlight the two stories of first childhood separation and later life out of the institution with her sister and her artistic creations.
Sensitively wrought and a piece of important history.
June 18, 2021
Is there a full length biography of this person? The picture book while lovely, does not seem to do Ms. Scott justice. Great for a classroom/art class setting or if doing a unit of women or people who are not neurotypical and/or have down syndrome. Just a must have just because, but also if you are interested in fiber art or art in general.
November 23, 2021
What a remarkable story, inspiring and poignant. I am glad I came to this book without any knowledge except that Melissa Sweet illustrated it (I will read anything she touches) and that it was about the life of a remarkable artist. I hope you come to the book in the same way. Beautiful.
December 17, 2023
Such a fascinating book that opens eyes.
March 19, 2022
I read this book for the Grown Up Picture Book Club on Instagram which is such an interesting group! This month we read Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott.
Never heard of her? Neither had I. Which is a shame because she created her art in Oakland, CA which is just a hop, skip, and jump from where I live.
Judith Scott had Down Syndrome and was deaf. She spent most of her life in an institution. Until her twin sister, Joyce, became her legal guardian and moved Judith out to California to live with her and her family.
Knowing Judith needed some place to be while Joyce worked, she found the Creative Growth Arts Center which is a nonprofit art studio for artists with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. It is here that Judith begins creating her fiber art.
This book is, first of all, gorgeous to look at, and a poignant story of the bonds of sisterhood as well as a showcase of a talented artist.
It was such an engaging and eye-opening read. I will be looking into more about Judith Scott and her life and work as a result of this book.
Never heard of her? Neither had I. Which is a shame because she created her art in Oakland, CA which is just a hop, skip, and jump from where I live.
Judith Scott had Down Syndrome and was deaf. She spent most of her life in an institution. Until her twin sister, Joyce, became her legal guardian and moved Judith out to California to live with her and her family.
Knowing Judith needed some place to be while Joyce worked, she found the Creative Growth Arts Center which is a nonprofit art studio for artists with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. It is here that Judith begins creating her fiber art.
This book is, first of all, gorgeous to look at, and a poignant story of the bonds of sisterhood as well as a showcase of a talented artist.
It was such an engaging and eye-opening read. I will be looking into more about Judith Scott and her life and work as a result of this book.
February 8, 2023
Born in the 1940s, Judith and Joyce Scott are twins who do everything together. But Judith doesn't talk, and there isn't a place for her at school because she is different. Today, she would be identified as having Down syndrome, but the term was not widely used when she was born and accommodations for children with disabilities in public school were nonexistent. In the face of Judith's needs, her parents make the heart-wrenching decision to place her in an institution, and Joyce is separated from her beloved twin.
As an adult, Joyce becomes Judith's legal guardian and introduces her to a center for people with disabilities to make art. Initially, Judith just wants to look at magazines until, one day, she is inspired by the natural materials brought in by a teacher. Thus begins her adventure in fiber arts. Judith makes incredible pieces that eventually are shown in museums.
The story, told from Joyce's perspective, is absolutely beautiful. The writing is poetic and poignant. The art is a gorgeous complement. It's a powerful story.
As an adult, Joyce becomes Judith's legal guardian and introduces her to a center for people with disabilities to make art. Initially, Judith just wants to look at magazines until, one day, she is inspired by the natural materials brought in by a teacher. Thus begins her adventure in fiber arts. Judith makes incredible pieces that eventually are shown in museums.
The story, told from Joyce's perspective, is absolutely beautiful. The writing is poetic and poignant. The art is a gorgeous complement. It's a powerful story.
July 1, 2021
This picture book made me so emotional!!! It's about fiber artist, Judith Scott, and her heartbreaking experiences through the eyes of her twin sister, Joyce. Joyce and Judith were twins, inseparable for the first seven years of their life. One day, Joyce woke up to find Judy gone. She had been taken by their father to an institution where she stayed for 35 years. Judy had Down Syndrome and was also deaf, though no one realized this until she was much older. Because of her inability to hear, she was given a low IQ at the institution and wasn't permitted to participate in any activities. She stayed there for 35 years until Joyce successfully gained legal custody of her and took her home. After she enrolled Judy in a local art studio that welcomed adults with disabilities, Judy found her passion and started creating beautiful sculptures with fiber and found objects. Her work was shown internationally. A truly inspiring and moving commemoration from one loving sister to another.
August 11, 2021
I was raised w a Down syndrome brother who was a blessing to our family of eight kids. We all had to look out for him. We all had to learn to be ok w his differences even when others didn’t understand. I am very thankful he was born in 1970 and that my parents decided to raise him at home. The institute option was considered even then but not as forcefully as a decade or two earlier, like the time of this book. He got schooling. He was loved by parents, siblings and cousins, and then nieces and nephews. The state of Michigan has good programs for him. I miss being close enough to visit regularly, but know he is being well cared for now as a 51 year old. This book touched my heart. I can’t imagine how painful and confusing it must have been for Judy’s twin to have her taken away. What an amazing place that creative arts workshop was for her and others. Thanks for sharing your story, Joyce.
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