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Judith Fawkes Obituary
Oct. 5, 1941 - June 28, 2019
Judith "Judy" Poxson Fawkes died Friday, June 28, 2019 in Portland. She was born in Lansing, Mich., and graduated from Michigan State University and Cranbrook Academy of Art where she met Tom Fawkes, her husband of 52 years. They settled in Portland in 1972.
Judy exhibited her linen inlay, double weave and pattern weave tapestries since the 1960s, and beginning in 1989 she showed at Laura Russo Gallery, now Russo Lee Gallery. Her work is included in numerous public and private collections, including the American Craft Museum in N.Y. Fifty commissioned tapestries are held in collections across the country, notably in the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse, Kaiser and Legacy Hospitals, Inverness Jail, Chapman Elementary School and Congregation Beth Israel all in Portland and in university and corporate buildings in Houston, San Antonio, Atlanta, New Orleans, Seattle and Jacksonville, and a Caribbean cruise ship.
She also taught weaving for many years at four colleges in Portland, including Lewis & Clark College.
In 2012 she published Weaving a Chronicle (Schiffer) in which she described the circumstances and techniques behind the tapestries she produced over five decades. Her work was inspired by the grid of the loom, Bauhaus, Renaissance tapestry, light through water, Italian gardens, Portland weather and the medium of flax itself.
Tom and Judy have lived in the Willamette Heights neighborhood of Portland since 1977. Judy was active in neighborhood initiatives such as the 1991 book Artists of Willamette Heights and planting the areas by the Vaughn Street freeway on-ramp. Judy attended (and on occasion taught) an exercise class at Friendly House for the past 20 years.
Judy was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014, and despite her declining abilities, she loved to be outside in her garden and to walk through her Portland neighborhood with friends and family. We remember her bright smile, curiosity, humor, creative drive, love of fun and enduring interest in the effects of light and color.
She is survived by her husband, Tom; sister, Anne Sparks; two daughters, Glynnis Fawkes and Elizabeth Fawkes; and three grandchildren, Sylvan, Helen and Koa.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Judith Fawkes
Sponsored by The Family.
Jean Davies Nordlund
April 28, 2024
I first saw one of Judith's exquisite double-woven "Precipitation" textiles in American Craft and visited her in her home studio in the late 1970s. I credit her with giving me the impetus to pursue color in double-weave in my own work. What a beautiful legacy she has left us with her handwoven textiles.
Faith Varrone
May 7, 2020
I just learned of her passing a m d sad to hear it. I have her wonderful book and as I love double weave and tapestry, she has been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to me.
Dawn Alexander
October 15, 2019
Beautiful artist. I was looking to find out more about the artist that designed these amazing tapestries in my company's home office - I love them. I was hoping to find a similar piece for my home. When I searched her name and found this I really just wanted to reach out and let her family know that the joy she brought to people through her art is still alive and well. God Bless.
Diane Gauthier
August 5, 2019
Dearest Fawkes family, My deep condolences to you all. Judy was my weaving teacher at Maude Kerns while I was yet in high school. She inspired me to major in Fibers/Textiles/Design in college. (and Tom, you were my first painting teacher at UO in the fall of 1971...I had no business in that class, having not yet learned to draw, yet I gained a good foundation under your tutelage). I'll never forget when your first child was born and Judy traded a weaving for the OB fees. I thought that was a great idea! When I remember Judy I think of her bright countenance, sense of humor, her ready laugh and her constant encouragement. I'm so honored to have had her as my first formal art teacher. I picked beans that summer (after my class with her) in order to buy my floor loom, thanks to Judy's inspiration!
Meredith Bach
July 31, 2019
In about 1965, Judy Poxson calmly said, "...you'll put the looms together...there they are, in those crates."
And we Southern Oregon College weavers learned "how to" build and use the mysterious but simple lengths of lumber, nuts, bolts & knots persisting all the way to producing woven bolts of cloth, tapestry, rugs, sculpture and more.
From Judy I learned and never forgot that a weaver never tied a permanent knot in the ever adjusting machinery of that loom.
