The Artistic Vision of Jenny Ellsworth

Jenny Ellsworth’s journey into the world of metalwork began in an unexpected place: off-roading. While learning to build roll cages and bumpers, Jenny was captivated by the process of bending and shaping metal. The tactile experience of welding — the sound, the smell, and the quick, powerful way it bonds materials — sparked a passion that quickly evolved into her life’s calling.

Initially, Jenny focused on metal fabrication for commercial properties, where she often witnessed significant waste. Seeing usable scrap discarded made her think creatively about giving these materials a second life. Construction projects dwindled as the economy faltered in 2008, but Jenny’s creativity flourished.

She began crafting art pieces from salvaged materials, and what started as a personal project soon gained the attention and admiration of her friends. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, Jenny held a garage sale, where her pieces were met with excitement, marking the beginning of her artistic career.

Jenny’s first public sculpture, a 17-foot cattail named “Salacia,” came about serendipitously. While helping another artist on a project for Clackamas Community College, an opportunity arose when an artist dropped out and she was asked to create a sculpture. The recognition she received from her peers and the community was surreal.

Her sculptures often feature organic shapes inspired by plants and critters, reflecting the natural forms she sees in the metal she collects. Jenny’s approach to selecting materials is intuitive. She allows the shapes of found objects to guide her, envisioning what they can become.

Balancing the technical aspects of welding with artistic expression seems to come naturally to Jenny, who has an innate sense of proportion and balance, often reflected in her work through the “golden ratio,” which naturally occurs in nature. Her sculptures evoke a sense of curiosity, encouraging viewers to appreciate the beauty of transforming something old into something new.

Over the years, Jenny’s work has evolved, particularly after the loss of her brother in 2010. This personal tragedy led her to create larger, stronger, and more emotionally resonant pieces. Her art has become a way to connect with others who have experienced loss, fostering a shared sense of healing.

Jenny’s work is displayed throughout the Pacific Northwest, including notable installations such as Hughes Water Gardens. She is excited about a new permanent sculpture project in Oregon City, which she was awarded through the Oregon City Arts Commission. This significant piece will be installed near the historic McLoughlin House and City Hall at the intersection of Seventh and Center.

Once Jenny gets more power in her shop, she will expand her artistic reach by offering welding classes to teach others the craft that has brought her so much fulfillment. To learn more about Jenny Ellsworth’s extraordinary work, visit www.fairyforge.com or follow her on Instagram @fairy_forge_.