I began my art journey in my forties with clay. I worked with stoneware and earthenware, using slips, washes and glazes I developed to suit my work. Recently I have become intrigued with mixed media, so now I am using acrylics, charcoals, inks and oil pastels on various papers, boards and bisqued clay.
I am amazed and delighted that I can express an image from my imagination onto a blank canvas. I used to think only a special group of people called ‘artists’ could do that, but now I realize that art making is the process and not the final outcome of a piece.
My desire is to express from a true place and create an emotional response to what I see. It’s not always realistic, because I see this world in an intuitive-abstract way. And it is the feeling that touches my heart that I want to portray in my work no matter what medium I am working with.
I am self-taught, but aren’t all artist’s self-taught? Even after taking classes, you still have to do the work. It takes time and perserverance to get to know your materials well enough to be able to express your own voice. I did not have a chance to study art in school, but now I’m glad and actually prefer finding my own path. My only regret is that I waited so long. I didn’t have the courage to truly be myself when I was young, but I have learned now to trust the journey.
Every idea and process, every decision made can alter the look and feel of each piece. Everything that I do with clay or every mark I make two-dimensionally is a result of all the trips I have made to a gallery, every pot I’ve held and used and everything I’ve seen around me. It’s the combination of all my life experiences that inform the choices I make as an artist. Each piece I create contains a life-time of aesthetic experience and interest and for me, a successful piece is one that inspires.
Now I can’t imagine not working in my studio everyday. It brings a song to my heart that maybe only I can hear, but it is my hope that others can also find joy in my work and that it can enhance their lives too — enriching the environment, celebrations and private moments.
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” -Friedrich Nietzsch
Hi Judy, I love your work! I don’t know a much about bisque except that it’s fired, is that correct? Is it porous after it’s fired? I understand that as long as encaustics have something to grab onto, it will work. I think about the only thing I’ve heard that you “shouldn’t” put encaustic over is acrylic paint. There are artists who do that, however, not sure of the longevity…in time it may pop off! I’d love to see what you do with bowls.
Hi Chris – thanks for stopping by. Yes, bisqued clay is still very porous and unglazed. The bisque firing is the first firing before glazing. Instead of using traditional glazes – I want to use encaustics paints and beeswax. What I like about using clay is I can texture the surface before firing – giving me a nice canvas. I’ll post photos as I’m trying it. Thanks for your info – I’m thinking acrylic is too plastic for that environment, yes?
Hi Judy,
I’m looking for someone to fire my work, do you do this for a charge or know someone who can fire my work for a charge of course!
Please let me know via e-mail…I make tableware to sell and need alot of firing. I would truely appreciated.
Thanks,
Maria Fleming
Marie – I’m sorry I am not set-up to fire someone else’s work. I don’t have the space. In fact at this time, I am not firing my kiln because I am not working with clay. I suggest you contact one of your local pottery centers.
Hope you find what you are looking for.
(you didn’t leave an email address)
Thanks so much for your lovely comment on my red velvet blog.
I really appreciated it and the time you took to comment.
xo
Judy – thank you for stopping my blog and leaving a comment. Just like Seth working behind the scenes to continue to build community. I am so happy I found your blog – your work is fabulous.
you have inspired me with the open personal friendliness of your blog and your “about me” statement – very happy to have visited you today – I’ll be visiting often…
xox – eb.
Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for visiting my blog and your sweet comments. I hope you will come back often. I love your blog!
xxoo