Born in Louisiana, Judy Mooney’s life and work is a rich gumbo of experiences spiced with her admiration of all people and the love of sculpting. 

At the end of her career in community development, Judy returned to school to study art, began sculpting and found a latent artist within herself.  She also found people with stories to tell within the clay in her hands.

Today Judy is a studio artist in Savannah, GA. Her work can be seen in shows through out the low country, at Friedman’s Fine Art in Savannah, GA or at her website.

STATEMENT

My work, realistic figurative sculpture, is inspired by oral and written history.  I’m captivated by the stories of the people I sculpt and see them as full of strength and beauty.  I find myself compelled to sculpt them and share their story with others.   

Before I touch the clay, I research the lives of the people represented by the body of work to ensure that each piece conveys an authentic message.  As the figure emerges from the clay I focus on expression and movement to capture the full essence of their story.  During the process, we, the figure and I, begin a dialogue that refines the narrative until we agree that the piece has a voice of its own.  The clay I use fires to a stone-like finish and I may add cloth dipped in clay slip or hand-made paper to add texture and color to the finished piece. 

I want my sculpture to provide a window into history that gives new insight or joy at remembering an old familiar story or learning a new one.  My hope is that people will enjoy these sculptures today and that the stories will be preserved for future generations.