Meet Clara Ford | Artist & Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clara Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clara, why did you pursue a creative career?
My craft has always been central to everything I have done in my life. It has guided, nurtured, and allowed me to connect with the world around me. After leaving my childhood home at a young age, I hit a dark space in my life where I honestly had to face myself and what I wanted. There was nothing I ever truly wanted to do in this life but create, so I took a chance on myself with no money and no backup plan.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am learning and developing my craft every day. I don’t think I will ever stop learning and changing artistically, but because of that, I am proud of the bond I have with my art. I grew up in a Black and Brown household that did not celebrate the arts or see it as a profound profession, so I always strunk myself and my art and stifled my creativity. So much so that I cut it from having a significant role in my life, but now, being able to work on my craft and recognize my growth is essential to me.

As I navigate the early stages of my career, I find myself in a beautiful space. My projects have evolved from being self-focused to becoming rich stories that connect with everything around me. I’m no longer just an artist but a storyteller, weaving narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. I hope that anyone who encounters my work will find a reflection of themselves within it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to my favorite spot in Bergen/Hudson County in North Jersey. We’d eat at Tapas De Espana in North Bergen. They have great sangria and fantastic paella. Then, heading across the street to the Saturday flea market, you always bet on getting great finds. Later, We would also take the light rail and head to Mana Contemporary and Deep Space Gallery in Jersey City to see local artists’ works. We can explore downtown and go to Word Cafe and my new favorite place, Iris Records. There is always something to do or find in Bergen/Hudson County.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many beautiful people have built me up. I want to recognize all my art mentors and teachers at Montclair State University, especially Andrew Atkinson and Jess Blaustein, who took a chance on me. Also, To my beautiful, found family that has allowed me to discover the most genuine parts of myself. Because of you all, I see the world in technicolor.

To All the fantastic Black and Brown Artists of Jersey who have connected with me, you inspire me daily to work hard to explore, learn, and forever follow my gut.

Website: https://syrecarts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syrec_art/

Image Credits
own by Clara Ford