Judy Weeden’s ceramic practice spans more than five decades and stands as a cornerstone of West Coast studio pottery. Originally trained in biology, Judy left an academic career in the early 1970s to pursue clay—first in Fairbanks, Alaska and later on Salt Spring Island, BC. Her technical and philosophical foundation comes from studying with Al Johnson (UC Santa Cruz) and Dean Schwarz (Luther College), both profoundly influenced by Bauhaus potter Marguerite Wildenhain. Judy credits these teachers—as well as a serendipitous workshop with Wildenhain herself—for shaping her understanding of clay as a lifelong discipline.

Since 1972 her work has evolved while retaining a consistent voice rooted in functionality, craftsmanship, and a deep relationship with nature. Judy’s stoneware vessels are thrown, altered, slab-built, or constructed from multiple components, forming canvases for her extensive surface decoration. Slip-carving, slip inlay, impressed patterning, underglaze painting, terra sigillata, and high-temperature firing all play roles in her process.

Surface is not ornamentation for its own sake—it clarifies form, defines movement, and reflects her experience of the natural world both outside her studio window and within her inner landscape. Her motifs balance geometry and organic rhythm, order and spontaneity, intellect and emotion.

Judy describes the brightest part of her day as the walk to her studio each morning, where she meets the challenges and joys of clay with honesty and curiosity. Despite changes in the national and international pottery scene, she has remained dedicated to work that synthesizes beauty, harmony, and fearlessly individual expression.

Today, Judy Weeden continues to create stoneware vessels that embody integrity, craftsmanship, and a lifetime of devotion to clay—each piece speaking in her unmistakable voice.

“Clay is my language. Though my vessels begin with function, their true purpose is to express the rhythms of nature, the clarity of form, and the inner landscapes that guide me. Slip-carving, inlay, and patterning allow me to define each form with honesty and intention. When a pot stands and speaks for itself, I feel blessed.”

Education
1955          University of Toronto B.A. Biology
1957          University of Toronto M.A. Zoology
1972‐73     University of California Santa Cruz, Cowell College, Arts and Crafts program
1980‐82    University of Alaska, summer school in ceramics

Work Experience
1959‐72     University of Alaska. Lecturer in Biology. National Research Council grant  
                   for research in avian behaviour.
1972‐ 09    Studio potter in Fairbanks, Alaska and Saltspring Island,BC
1982          Luther college, Decorah, IA, Artist in Residence   
1983          Guest lecturer in Alaska Humanities Forum: Challenges of Becoming; women
                  with two careers.
1984‐89     Organizer of “Artisans' Invitational Show”, Fairbanks, Alaska. A juried craft show  
                  featuring the work of 30 craft artists.
1995‐99     Organizer of “Through the Fire”, an annual exhibition of contemporary work
                  by six Saltspring potters.
2000          Chairperson Artcraft committee. Artcraft is an annual art fair on Saltspring Island
                  drawing on 250 artists from all media marketing works for a 3‐month period during
                  the summer.
2002‐08    Two week summer workshop in my studio for intermediate students.
Awards
1977         Best in Clay Award. “Earth, Fire, Fibre”, an all‐Alaska juried show.
1998         Two Juror's special mention awards at “Stepping Up” show, Alliance of Saltspring               
Artists.
2001‐02    Juror's special mention for a collaborative clay and fibre work, Alliance of Saltspring
                 Artists.
2006         Niche Award, American Craft Buyers' Market, Philadelphia, hand‐built category.
2006         Orton Cone Box show
2007        Purchase award, Feats of Clay, Lincoln Arts Center, Lincoln, CA
2008        Niche Award, American Craft Buyers' Market, Philadelphia, hand‐built category.
Exhibitions
1976‐83     Five solo shows and two invitational group shows at Artique Gallery, Anchorage,AK
1977‐90    Eight solo shows at Artworks Gallery, Fairbanks,AK
1976‐80    Five acceptances of work in “Earth, Fire, Fibre” juried all‐Alaska craft show.
1982         Solo show Alaska Civic Center, Fairbanks. “Celebrating the Feminine”
1982‐84    Three acceptances of work to North Star Borough Craft Show, Fairbanks,AK
1989         Fairbanks Arts Association Visual Arts Invitational.
1993         Juried into BC Gallery of Ceramics
                 Juried into Crafts Association ofBC
1995         Invitational teapot show at Crafthouse, Vancouver,BC
1994‐99    Exhibiter at “Made of Clay”, Vancouver
1998          Solo show at BC Gallery of Ceramics. “About Journeys”
1998,05    Invited guest participant at “Fired‐Up” pottery show, Metchosen,BC
1999‐01    Showcase at Artcraft, Saltspring Island, BC
1999‐00    Alliance of Saltspring Artists Summer show
1999         Juried into Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo,ON
2001         “Look” show, Community Arts Council of Greater Vancouver, two works accepted
2001         BC Festival of the Arts, two works accepted
2001         Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, a show of pottery by myself and collaborative clay
                 and fibre work in conjunction with basket‐maker Pat Bennett.
2001         Solo show at BC Gallery of Ceramics, “Spirit of Fire”
2001‐05    Three group shows, two solo shows at J. Mitchell Gallery, Saltspring Island,BC
2004         “A Natural Progression”, Exhibition of British Columbia Ceramics, Jonathons,
                 London,ON
2004         Solo show at BC Gallery of Ceramics, “Partners and Other Bonds of Relationship”.
2005        “Island Fire”, invitational show, North Vancouver Arts Council.
2005        “B.C. In a Box”, travelling show of miniature ceramics, BC Potters Guild.
2006         Solo show, Comox Valley Art Gallery, Courtenay, BC
2007         Crow Valley Pottery Festival, Orcas Island, Eastside, WA
2007         Sidney Fine Art Show, Sidney, BC
2008         Second Biennial Concordia Continental Ceramics Competition, Concordia University,   
                 St. Paul, MN
2008         “BC in a Box‐ Finger Play”, BC Potters Guild, travelling exhibit.
2008         “Sticks and Stones” collaborative works between potters and basket‐makers, Artspring,  
                  Saltspring Island, BC

2009 Fired Up! Metchosin BCéJonathon Bancroft Snell Gallery in London, Ontario

2020 Oil & Clay, Steffich Fine Art, Salt Spring Island, BC

2021 Sooke Fine Arts Show Honourable Mention Award – Made by Wolves by Judy Weeden

2023 Vessels and Verses is a collaborative book launch and artistic project by Bob and Judy Weeden, Steffich Fine Art, Salt Spring Island, BC

(to be updated)