Milford husband and wife artists featured in art exhibition
MILFORD — Husband and wife artists Judith and Tom Neugebauer have inspired each other's work for years, but their new show at the Hunterdon Art Museum is the first time their art has appeared on exhibition together.
Judith and Tom Neugebauer: Jewelry and Ceramics runs at the Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton, N.J., until Jan. 5, and one can detect how they influence each other when viewing their work side by side. In particular, the cross influence is noticeable in Tom's larger abstract clay and metal sculptures. The sweeping lines of the metal are reminiscent of the swirling designs of Judith's jewelry.
"Since our studios are in a converted dairy barn, we very often do consult with each other on design concepts," Judith said.
The couple reside in Milford, Pa.
For several years Judith studied ceramics with Tom and that aesthetic clearly influenced her design approach. In turn, Tom briefly explored working in the jewelry studio, which led to his using gold leaf in several of his pieces.
Judith also relies upon her previous career in classical ballet and theater for inspiration when creating her unique jewelry designs.
"The many years I spent as a dancer have given me an awareness of form, line and movement," she said. "The graceful lines of the body in movement are translated in designs."
Judith began making jewelry when she retired from the stage. She enrolled in a jewelry-making class and discovered an innate talent for it. Within a year she was selling earrings, necklaces, pins and bracelets to stores in northern and central New Jersey.
"My work is individually hand-fabricated using sterling silver with an overlay of 23-karat gold leaf," Judith said. "Many pieces also incorporate freshwater pearls and Australian boulder opals set in 22-karat gold. Fold-formed as well as die-formed hollow elements create visual depth, yet the overall concern with lightness and movement remain central to my approach."
Tom discovered ceramics while searching for a creative outlet to counterbalance the stress of teaching in an inner city school. He took a pottery class and found his bliss. Within two years he was teaching clay and setting up a studio in lower Manhattan.
Many of Tom's works contain classical references ranging from Native American to Asian ceramics. While texturing emphasizes the softness of the clay and brings the surface to life, there's a touch of serendipity involved in the final outcome due to the spontaneous effects fire will have on clay.
"Each piece develops its own unique look," Tom said. "You influence the results; you don't control it."
Tom's work has been exhibited widely in galleries and art shows nationwide. He has been a ceramics instructor at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit since 1981. In addition, he conducts workshops in Raku and special pit-firing techniques throughout the year at his studio in Milford, Pa. For more information about his work visit www.tomneugebauer.com.
Judith's work is widely exhibited and collected, having been featured in fine craft galleries, museum stores and juried exhibitions throughout the United States for nearly 30 years. She was selected to participate in the 1999 Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, D.C. and as a juror for the prestigious American Crafts Council shows in Baltimore. Her website is www.judithneugebauer.com.
"Although, for many years we both exhibited at the American Craft Council shows, this is the first time we have had our work on exhibition together and we are very excited to have this opportunity," Judith said.
General information for the public
The Museum is at 7 Lower Center St. in Clinton, N.J. www.hunterdonartmuseum.org and 908-735-8415. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and suggested admission is $5.