Discover how a lifetime of creative experimentation and bold risk-taking transformed Judy’s journey from childhood doodles to an inspiring multi-medium artist making waves in jewelry, ceramics, and textiles.
In this episode, Judy shares her deeply personal story of growth, resilience, and the power of trusting your intuition. Born in Toronto, raised amidst the natural beauty of Southampton, and shaped by a transformative year in Japan during her grade 12, her art seamlessly blends cultural influence with raw, organic expression. She describes her process as fluid and organic—an evolving dance between her subconscious ideas and deliberate craftsmanship. Her work exudes authenticity, carrying her unique voice into every piece, effortlessly recognizable across ceramics, textiles, and jewelry.
You’ll discover the frameworks behind her creative evolution: from her early childhood making mud pies and experimenting with colour, to her extensive academic background in fine arts, photography, and material arts. Judy recounts the raw joy of her first jewelry show, the serendipity of her organic collections, and the liberating confidence she gained from embracing imperfections. We break down her innovative approach to jewelry—carved wax, organic settings, and unique textures—and explore her distinctive hand-painted jackets and ceramics that feel like art in motion.
Judy reveals how she balances her playful, artful ethos with the demands of running two thriving brands, Jude and L'eau and cultivating a community through workshops and pop-ups in Muskoka and Toronto. Her story underscores the importance of authenticity, community, and facing fears head-on—lessons that resonate universally. Her journey exemplifies the extraordinary potential of trusting your instincts, embracing imperfections, and making art that’s truly you.
This episode is perfect for artists, makers, entrepreneurs, or anyone feeling stuck or hesitant about sharing their authentic voice. Judy’s honest reflections on vulnerability, serendipity, and the transformative power of creativity will inspire you to embrace your own unique pathway—and maybe, just maybe, make your next bold move.
Find Judy’s work and her brands, Jude and L'eau, on her website and visit her in person at L'eau in Muskoka in the summer and Jude in the Lobby by Heaps Estrin from September-May. Her story proves that the most genuine art comes from a fearless, heart-centered space—so whatever stage you’re at, this episode will ignite your creative courage.
Listen to the episode on Spotify
Where to find Judy Carter:
Jude Instagram, @_shopjude_
Jude website, shopjude.com
L'eau Muskoka Store Address (open June - September): 1120 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
Jude Store Address (open September - May): 2 James Bartleman Way, Port Carling, ON
Where to find me:
Podcast Instagram, @artfully.podcast
Heather's Instagram, @heather.mollenhauer
Website, heathermollenhauer.com
Heather's Substack - join here
