215 Katonah Avenue
Katonah, NY  10536
914.232.8700
Mon - Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5


 

Ford & Forlano / Jewelry Artists
One-of-a-kind polymer clay pieces, necklaces, broaches, jewelry

Our artistic collaboration began 22 years ago when we met in Rome, Italy during a year abroad program through Tyler School of Art. Immediately we were intrigued by some essential differences in our approach to painting and this led to heated debates. David created large abstract paintings in which the richness of surface treatment was the main focus. Steve's work, in contrast, was based on the question: "How can I make a painting as an object", a fully integrated three-dimensional piece. We liked how our differences challenged our own thinking. As a way to learn from each other, we started trading half-finished drawings and paintings, and working our individual ideas into them.

We've also noticed other threads from our art school days that have continued to be important. While David's strength has always been to push color, pattern and surface in new directions, Steve is constantly fascinated by three-dimensional structures and how things fit together mechanically. Throughout our collaboration, we have often looked to nature for inspiration. In seed clusters, shell formations, and flower buds, for instance, there are carefully organized parts which are arranged beautifully and made up of numerous, seemingly identical, but unique units. These exquisite structures lead us into new ways of envisioning a necklace, for example, both three-dimensionally and texturally.

Many of our brooches are like a collection of fragments. Not necessarily of literal fragments (say, like shards of pottery) but more like "conceptual fragments,"– like a piece of music, a chapter from a story, an ingredient from a cuisine, or an element of a language. At some point, however, we let the references subside a bit and allow the color, abstract patterns and form to lead us. The work feels complete to us when the balance of elements – abstract and imagistic -- comes into focus in some unusual way. The viewer, on the other hand, is free to gather his/her own impression of these suggested images.

 
 
"Big Bead" necklace, polymer clay
Big Bead Necklace

Handworked polymer clay necklace
"Center" Pin, polymer clay
Center


Handworked polymer clay pin
"Satellite Dangle 02" handworked polymer clay earrings
Satellite Dangle 02


Handworked polymer clay earrings
"Satellite Dangle 13" handworked polymer clay earrings
Satellite Dangle 13


Handworked polymer clay earrings

Red "Big Bead" Necklace
Big Bead Necklace (Red)

Handworked polymer clay necklace

"Okeefe" Pin
Okeefe


Handworked polymer clay pin
"Shell" handworked polymer clay earrings
Shell 46

Handworked polymer clay earrings

"Satellite Dangle 13" handworked polymer clay earrings
Shell 74


Handworked polymer clay earrings