We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Judy Coyle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Judy below.

Alright, Judy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

On 10/29/12, my home, job and car were flooded by Super Storm Sandy. I needed to make money to be able to support myself.
I knew that the only salvageable item in my home was my jars and jars of sea glass.
I decided to try and create art from my glass.
I made a few simple pictures.
I started giving them away to friends and colleagues.
They were well received. Within a month or so, I was asked to create a piece for a friend. She was my first paying customer.
A friend who owned a bar/restaurant that I frequented knew that I was trying to start a business from my art.
He ordered 10 pictures from me to help me get ahead.
After that, folks were asking me to create all kinds of art for different occasions. Twelve years later i am still loving creating art.

Judy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My art has come about from tragedy. I was out of my home for 3 months due to flooding.
Since my job was flooded, I had no income for months until they were able to get up and running.
Creating my art provided a source of income. As I built my confidence, I decided to start to craft shows.
At those shows, I felt a sense of belonging.
My art was well recieved. I feel as I have grown as an artist from the kind words and encouragement from fellow artists and customers

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As an artist I have faced a lot of criticism. I realize my art is not for everyone. People who do not create art have no idea what goes into my work.
I usually hear “How hard can it be.”
I spend endless hours searching the beaches for my sea glass.
A lot of time is spent sorting through my glass to find the right ones to fit into the pieces I am making
I also create my own pottery by utilizing plates I find at thrift shops.
Some projects take me hours to create because I have to choose the right pieces of glass, pottery etc.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part for me is when customers tell me how much they or the person they gifted my work love it. Some customers will bring friends and family members to view my work.
People are proud to be an owner of my original works.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @beachglasscreationsnj
• Facebook: beachglasscreationsnj

Image Credits