How it started and where it is going

I discovered ceramics through an internship while I was studying applied arts at University. I was immediately fascinated by this medium and loved the idea of making something, almost from scratch. Something functional, something people could use, but also something unique that they could feel a connection to.
Making with clay is a very soothing process that grounds me and allows me to slow down. Clay can be unpredictable in the way it dries or fires which requires makers to let go and appreciate the surprises coming out of the kiln.
Although I have been playing with clay for many years, Judith B. Ceramics was officially registered as a business in 2020. The pieces you see on my website and shop are results of my experimentations.
Although it is natural for businesses to grow and expand, I have made the choice to keep this as a small operation. In a world of overconsumption, it is important for me to operate in a sustainable way, which means keeping my business small and local. ​

Sustainability

I am continuously learning about how to tread more lightly on our planet. For now, here are the things I do to reduce my business’ footprint:
  • Reusing packing materials. I get them from friends and family or freecycle pages (online groups on social media platform such a Facebook that people use to trade goods) to divert them from landfill.
  • Stamping business cards on reused materials instead of printing on card paper.
  • Purchasing New Zealand clay to limit transportation
  • Purchasing equipment from NZ businesses to limit transportation and support the local economy.
  • Limiting the quantities I produce so as not to become part of the current system that encourages over-manufacturing and overconsumption which harms our planet
  • Recycling my clay as much as possible. Clay can easily be recycled if it has not been fired, so I only fire pieces that are of good enough quality and recycle everything else, including the tiniest scraps. 
  • Giving away failed pieces to mosaic artists. Sometimes things go wrong during the firings and the pieces are not useable and no longer recyclable. Giving them to mosaic artist means they are able to be used for something else instead of being sent to landfill.

People who have taught me and inspired me

I have been lucky to meet some amazing ceramists: Stéphanie Dastugue, Marie-Pierre Aubert of Marie Pot' and Sylvie Coquet of Feelings were the ones who taught me lots when I was new to ceramics. More recently, I have been lucky to meet Karla-Marie from Karla-Marie Ceramics who so generously shares her knowledge with others

Ko wai ahau?

Tēnā koutou,
Nō te Whenua Wīwī ōku tīpuna. 
I tipu ake ahau ki Toulouse.
I tae mai ahau ki Aotearoa i te tau 2017.
E noho ana ahau ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara. 
Ko tēnei tāku mihi ki ngā tangata whenua o te rohe nei. Ka mihi hoki ahau ki ngā tohu o te rohe nei.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.

Where to buy my work

My work is available online on Felt. You can also see a selection of my pieces in person at Feilding Arts Society and Pukaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre.