I was awarded a Chicago Public School scholarship through a live
competition held at the Art Institute of Chicago for graduating high
school students in 1959. It was for full tuition and if high grades
were maintained I could continue to keep the scholarship for the rest
of my years at the School of the Art Institute which I did. During my
years at the school I tried a printmaking course in lithography but it
wasn't until I tried wood engraving with Adrian Troy that I found my
true passion. I had 3 years and when I finally graduated in 1966 with a
diploma I started a job with the Sander Wood Engraving Co. in Chicago
on Dearborn St. At that time there were 4 engravers full time and some
free lance. I became fast friends with Paul Quirk who was a master
engraver and printer and was able to study under him at his home in
Rogers Park. When Sander moved the business to Indiana I got a job at
Zacher Art Studio in Chicago and worked there as a wood engraver until
1968 when I left and then worked at Red Line Press until 1970. Around
1966 I started sending my wood engraving prints to national
competitions. The first show I entered was the National Academy of
Design in New York and was thrilled to be accepted. I have competed as
a wood engraver for over 40 years. I was elected a member of the
Society of Wood Engravers back in the 1980's and am an elected Fellow
of The Royal Society of Painter/Printmakers in England. My wood
engraving prints are in numerous collections around the world.
As
for my other life as Judith Szesko, I am co-owner along with my
brother, at Jaidinger Mfg. Co.,Inc. on the near west side of Chicago.
We are a light electronics firm. I have worked at the family business
since 1971. I still work full time. I have always balanced both sides
of my life each one influencing the other.
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