Bio
I’ve been involved in crafts for quite a while. I have worked with crafts people and collected and admired functional craft since I can remember – not just clay – but quilts, textiles, metals and mixed media, but my favorite is folk art and I’ve been collecting it for a number of years.
I began my art journey with clay. I started with stoneware but currently work with earthenware, slips, washes and brushed glazes that I have gathered and tweaked to suit my work. I use a combination of wheel and handbuilt elements and I am currently making nonfunctional work.
At the moment I am intrigued with mixed media using acrylics, gouache, casein, inks and oil pastels on various papers, boards and bisqued clay. I have also recently discovered beeswax and I am using it on my clay surfaces and on boards. I incorporate various papers and found objects into this work.
My husband works in the theme park industry designing and building attractions. We have a son who is studying music/percussion at Jacksonville State University in Alabama and is a member of the Marching Southerners. He also marches snare every summer with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps.
Artist Statement
I can’t imagine not working in my studio everyday. Whether working in clay or two-dimensionally, every idea and process, every decision made can alter the look and feel of each piece.
But what seems essential and unique to me in all the creative processes is personal touch. 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. For me, a successful piece is one that inspires and It is my hope that my work enhances people’s lives — enriching the environment, celebrations and private moments.
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)