Judi Tavill
Rumson , NJ and NYC
Website
www.juditavill.com
How would you describe your work?
My biomorphic abstractions couple sculpture with drawing, My work references the complicated experience of connection and the inevitable entanglement that occurs.The work is created to lead the eye on a circuitous journey that will end or resolve, reflective of our shared experience.
What inspires you?
As I experience relationships between myself and the greater world, notice nature’s intricate organization or reflect upon socio-political tension, I find a need to extract this energy and create work that abstractly communicates what I am feeling. Tree systems, the human body and our interaction with one another and with the earth astound and interest me. I recognize that chaos inevitably seems to find its way into all systems(natural, biological or human-made), but I believe hope is found in the opportunity to resolve confusion, finding pathways to harmony and THIS is what I am expressing in the work.
Can you speak about your process?
As I create sculpture, I begin by blending paper pulp into my clay to give it added strength and structure during the building process. I work by coiling, pinching or darting to hand build gestural forms that join or link together. I paint the fired clay to create a matte surface that I draw on with graphite, developing depth as the lines twist, layer, or separate along the surface. My surface drawing developed as a way to enliven and re-emphasize the line explored through the building of form. Upon conclusion of a sculpture (always difficult to choose that time), I spray the work with varnish to seal the surface.
The work on paper that I have recently begun to develop has actually stemmed from the work on the sculpture trying to find a home on the 2D surface. I have only just begun to develop finished work this way as the dance between paper and sculpture has been a back and forth I experience when exploring ideas of the dimensional work.
How did you become interested in art?
From a young age, I recall always drawing and "coloring". Around age 5, had a friend who had an older sibling that used to design house floor plans( and then we copied her idea of doing this! It was the 70's so we would draw crazy shag carpeting and create octagonal rooms. The idea of creating these fun environments was magical to me. Ultimately, around the age of 12(while my parents remained supportive of my art making), I decided that I wanted to be a fashion designer. I had created "Barbie" clothes by then?and was tracing figures in magazines and creating my own ideas of what they should be wearing! I later pursued art through college majoring in fashion design(rooted in a fine arts core program) which ultimately led to becoming the designer(including creating print artwork and repeats) for Lilly Pulitzer in the 90's. However, I returned to my art "roots" after 911 happened and discovered clay developing unique pottery and fine craft vessels and objects. However, when I turned 50, I decided "if not now, when?" and proceeded to pivot again to pursue the expression of my unique voice as a contemporary artist.
Do you have any favorite artists, movies, books or quotes?
I have many artists whose work I am drawn to and inspired by.
To list a few:
(deceaced) Louise Nevelson, Brancuzi, Ruth Asawa, Beatrice Wood, Jean Dubuffet
(practicing) Annabeth Rosen, Eva Hild, Frank Stella, Rebecca Hutchinson
To be honest, my list is way too long I am inspired by work from many artists and artist friends working today.
I feel truly lucky to be living a creative life
I really enjoyed the recent movie "SHOWING UP", directed by Kelly Reichart that is descibed as "A sculptor preparing to open a new show tries to work amidst the daily dramas of family and friends." It is that and more!
I truly connected with the book "The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin and highly recommend it to all creatives as well as anyone interested in creatives!
Quote:
Neil Gaiman
"Nobody gets to be you except you.
Nobody has your point of you except you.
Nobody gets to bring to the world the things that you get to bring to the world, uniquely get to bring to the world except you...
...None of them will change people and change the world in the way that you could change it!"
What advice do you have for younger artists?
Our younger son is a visual artist and designer: Sam Tavill and our older son is a Singer/Songwriter/Musician/Sound Engineer/Producer: Jake Tavill and I can say that I feel some advice that works for all young(or newly journeying)creatives is to be true to your voice. Be open to hearing feedback but pick and choose what you implement .Most importantly keep creating in some capacity. It will serve you well. Its a special opportunity that will enrich your life.
Any more thoughts about art, creativity, or anything else you would like to share?
Sometimes it feels like a blessing and a curse. Focus on the blessing espect!
