I was born in London and studied at the Ealing School of Art and the Central School of Art and Design, where I completed my Dip.AD in Fine Art – Painting.
Moving to Wiltshire in the early 1970s was such an inspiration for my art, being captivated by the rolling downlands and ancient sites, such as the Avebury/Silbury Hill complex.
I exhibited widely across the West Country, took part in Open Studios and Art Trails and taught the occasional Linocut workshop.
In 2018, I relocated to North Wales to be nearer to my family. The landscape is quite different to Wiltshire but no less beautiful.
The shapes and colours in my work are changing, but my focus and drawing practice has not.
Although I describe myself as a printmaker, drawing is the cornerstone of my artistic practice. I fill many sketchbooks, walking and sketching, looking at maps and aerial views of the landscape and then transcribing my visual ideas into finished works.
My passion for ancient pre-historic sites has long been a catalyst for ideas. Thankfully, Wales abounds with them, plus many romantic ruins!
Marks left on the landscape during dry weather, revealed by aerial archaeology, can be ancient chambered tombs. These marks are mysterious and atmospheric, with enigmatic markings on the stones.
Fragments of fossils, embedded in the sediments of long-forgotten seas.
All of this stirs my imagination and feeds my art. Together with my interest in mythology and folklore, I like my pictures to tell a visual story.
I’m fortunate to have my own studio with views across the hills to the sea, so I have much inspiration on my doorstep.
I have recently had the great honour of being accepted as an Associate Member of The Royal Cambrian Academy in Conwy.
Linocuts
The linocuts are produced using the reduction cut method, where the block is cut away in stages, starting with a simple outline. The block is then re-cut and overprinted for each successive colour. Sometimes I cut the block into separate pieces, roll up each in a different colour and reassemble. I then carry on cutting and overprinting as usual. Obviously, by using this method, I have to decide the size of the edition before I start, as by the end of the process, most of the block has been cut away.
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Fossil Collection
The fossil prints came about following a series of three prints, which illustrate a poem about a visit to a long barrow. The barrow has a large ammonite upon the portal stone and encrusted fossil shells on the stones inside. It got me looking at other fossils and becoming fascinated by their shapes and fragmented patterns embedded in the rock. It also gave me free rein to play with colour in an exciting way.
Etchings and Drypoints
The etchings and drypoint prints are more directly taken from my sketchbook drawings. They are, in essence, drawings upon a printable plate and taken on to another stage from the original idea. Quite frequently, the drypoints in particular, are then redrawn upon after the printing process is complete.
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News and Exhibitions
Work can be seen currently at The Tourist Information Centre Gallery at Y Capel, Castle Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NU
I will be exhibiting at the Oriel Glasfryn Gallery in Caerwys in Summer 2025.
Jenny Ford Studio
I have some of my linocuts available on my online Folksy shop.
My editions are very small, which makes them quite exclusive as there is only a limited number offered for sale. I work from my studio in the garden. The works are all printed individually, using a small hand-turned etching press, so each print has a character of its own.
Art is about communication, a two-way process between artist and viewer. I enjoy meeting my customers and explaining ideas and working methods whether it’s at an exhibition, open studios or on social media.