"My work is nearly always figurative – people fascinate me"
I have made larger than life fabric portraits in the past, but most of my paper sculptures are based on internal thoughts, conflicts or sensations and are essentially very personal. I love working in three dimensions – I use a wide range of materials newspaper, concrete, wire, textiles. I love moulding and manipulating the materials until I get the effect I want - which may happen quite quickly or could take a long time and a lot of trial and error.
The dolls are a new departure for me and still work in progress. It’s a completely different process from starting a sculpture from scratch, because the nature of the doll itself suggests what should happen. Those that work best, I think, are where I’ve just allowed the doll to take the lead rather than trying to impose my own pre-conceived ideas. Dolls tend to be passive and inoffensive - with disproportionately tiny, impotent hands and feet. I’m trying to bring them back to life.
​​I rarely make sketches beforehand – although I make maquettes when working large scale in concrete – but always collect all sorts of images, objects and pieces of writing which I use as a starting point. I seldom think about the viewer at all while I’m working on a sculpture. Once they’re finished, I’m satisfied if they resonate with people, if I’ve managed to convey something of what I was after.

​I’m often making something, if not art then something else – food for example. And spaces and environments – rooms, gardens, exhibitions. Evenings eating and drinking wine with family and friends are a great pleasure – as is time spent on my own with an alfresco coffee at a bar, watching people as they pass in the street.


​I always wanted to be an artist but also, when I was little, a private detective. I suspect I have an unnatural interest in things that are hidden. I trained as a psychotherapist and worked for some years as a journalist and researcher, so perhaps I’m just naturally nosey.

We came to live in Cútar thirteen years ago.
​I am constantly struck by what an amazingly beautiful place it is - and also how easy it is to take this for granted.
Judy Farrar was born in London. She has a BA Honours degree in Sociology and Economics and a Post Graduate qualification in Art Psychotherapy, both from University of London, Goldsmiths College. She has worked as a theatre designer, book illustrator, community artist, journalist and researcher. Her sculptures and theatre work have been exhibited in the UK and Spain.