Connie Fox Biography

A Rough Beginning. I began creating jewelry out of desperation. Five years of floral designing left me with a nasty allergy to molds, and with no outlet for my creative energy. By accident, I stumbled into jewelry making and later discovered the incredibly diverse and challenging world of wire bending, but, this came only after a painful beginning.

My first class was with Lynne Merchant at the Shepherdess in San Diego, California. For the life of me I couldn't coax that wire into moving where it was supposed to go. Even with Lynne’s able assistance and the help of other students, I had a difficult time. Thankfully, my stubborn streak allowed me to persist and after weeks of bending, spiraling, and coiling I was ready to face another class. Eventually the wire relaxed into jewelry I was willing to wear, and later into jewelry I loved to wear.

Inspiration. Since 1996 when I began making jewelry, there have been a number of inspirations for my work. Early on it was tribal influences that excited me the most. I resonated with the bold use of color and a style that lacks self-consciousness of more "civilized" societies. I actually feel quite the opposite - living close to the earth and in tight knit communities provides a richness that is difficult to achieve in our modern, urban lifestyle.

Ikebana (Japanese floral design) was and continues to be an influence in my work. I love getting rid of things that clutter my life, and only want to be surrounded by what I love. I am always looking for balance in my designs whether it involves jewelry or re-arranging the living room.

My current fascination is architecture and no work makes me happier than that of Frank Gehry. Think Walt Disney Concert Hall and Bilbao, Spain. It is not only his designs but the process he has gone through to achieve his own perspective on building that beguiles me. You may notice some of my jewelry has a geometric aesthetic.

Roots. I have always envied people who were raised in an artistic home. My early efforts in abstract painting were openly discouraged by my parents. I am sure my dad thought “Oh my God, she will never make a living if she pursues this avenue”. Even though I chose a more economically practical route by becoming a psychotherapist, my love of art always remained alive and well under the surface. Before encountering floral design and jewelry making, I was a floor loom and sculptural weaver. You see, detours always lead back to the main road.

Where am I Headed? I have been teaching since 2002 and I plan on continuing. I especially enjoy spending time in my studio where all the tools and supplies that are needed are readily available. It is such a pleasure to see people develop their metal skills, and lucky me, I learn a lot too! Jewelry is such a complex and varied field that requires years to develop good skills - I don't stand a chance of ever being bored!