Judith Neugebauer Holiday Exhibition 2018

There are some professions that have a longer life span than others. Athletes, gymnasts, and dancers are among those who complete their careers at a fairly early age and then have to reinvent themselves. So what do they do other than teach or become commentators? Some begin an entirely new career in another creative field. Judith Neugebauer is one such person. After a 10 year career with the Radio City Music Hall Ballet Company in New York City and the New Jersey Ballet Company as well as the Actors Equity musical theater, Judith decided to explore other areas of the arts.

Judith studied at Farleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ ; studied

Bracelet and earrings in
oxidized sterling and 23K leaf

jewelry at Kean University in Union, NJ, and both jewelry and ceramics at Peters Valley School of Craft in Layton, NJ.  Combining a deep awareness and appreciation for movement, line, and balance as a dancer with a Japanese aesthetic from her study of ceramics, Judith has developed a recognizable style of jewelry that is both simple and elegant.

Necklace and earrings in
sterling silver and 14K leaf

Every piece of Judith Neugebauer jewelry is made by hand in her studio using sterling silver with an overlay of 23k gold leaf. Fold formed as well as die formed hollow techniques create visual depth while maintaining a lightness and sense of movement that is an integral part of her work. After a complicated series of processes, she finishes the pieces with 10 coats of lacquer to preserve the satin finish and to protect the gold leaf.  More recently she began oxidizing the sterling silver to create a rich charcoal black patina which contrasts dramatically with the 23k gold leaf. This process

Necklace and earrings in
sterling silver and 14K leaf

lengthens the production time of each piece, but has become very popular with many of Judith’s collectors.

Whether you prefer the original sterling silver or the oxidized finish, the Judith Neugebauer jewelry is feminine and elegant, strong and graceful, much like those characteristics of  ballerinas, all strengths she developed in her first career.

See the 2018 Holiday Collection showing at Smith Galleries here.

Smith Galleries is located in suite J11 of The Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday. 843.842.2280