Judith Chestnut: Visualising the Dance

Hello, and welcome. I am a Digital Artist, a dance professional, and an equestrian. My work is dedicated to exploring the profound, often unseen connections between dance, visual arts, and the captivating world of horses.

The Foundation: Japanese Aesthetic and the Rhythmic Flow

For me, art is a visual dialogue—a study of form, emotion, and connection. My signature artistic style has evolved from the study of traditional Sumi-e and Ukiyo-e paintings and woodcuts, lending a strong Japanese aesthetic to my digital work.

Drawing on my formal training in dance and my role as an active member of the International Dance Council (CID) Executive Committee, I view the equine spirit and the human form through a unique lens: one rooted in movement, balance, and kinetic force. This perspective allows me to create insightful pieces that depict not just the subject's appearance, but also how it moves and connects, revealing the inherent 'dance' in both performance and equitation.

"One of the most intriguing things about dance is that this art form provokes so many different emotions and ideas, and is so rich and powerful to the body as well as to the eyes." — Alkis Raftis, President of the International Dance Council (CID)

This quote perfectly puts my study of dance choreography in perspective with my current animation work. My animations focus on colour, rhythm, and choreography, using Artlink for music choice and the Japanese Color Harmony Dictionary for all my color selections, ensuring every project is an intentional and rhythmic visual flow.

The Creative Bridge: Tradition Meets Digital

My artistic process deliberately bridges tradition and technology. While captivated by the expressive power of historical art forms like Ukiyo-e, I now apply this inspiration to digital mediums, often experimenting with textures like the Risograph look. I bring these influences to life using modern digital tools, primarily Procreate on my iPad. This contemporary method offers incredible precision and flexibility, allowing me to capture the subtle interplay of light, shadow, and dynamic movement.

My Muse and Mission

My mare, Montana, is my companion and muse, embodying the grace, strength, and authentic communication I strive to capture in my art. Together, we volunteer at Blue Gums Equestrian.

This deep fascination with the link between dance and equitation has also informed my academic work. I've explored these concepts in a paper presented at the World Congress on Dance Research and in a teleconference for the International Dance Council on 'Dancing With Horses.' This ongoing study informs the depth and understanding you'll find in all my visual creations.

Art with a Purpose

The primary, non-negotiable goal for all monetization and website activities is to contribute funds to Montana’s ongoing care.

Beyond my own mare, I am a passionate advocate for equine rescue, serving as a Patreon moderator for the charity Legacy of Legends in France. In this role, I help share information and answer questions to further their mission of rescuing and caring for horses and donkeys.