It was only after leaving a successful career in fashion that Judi Tavill discovered a passion for clay. Working from the oceanic shore of New Jersey, her creative process starts with wheel throwing and hand-building, before deeply carving, hand texturing and surface detailing her one-of-a-kind sculptures.
According to her, this process is long and involved, requiring both planning and improvisation. But the result is wholly worth it: ceramic vessels that take after organic forms, reminding in their texture and shape of a coral reef.
“Sea creatures and weather formations, fabric folds and textile richness or historic ceramic techniques all come together to inspire the form and texture of the work,” reads her website.
Firing the clay twice allows Tavill the addition of delicate glazing work and the melting of glass frit (crushed glass) for additional surface interest. Those are inspired by the textures and shapes she finds in nature, close at home or when traveling elsewhere.
Her coral-like sculptures can be seen around the United States, or on her Instagram page. Take a look at some of her work in the gallery below:
