Justine Ferreri...Clay Goddess   

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While Justine Ferreri was born in Arumagawa, Japan she has lived in North Carolina more than half of her life, and considers herself a true blue North Carolinian who now creates her art, and grows her business in Wilmington.

As a young woman, Justine studied art, mostly in the performing fields of ballet, modern dance, guitar and musical theater. She says, "Sculpture fell into my lap by accident." Her eyes light up as she tells the story ...

"My husband and I were in the hotel and restaurant business and I was decorating our restaurant in Wilmington, North Carolina named Justine’s. As the theme was an Italian festival, I decided to make full-scale papier' mache people eating and sitting in the restaurant. From those first pieces I was offered several commissions and then a local gallery asked me to exhibit. I evolved later into using polymer clay and finally to my medium now, earthenware. My works really do reflect my life. My feeling for the Japanese culture and my dancing can be seen in many of my works. My jesters and circus pieces come from living in Wildwood, New Jersey and the carnival atmosphere of the boardwalk. My sea creatures come from the fact I've always lived near water. All of my works whether large or small are all a part of me."

An avid reader and lover of Sci-Fi, many of Justine's works are based upon things she's read. She draws from her vast knowledge of mythology, legends, and her own series of unpublished short stories.  Pulling from her constantly flowing imagination, Justine creates a world in clay that comes to life before your eyes -- each sculpture a conversation piece for your home, your office or as a unique gift for friends, family members or clients.  

To date, Justine's portfolio of animated creations includes a collection of clay goddesses, wall plaques, prayer angels, "bubble-boys", beach items, mermaid door pulls, and a large collection of original pieces.

In addition to her gallery pieces, Justine regularly donates valuable originals to the Wilmington Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, the North Carolina Jazz Festival, Susan G. Komen Foundation fundraisers, First in Families of Southeastern North Carolina, and Cape Fear Literacy Council

Sign-up for Justine's clay sculpture Classes.