The tension between chance and control
Judith Davies's artistic practice centers on exploring material characteristics and processes that create a dialogue between chance and control. Her work, inspired by tidelands, responds to water's movement over sand, capturing ripples, channels, and textures found along shorelines. Judith is particularly drawn to edges, curves, and textural details, making each of her pieces uniquely tactile.
Creating with Clay and Porcelain
Each ceramic creation incorporates traditional hand-building techniques of pinching and coiling with porcelain, requiring patient and careful treatment. Judith embeds textures into her pieces before firing them, then applies pigments to the surface. After washing back these pigments, she layers color to reveal unique textures and markings. The finishing process involves sealing with wax, sometimes inlaying it within holes and crevices for added dimension.
Drawings and Mixed Media Work
Beyond ceramics, Judith produces exquisite drawings on oriental paper. These works feature layered washes of inks prepared from high-quality pigments. Occasionally, she incorporates found materials from specific locations into these two-dimensional pieces, embedding physical traces of these places directly into her artwork. This approach creates a tangible connection between her artistic expression and the landscapes that inspire her.