Jenny Foulkes: Sacred Adornment, Balancing Motherhood, Business and Show Travel, & The Complexities of the Creative Mind

When I sat down to chat with Jenny Foulkes, it soon became apparent (at least in my mind) that we were jewelry sisters from another mother. From the way we approach a design to our cabinets of curiosities filled with tiny sacred objects collected through the years, we seemed to have more in common than we didn’t. Jenny sees her jewelry as sacred objects to be worn, loved, and passed down… and I love this sentiment. 

Jenny’s work is elegant and at the same time earthy appealing to something deeper inside. Something perhaps forgotten or from another time. And of course her use of gold, texture, rich patina, and beautiful gemstones makes my heart beat a little faster.

I really loved this conversation with Jenny. She’s open about her challenges with balancing motherhood with the demands of business and show travel, the hurdles of social media and marketing, the role community has played in her success as an artist, ADHD and the creative mind, and the work of building a loyal fan base.

Bio...

Jenny Foulkes is a metalsmith, artist, jeweler and mother. Daughter of a painter father and psychologist mother, she grew up in the mountains edging Los Angeles, California. As a child, Jenny was always drawn to the tinier, more contained objects of art, be it man-made or natural. She spent much of her childhood scanning the world around her for rocks, insects, bird nests, skulls, etc. This attention to detail eventually led her to jewelry making.

Spending many years creating and selling beaded jewelry, Jenny yearned to learn more. In her mid-20's she moved from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon to attend Oregon College of Art and Craft and in 2011 graduated with a BFA in Metal Arts. Jenny has spent the years since finding her voice as an artist and building an inventory, all the while being a full-time mother. She sells her work at fine art and craft shows and online.

Jenny is driven to make work that is unusual and elegant. By merging darkened silver with gold she creates color and dimension. Each piece of jewelry is thoughtfully handmade and one of a kind. Combining unexpected elements such as faceted precious gemstones with organically textured darkened silver, she is able to create a feeling that is both fine and precious, yet earthy and warm. Jenny hopes that the focus and love she puts into each piece of jewelry is felt by the wearer.

Jenny on Instagram: ⁠@jennyfoulkesjewelry⁠

Jenny's Website: ⁠jennyfoulkesjewelry.com⁠