JUDY BRACHI is both an artist and a photographer. She was born in Uganda and grew up in Belfast and County Down in Northern Ireland. She worked as a chartered surveyor but also ran a successful cushion design business and she has a diploma and colour and design. During the pandemic she took up photography seriously and has already won a prize for her bee photography and had her photos published in the National Bee supplies calandar. She was a monthly winner in the very competitive School of Photography Online. Four of her photos have been shortlisted in the prestigious IGPOTY (International Garden Photographer of the Year) competition and one of her photos was awarded “highly commended”. She now lives on the Isle of Wight which is a biosphere reserve and here she has fantastic access to all kinds of plants and smaller creatures. As a child she was fascinated by wild flowers and spent hours wandering the boglands between the drumlins of county Down, knowing the seasons of the plants and observing how they grew. She is lucky enough to have access not only to all kinds of wild plants on the Isle of Wight, but also to some great gardens, such as Osborne House where she is a regular visitor.
She has just won the Digital Art section of the Art Unlimited International Art Competition with her digital embroidery entitled “other dreams”.
Artist Statement:
My work is an invitation to pause, open your eyes, and to look deeply at the world around us. In our fast-paced, ever-evolving world, it’s easy to overlook the hidden layers of magic, diversity, and profound beauty found in the natural environment. My inspiration is drawn from the untold stories of the British wildlife that still surrounds us, with its quiet yet powerful presence—especially the often-overlooked creatures, like ants and butterflies and rooks, whose significance can be easily missed.
Through my art, I aim to celebrate the complexity of nature, from the smallest of creatures to the vast landscapes they inhabit. Each piece reflects my awe for the intricate and layered world we are so fortunate to share with these beings. My work encourages viewers to look beyond the surface, to see the hidden depth and the intricate details that make the natural world so wonderfully alive. I believe that by reconnecting with the animals, plants, and ecosystems around us, we can rekindle a sense of reverence and responsibility towards the earth.