Judd Schiffman’s “Playtime”
I had the opportunity to take Ceramics One with Studio Art professor Judd Schiffman this fall semester. Going into the class I was nervous for what awaited me. I had never taken a ceramics class before and was feeling anxious that my chaotic approach to art-making would not meet the expectations of a ceramicist who is keen on perfection. (I also had a crippling fear that I would blow everyone’s work up in the kiln!) But all my fears quelled, when Professor Schiffman entered the studio with purple shoelaces and an encouraging presence that motivated the class to embrace the creative unknown. What I really love about Professor Schiffman’s teaching style is his generous ability to support any of the far-fetched ideas that my classmates and I drum up. He always reminds us that the most important thing is that we leave our troubles at the door and take time to play around and process our creative ideas. This spring semester I am taking Professor Schiffman’s Wheel and Throwing Ceramics class. Though Wheel and Throwing opens the door to challenging obstacles, there’s security in knowing that Professor Schiffman is there to guide us through all the lopsided mugs and rainbows[1] that we will encounter along the way.
Professor Schiffman has a wall installation commissioned by Providence’s Steelyard that he made in collaboration with his partner, the artist Athena Witscher. The ceramic wall installation is dedicated to the many creatures of the steelyard. Friendly bunnies with whimsical charm, curious insects with massive wings, a stoic dog, and a nonchalant cat are displayed along the Steelyard’s bathroom wall. There are also balls of fire and manmade objects that merge together with the animals, mirroring the relationship the Steelyard has with its critters and artisans. Drawing from his empathetic nature, Professor Schiffman is able to capture the Steelyard’s authentic presence in a playful manner. He practices what he preaches to his students, by taking time to play around with the ideas that he finds joy in.
You can find Judd Schiffman’s wall installation at the Steelyard in Providence, Rhode Island and see more of his work on Instagram!
Posted by Taylor Maguire ’24
[1] A “rainbow” is Professor Schiffman’s term for the moment when the clay object being worked on the wheel flops over and needs to be scrapped.
