Ellsworth, Jen

Artist Statement
I work with recycled metal because so many things get thrown away.  I want to bring awareness to things that can have a second life.  Looking for the potential to turn something unwanted into something wanted inspires me.

I work with just about any metal.  Like car parts, plumbing, farm equipment, household items, anything that can have a second life.  Mostly metal objects that have a curve, circle or bubble to it.  I do this because its such a hard material and I want to bring a soft balance.

I wish to create multi functioning pieces.  Such as fire pits, tables and lamps.  I also like working on commissioned pieces because most of the time I know where its final destination is and can form the piece to that spot.

About Artist Jen Ellsworth
I currently live in Oregon City and have been in the Portland area since I was 5 years old.  I am a self-taught artist who enjoys working side by side on projects with my boyfriend.  He has taught me the joys of welding.

I have been playing with metal since 2004, but it wasn’t till 2006 an original idea popped into my head.  I then started a tiny portfolio to show to nurseries and galleries.  A few accepted as I built my inventory up.  In 2009 I was asked to join my first art show called Open Studios of Beavercreek.  Since then I have made custom pieces, placed a piece at the City Hall in Milwaukie, won a blue ribbon in Lake Oswego, had several news articles written about me, joined a small collection of art shows, became a part of the best galleries around and met many wonderful people.

99% of my metal materials find their way to me through Friends, Family, Junk Yards, Scrap Yards and Military Scrap Yards.  I use pieces that no longer have a purpose and want to be
the last step before it gets scraped and shipped off to another country.

I see myself inspiring people with my unique ideas and having the opportunity to talk about recycling.

Artist Code: JME