About
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Renee Ford is a full-time studio jeweler, jewelry instructor 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 craft 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, wax carving by Kate Wolf, hand engraving from Jason Marchifava, Jewelry Rendering by Rémy Rontiner and numerous other master jewelers and metalsmithing peers generous in sharing their knowledge.
She travel teaches at private studios, other jewelry schools and work spaces across the country.
teaching philosophy
project based learning
I discovered project based learning while looking for solutions for my children's best learning style. Having a child on the spectrum (Autism) makes you search high and wide, low and unseen to find solutions for motivation, more success and developing critical thinking skills. I found that presenting a puzzle or problem that requires the student to direct and make choices to the solution was far more successful than memorizing and test taking based on worksheets and textbooks. Searching for solutions, testing them on actual projects and applying real world skills brought about better understanding and stronger skill retention long term. The skill that is being taught has true relevance to learning the process and does not isolate the skill in an abstract way. The skills are applied in real time to help understand the possible solutions and progression path. I have found over the years that my students felt much more accomplished knowing they were putting the skills to work and can walk away with a finished piece of jewelry than half done pieces or test samples. While not every technique can be applied this way, many can and the results are beautiful!
artistic journey
inspiration
The beauty in the 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
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. The availability working from home provides is unmeasurable when raising children with challenges. Them having access to their support systems helps them navigate through their difficulties with more ease. Thank you for allowing me this privilege by giving me your support through letting me teach you.
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, wax carving by Kate Wolf, hand engraving from Jason Marchifava, Jewelry Rendering by Rémy Rontiner and numerous other master jewelers and metalsmithing peers generous in sharing their knowledge.
She travel teaches at private studios, other jewelry schools and work spaces across the country.
teaching philosophy
project based learning
I discovered project based learning while looking for solutions for my children's best learning style. Having a child on the spectrum (Autism) makes you search high and wide, low and unseen to find solutions for motivation, more success and developing critical thinking skills. I found that presenting a puzzle or problem that requires the student to direct and make choices to the solution was far more successful than memorizing and test taking based on worksheets and textbooks. Searching for solutions, testing them on actual projects and applying real world skills brought about better understanding and stronger skill retention long term. The skill that is being taught has true relevance to learning the process and does not isolate the skill in an abstract way. The skills are applied in real time to help understand the possible solutions and progression path. I have found over the years that my students felt much more accomplished knowing they were putting the skills to work and can walk away with a finished piece of jewelry than half done pieces or test samples. While not every technique can be applied this way, many can and the results are beautiful!
artistic journey
inspiration
The beauty in the 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
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. The availability working from home provides is unmeasurable when raising children with challenges. Them having access to their support systems helps them navigate through their difficulties with more ease. Thank you for allowing me this privilege by giving me your support through letting me teach you.