artist + designer + metalsmith + jeweler + teacher
Renee Ford is a full-time studio jeweler and metalsmith living in Franklin, Tennessee. She shows work at fine craft galleries, jewelry stores and online. She has sold her work at various fine juried art shows through out the US.
Graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a BA in 2D Studio Art with a concentration in Painting and Drawing, her journey with metals began as an undergrad when she landed in her first jewelry class in 1989. She went on to continue metalsmithing graduate studies at EIU.
Her jewelry career started with opening a retail fine jewelry store in Eugene, Oregon called Blue Moon Jewelry Designs. She operated the store for 16 1/2 years.
She has been classically bench trained by Blaine Lewis through the New Approach School for Jewelers Graduate Bench Program.
Renee enjoys being an instructor for beginning and intermediate metalsmithing. She travel teaches in private studios, at other jewelry schools and work spaces across the country (and soon overseas!) She has begun to offer Make Your Own Wedding Band workshops to couples this summer. An exciting adventure in hand creating your own wedding bands under her helpful guidance. Please email at renee@reneefordmetals.com for pricing details.
artistic journey
inspiration
The beauty in the natural world inspires me. The imperfections intrigue me. I continually explore the idea of creating simple forms rich with textures. Inspirations from nature, historical references, architecture and self discovery all compel me to translate ideas into tangible permanence in the form of wearable jewelry and small scale sculpture.
process
With a background in painting and drawing, I find myself often trying to create a painterly surface on metal. Heavily influenced by the German expressionists in my painting and drawing, I often mimic with bold, wild textures they favored. A direct connection with my tools, specifically hammers, is almost always visible in each piece I fabricate. The evidence a hammer blow makes leaves a trail that indicates how I have manipulated the metal into a new form. I choose to leave this trail as to bring the viewer into the process of creation. I will never tire of the challenge to create. It brings me too much joy to ever stop. Focusing on process leads to new ideas & a way to keep my work fresh. Keeping my eyes open & my sketch book near, I hope to capture that idea & translate it into a manipulated version of my mind.
life + family
I owned a bricks & mortar retail store, Blue Moon Jewelry Designs in Eugene, Oregon for over 16 years. Blue Moon Jewelry Designs closed it's doors in October of 2010. The end of this chapter has brought many new opportunities and challenges that I am eagerly embracing. I continue to sell in fine craft and jewelry stores, online, and at juried art events. I still welcome custom work and connecting with past customers of Blue Moon Jewelry Designs.
Having been blessed with two amazing children, they help me remember that the simple things in life are what make me most happy. I am thankful for them letting me join in the discovery of the world through their eyes. As a single mother, I am grateful that I get to make jewelry for a living and be available and flexible in raising my kids.
In the studio
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My best creations!
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