Judy McKenzie

The focus of Judy’s work as a contemporary ceramic artist has been exploring the compelling materiality of clay and her connection to it.  Her latest body of work explores the processes of Nerikomi and Kintsugi to create unique and decorative ceramic objects. Nerikomi (a process established in Japan and named from the traditional technique of creating patterns with coloured clay) truly embraces the properties of clay.  As Judy says, “Every particle is worked by hand, from colouring the porcelain with stains, to forming patterns and creating designs. Patterns are embedded within the porcelain and become the DNA of the material from which forms can be manipulated. A dialogue ensues between maker and material. A design can be imposed, but the clay will distort and twist, creating its own unique voice.”

Kintsugi which is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with powdered gold or silver, or platinum embraces the imperfections that can occur during the processes involved in the construction and firing. Judy says, ‘Kintsugi becomes a precious scar, reminding us that strength and beauty exists in fragility.” 

Judy McKenzie graduated from MA Ceramics & Glass from the Royal College of Art in June 2018. Her award-winning work was selected from her degree show to be exhibited within the Royal College of Art Graduation Show in Hangzhou, China.