Hi!  My name is Judy and l want to welcome you to judymetcalf.com. 

I am a lifelong learner. In my early years, I focused on attaining my PhD in Biology to teach at the university level, a goal that I achieved in December 2013. I’m very much an introvert and can be a little bit of a perfectionist. I have an adorable Schnoodle/Dachshund mix named Spencer James.

My definition of success has changed a lot in the last few years. At the beginning of my career, I defined success in much the same way as other academics—through the acknowledgment and respect of my peers and by the level of responsibility that I was entrusted with in the department. As I started exploring my creativity and stepping out of my comfort zone, the creative process helped me develop a better work-life balance.

My deep-rooted love for nature and background as a biologist influence my art practice. I draw inspiration from the intricate beauty and resilience of the natural world. My sculpture serves as a visual representation of the relationships that bind all living things together and symbolize the enduring strength found in nature. Nature is not merely a subject to be studied but a passion that fuels my creative spirit. I merge clay and textiles to engage the senses, inviting viewers to explore hidden narratives through compositions. The mixing of media mirrors the complex relationships within the natural world and illustrates the interdependence and balance needed to sustain life. Material combinations underscore the extensive impacts human actions have on the earth. These connections parallel ties to the world and each other. Sharing my experience encourages viewers to connect emotionally with my work and, by extension, to the broader environment. In these moments of connection, empathy forms a bridge that invites a more profound understanding of the interconnected web of life.