Meet Jenn Ross of Columbus (Clintonville)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Ross.

Hi Jenn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My background is in photography, and there was rarely a time during high school when I wasn’t without a 35mm camera hanging around my neck. I was the awkward child the became an even more awkward teen. I had terrible issues with anxiety, PTSD and severe depression that went undiagnosed until my late twenties, when my daughter began having the same symptoms. I felt uncomfortable socializing most of the time except with the few friends I trusted. Being behind the camera was my safe place where I could interact with the other kids at school, and still feel somewhat involved. It’s difficult to make a mistake or faux pas with a camera between you and the rest of the world. My yearbook instructor created a small darkroom for me, complete with an enlarger and everything needed to develop black and white film and print images. I loved being able to work alone in the dark with only the sound of the chemicals swishing around in their trays. Yearbook was a class reserved only for juniors and seniors, but I got to contribute for all four years of high school. I continued with photography through my first years in college. There was nothing else I wanted to do.

As a photographer who worked exclusively with film, it was somewhat of a disheartening time when digital photography came on the scene. Just about everything I’d learned to do could now be done with a digital camera and computer. I felt as though my craft and intended trade were now obsolete. I eventually put my camera away, and started to explore other creative venues. I sought out art classes, groups and workshops on the internet. I met some artists who were part of a collective for glass arts, and invited me to learn how to work with warm and hot glass by taking classes at their facility in Columbus, Ohio. I accidentally stumbled upon polymer clay in 2006 while browsing through books about millefiori techniques for glass. I’d never heard of polymer clay, but was impressed with the photos of the colorful beads and their details. After a bit of research, I purchased my first few blocks of polymer clay along with some new tools and tried it at home. I’ve been hooked ever since. I learned more advanced techniques through online videos and conventions, and saw how polymer clay could be incorporated with mixed-media. Most of my work now consists of polymer clay and glass, often with a mix of other different mediums including beads, paper, ink, powders, solder and metal, and I focus mostly on handmade beads, jewelry and home accessories. I’ve been working on the idea of creating soldered vessels and pendants that contain small spells or charms. I love making stuff for my spooky people to enjoy. If it has anything to do with cats, magik, Halloween, the macabre, or goth culture, I’m all over it!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Lack of time and health concerns have been my biggest personal obstacles. I didn’t work on my art much while I was finishing school, and of course, the pandemic didn’t help much at all. Art and craft shows were indefinitely postponed or cancelled. Polymer clay and other art materials became scarce from factory shut-downs, and seasoned artists were scrambling to find it. My friend and I made a trip out of state to purchase clay from another artist who had recently retired. We returned home with a car full of clay. I kept most of it and sold the rest cheap to others who needed it. The lack of my prefered clay gave me the incentive to work with other mediums, other clays and mostly whatever I had lying around from other projects. The factories have reopened, but now the tariffs are here, so I may have to get resourceful about obtaining clay again.

I’ve had a couple of bad falls in the past few years, and struggles with my mental health. I tire easily and can’t get around well due to the pain. I’ve been able to work in my studio recently with decent results. Finding motivation is often an issue, but once I start working on a piece or two, I feel very content. I have several different “stations” in my studio so I can work on multiple pieces at once, so boredom isn’t much of a factor for me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m know mostly for my work with polymer clay and millefiori techniques. The term millefiori is a combination of the Italian words “mille” (thousand) and “fiori” (flowers). It’s originally used with making colorful floral patterns commonly found on Venetian glass. The technique has recenly been adapted for polymer clay, and the canes (long, small cylinders of clay, which are cut into thin slices and applied in a pattern) are a favorite of many polymer clay artists. The technique is easy to learn, but requires patience and hand strength when building more intricate canes with images of scenery, animals or flowers. I consiter myself lucky to still have strong hands!

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned that there are plenty of mistakes that can be turned into “happy accidents” with polymer clay. I throw none of it away, including scraps. I’ve also learned how important it is to have a vital network of people who intentionally choose to love and support you. I’m very thankful to have found my tribe relatively early in life, with whom being different, original or awkward are considered great and endearing virtues.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jennrossdesigns.com
• Instagram: jennrossdesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennrossdesigns
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JennRossDesigns