Connie Fox Biography
Connie Fox
I stumbled into jewelry making quite by accident. Working full time as a psychotherapist in 1997, I began searching for a hobby that would distract me from the difficult work I was doing. My search led me to take a wire jewelry class with Lynne Merchant. For the life of me though, I struggled to coax the 14 gauge heavy wire into a key chain during my first class. Thankfully, my tenacity kicked in and after weeks of practice I returned for another class. In time I was bending wire with the rest of the students and creating jewelry I was happy to wear.
After 5 years of bending wire, a friend asked me to teach a small group a few skills. Having no intentions of teaching, I demurred. Not fazed by my decline, she talked me into having a one day class for 4 people. This simple request led me to a teaching career in jewelry making over the last 10 years. At some point along the way I dropped my gig as a psychotherapist, started working full time in my jewelry business, and in 2002 started taking metal fabrication classes with Deb Jemmott.
Over time I gradually learned to love the torch, power equipment and endless tools I am still acquiring. Fabrication skills made their way into my classes and I must admit I cannot recall a moment of boredom in the last 10 years. What emerged over time was a special interest in designing jewelry. Having no formal art training, the study of design has taught me the value of applying these principles to my work.
My plan for the future? Just keep doing what makes me happy – spending time in the studio, taking classes, being part of an incredible jewelry community, and teaching.
Gratitude And Acknowledgments
There are so many people to whom I am grateful for making my journey in the jewelry world possible. Here are just a few…….
Akikio Bourland – for her instruction of the design principles of movement, balance and negative space in Ikebana (Japanese floral design).
Debbie Brown – for countless hours of collaboration and oh yes, fun.
Jonna Faulkner – for being my constant pal in this artistic journey.
Nina Graci – for writing about my work with such precision and artistry, and for introducing me to the larger world of jewelry making.
Johannes Itten (1888 – 1967) – for opening my eyes to the world of color.
Deb Jemmott – for 10 years of teaching me fabrication skills, as well as consistently encouraging me.
Lynne Merchant – for teaching me how to make wire jewelry.
Christine Shearer – for her loyal, expert service in keeping me in the digital age since the late 1990’s.
Molly Stokes – for years of service in the Jatayu store.
And my husband, Jim – who has spent endless hours supporting me in ways too numerous to list.
In Remembrance:
