Judith Copithorne

Judith Copithorne (August 5, 1939 May 15, 2025) was a pioneering Canadian poet and visual artist renowned for her contributions to concrete and visual poetry. Born in Vancouver into an artistic family, she pursued studies at the University of Briish Columbia, where she earned a B.A. and a teaching certificate. In the 1960s and 1970s, Copithorne emerged as a central figure among Vancouver's "Downtown Poets," engaging with alternative art spaces such as Sound Gallery, Motion Studio, and Intermedia. Her innovative "poem-drawings" blended abstract line work with text, exploring themes of domesticity, community, and spirituality.

Throughout her prolific career, Copithorne published over 40 books, chapbooks, and ephemeral works. Notable publications include Returning (1965), Rain (1969), Runes (1971), A Light Character (1985), and Phases / Phrases (2019). Her work has been featured in numerous anthologies, such as New Directions in Canadian Poetry (1971), The Cosmic Chef (1970), Four Parts Sand (1972), The Last Blewointment Anthology Volume 1 (1985), The Last Vispo Anthology: Visual Poetry, 19982008 (2012), and Judith: Women Making Visual Poetry (2021).

Copithorne's work was exhibited in galleries nationally and internationally, influencing generations of poets and artists. Her practice evolved over time, incorporating digital techniques and vibrant color palettes, reflecting her continual exploration of form and medium. In 2023, a comprehensive collection titled Another Order: Selected Works, edited by Eric Schmaltz, was published, offering insight into her extensive body of work.

Judith Copithorne passed away on May 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and artistic commitment that continues to inspire.