Yarn Yarn Yarn...delicious yarn.! Dear Dramatic Dynamic Direct Judy Poxson Fawkes, thanks for being part of the yarn world I've always loved.
Wow! What a memorable inspiration.
Meredith Fischer Bach
SOC 1968
Matt Erceg
July 22, 2019
So very sorry to hear. I enjoyed seeing her on her walks through Wallace Park. She would stop and sit with me while I played guitar. Some clapping and lots of smiles.
Joni Leaf
July 21, 2019
I am so sorry. Judy was my weaving instructor when I started college 47 years ago. She inspired me to make my weaving not only a love but a profession. I admired her from the first day of class to now.
Audrey Yue
July 19, 2019
To the Fawkes Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Judy was a wonderful neighbor (as is Tom). She remembered both of our children and would always ask about them on her frequent walks in the neighborhood. It was such a loving sight, seeing her walk with those who loved and cared for her daily. We in the neighborhood have lost an amazing artistic talent and a truly sweet person. We will miss her and her beautiful smile. Our family's thoughts are with you all.
Kathryn Hathaway
July 15, 2019
We miss her bright smile in our exercise class and her singing along with songs as they were played.
Robin Becic
July 15, 2019
Dear Tom, Glynnis, and Elizabeth; I was saddened by the news of Judy's passing. I am so very sorry for your losses! When I came to know your family in my college years, I was smitten by all of you. As a young college student, your family invited me into your 'family circle' whenever Tom and Judy traveled by sharing your home as a house-sitter, and 'hangin' with Glynnis and Lizzie in their middle school years.... Almost unreal in how idyllic it all seemed, but I'll take that any day because at the time I was homesick for my own family, and the Fawkes Clan what a wonderful role model for a young person to experience. You were my interim family.
Judy was always welcoming & kind, had a curious mind, intelligent wit and playful sense of humor. Fast forward and over the years Judy and I exchanged Christmas cards and letters. Judy's news about the life of your family remains a fond memory. Strangely true, there are small windows during our younger years, in which individuals and experiences leave an indelible mark in a person's life. I count the window of that period as a very special time for me. Tom, Glynnis, and Elizabeth, I wish all of you peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. Judy will be missed.
Claudia Byes-Lund
July 15, 2019
I was a weaving student of hers in the 1970s when she taught at the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts when it was still in NW Portland. She was an excellent teacher and I learned so much from her - she inspired me to reach for colors in my work that I never would have thought of. Deepest condolences for the loss of this wonderful mother, human and artist.....
Judy, Glynis & Chloe on Sherman front porch swing
John Sherman
July 14, 2019
Mary Anne Hannibal
July 14, 2019
Glynnis and family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your mother. Her love and legacy continue on in you and your sister and your families.
Ron Janson
July 14, 2019
Tom, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Judy, fondly, as a person of of great enthusiasm and humor. She taught weaving at Maude Kerns Art Center in Eugene in the 60's when I was the director and whenever we met in later years, she always called me "Boss".
Kathryn Fitch
July 14, 2019
I was a weaver in the middle years of my life. I loved studying with Judy, feeling inspiration from her work, seeing her at the loom as I walked up Thurman to walk in the park, and meeting her on the street was a real treat. Such a warm, joyous presence she had. I am very sad to hear of her passing.
Samuel C Whitford
July 14, 2019
I am very saddened to read about the passing of my old friend...even though we hadn't seen each other for over 50 years! Judy will always have a special place in my heart. Tom, thank you for taking good care of her at the end of her life.
Sam Whitford
Julia Cain
July 12, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss - Judy was a delightful person who touched many lives in wonderful ways. My thoughts are with your family.
July 9, 2019
Condolences to the family. May you be comforted by the many fond memories you have of Judith.
janice druian
July 9, 2019
A gracious, fun, beautiful woman who will be missed.... her art lives on
Jerry Weigler
July 8, 2019
A lovely, warm-hearted neighbor and an extremely talented artist
She'll be much missed
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