We’re looking forward to introducing you to Judy Salinsky. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Judy, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
The term “work” has lost its meaning for me because what I do—creating—isn’t really work; it’s my passion. That said, even passion can become all-consuming, and I’ve realized the importance of stepping away to recharge. Ocean swimming has brought me a lot of joy. Being in the water with my swimming buddies is incredibly freeing and rejuvenating. The beauty, rhythm, and energy of the ocean help me reset. After a swim, I feel totally mellow and ready for a nap and revitalized to move forward with the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
A lot of my inspiration comes from the ocean. I often drive out early in the morning to swim with my friends, and those moments—being in nature, in the water—really fuel my creativity. I pay attention to everything: the way the clouds form, the contrast between warm and cool tones in the sky, how the sunlight dances on the water and sand. The sea itself is full of color—greens, blues, violets—and little wonders, like the bright orange Garibaldi that guard their kelp beds, or their babies with those brilliant blue spots.
That’s the heart of my work: capturing the feeling of those quiet, magical moments in nature and translating them into art. Right now, I’m working on a new series that explores the emotional energy of the ocean through color and light. My hope is that people feel a sense of connection and calm when they see it.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was when I was about five years old, riding my bicycle without training wheels. I felt unstoppable, riding all around my neighborhood in Redondo Beach. One day, I decided I wanted to ride all the way to Marineland—a marine park in Rancho Palos Verdes that was about nine miles away, mostly uphill. I didn’t tell anyone, I just set off with all the confidence in the world. I made it partway up the hill before stopping in a dirt lot to rest. A policeman eventually pulled over and asked if I was okay. I told him I was trying to ride my bike to Marineland. He kindly gave me a ride back home. Even though I didn’t make it, I remember feeling bold, determined, and free—that moment stayed with me.”
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds in my life was growing up with alcoholic step-parents. At the time, verbal abuse wasn’t something people recognized or talked about—it was just seen as the way things were. There were no counselors or support systems readily available, so I had to find my own ways of coping. Music became my refuge. I’d play my 45 records, read the lyrics, and turn the volume up so I could lose myself in the sound. It helped me create a space that felt safe. I also found peace in nature—spending time in the ocean on my raft, long before boogie boards were around, gave me a sense of freedom and calm.
As for healing, I believe those kinds of wounds never completely disappear, but they do lose their intensity over time. For me, healing has come through surrounding myself with positive, healthy, emotionally grounded people. That environment has allowed me to grow and thrive, and it’s something I’m intentional about to this day.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire Michelle Obama not for her power, but for her character. She’s deeply empathetic, grounded, and leads with integrity. Her resilience, humility, and authenticity truly stand out, especially in how she leverages her platform to uplift others and advocate for causes such as education and equality. She’s a true role model.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
At the vintage age of 70 years young, I am finally doing what I was born to do: create.
I’ve been on my own since the age of 17. I had to get a job, go to school, and learn to stand on my own two feet. Nothing was handed to me. I applied to become the first “box girl,” “courtesy clerk,” or “grocery bagger” in San Diego County. I was hired as a bagger and promoted to checker within a year and a half. I truly enjoyed working with people, but I didn’t like dealing with the cash register—it was incredibly stressful handling thousands of dollars a day.
Still, I did it because I had to. It was a great job at the time—good pay, full health benefits, stock options, and paid vacation. I even bought my first home at the age of 22. But over time, the job became increasingly stressful.
Throughout that period, I continued my education and trained to become a professional dancer. I worked so hard that I eventually injured my knees and could no longer dance. Years passed, and I gradually became more involved in creative work. One creation led to another, and now I am a full-time artist.
This is what I was born to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://judysalinsky.com/
- Instagram: judysalinskyart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudySalinsky.Art/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@judysali/featured
