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Ford/Forlano

Our artistic collaboration began 28 years ago when we met in Rome during a year abroad program through Tyler School of Art. Immediately we were intrigued by some essential differences in our approach to painting, and these distinctions led to heated debates.

David created large, abstract paintings, focusing on the richness of surface treatment. Steve’s work, in contrast, addressed the question, “How can I make a painting as an object, a fully integrated three-dimensional piece?” We liked how our differences challenged our individual thinking. To learn from each other, we started trading half-finished drawings and paintings and working both of our individual ideas into them.

This “swapping” has become an essential element to our collaboration. After years of working side by side, David moved to Santa Fe in 2005. We have tables in our Philadelphia studio with half-finished brooches. Steve sends them to David, who develops them further.

RESUME

Ford and Forlano, Button Earrings #122, Polymer Clay, 2015

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