Murals, Mountains & Fresh Start: A Florida Artist’s Journey to North Carolina
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Crouse, NC (WNN)- Judy Dempsey, a Florida native, is an artist known for painting lively murals that are seen in homes and restaurants. She has since relocated and found a new community and a fresh start in Crouse, North Carolina.
From Fish to Bears: An Artistic Change
Dempsey’s artistic journey began in Florida, where she mainly painted fish. But her art style changed when she moved to Lake Lure, N.C., about five or six years ago. After moving, she was told to paint bears, so she began painting bear faces, which she says is something no one has done in North Carolina. She also started painting murals and landscapes for homes and restaurants, flowers included, ultimately showcasing the versatility of her art.
The Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Artist
Originally, painting was just a side passion for Demspey while she had other jobs. Being a single mother in her 30s, she did not think she could be a professional artist as she had not finished college. Ultimately, after a divorce, she became friends with seven women who were all artists. One of them being a professional, Dempsey learned a lot from them.
One friend told Dempsey that she should become an artist for a living. Dempsey was worried as she was a single mom who would need insurance to make that dream a reality. Her friend asked, “What’s the worst that’s going to happen?”. Dempsey replied, “I fail.” Her friend simply replied, “So what?” Dempsey says that advice was the best thing anyone has ever told her. It pushed her to become a professional artist, a career she’s had for over 26 years.
An Unexpected Move to Crouse, North Carolina
Dempsey’s move to Crouse was unexpected; it was the result of a scary incident during Hurricane Helene, which came through North Carolina last year. While she was living in Lake Lure, Hurricane Helene hit. Dempsey ultimately attempted to escape with her two Shih Tzu dogs in her Ford Expedition. As she tried driving on Highway 64, the road began to turn into a raging river, with water going over her vehicle. She opened her window, grabbed her dogs, and had to wade to shore, losing her vehicle and with it, her way of making a living.
During this challenging time, Dempsey’s boyfriend, whom she had been dating for almost six months, invited her to move in with him. This decision led her to relocate to Crouse. Since relocating, she has been hard at work painting a mural at Roma Italian Restaurant in Cherryville, NC. While she does admit to missing the strong connection she had with over 150 artists in Lake Lure, Dempsey has come to love the city of Crouse.
Unforgettable Murals and Special Projects
Throughout her career, Dempsey has created several noteworthy art projects. One of her most rewarding jobs was painting a mural for Animal Planet’s “Tanked” in Vegas. However, the one that had the biggest impact on her was in Florida. Dempsey created a mural of a horse inside an aquarium for a cancer patient who wanted her daughter to remember her after she passed away. Dempsey says this is the most meaningful work she has done.
Her first big art job was for a Marriott hotel in Delray Beach, Florida. She asked for $5,000 to paint their pool bar, and to her surprise, they said yes. She was very scared that she would ruin the walls, especially with 350 people watching her as she painted. But the owner loved it, and she finished the mural. He paid her and hired her for the next seven years to maintain it.
Dempsey has also painted in several amazing homes, such as an architect’s house in Florida, where you could see into the swimming pool from underneath the living room and kitchen. The house also had a hot tub on the roof and rooms with secret doors made of bookshelves. Her art has taken her to many places, like the Bahamas and New York, allowing her to meet incredible people and see many unique things.
Using Art to Give Back
Dempsey is also committed to helping others through art, particularly by teaching art to kids in low-income areas. She believes giving kids something positive to do, like art, can keep them out of trouble and help them feel good about themselves.
“I like to help kids because I think if you have something to aspire to, it keeps you out of trouble. I think kids get bored easy, and a lot of times, when both parents are working, They don’t have time. So when they have something to do that’s positive, that gives them affirmation that they’re okay the way they are.”
Get In Contact
If you’re interested in viewing more of Dempsey’s artwork or would like to inquire about commissioning a piece, please visit her website at artexplosionofsouthflorida.com. You can also contact her by phone at 561-502-9379. Additionally, you can see her paintings displayed at Roma Italian Restaurant in Cherryville.
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