Judy’s first experience with clay began in 1989 when she commenced pottery classes at Mooroolbark Community Centre. She then progressed to Potters School in Warrandyte, learning a variety of techniques from many different teachers. Still fascinated with clay, and keen to know more about the technical and chemical aspects of ceramics, she completed a Diploma of Arts – Ceramics at Eastern TAFE in 1996.
‘The inspiration for my porcelain work came from a collection of beautiful old lace received from my elderly mother. My mum was a wonderful dressmaker who never threw anything away. There were scraps from the wedding dresses of myself and my sisters that she had made forty years ago. I use these heirloom fabrics to imprint the clay and sometimes I like to preserve them permanently by dipping them in porcelain slip and firing them onto the work.’ Judy’s work includes a range of functional and purely decorative ceramics, from handbuilt terracotta plates to fine porcelain bowls, dishes and decorative forms textured with vintage lace. She often carves and pierces the surface of the work to emphasize the lace patterns. Beyond Stonehouse, Judy is also an active member of Eastern Studio Potters & Artists, and exhibits her work with them at Bulleen Art & Garden. Some of her earlier wall artworks have been purchased by Yarra Valley Grammar School and Caulfield Grammar School. |
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