Biography

Jerome Ford was born and raised in the prolific culture of New Orleans’ lower ninth ward. Being surrounded by entrepreneurs of various trades, Ford was inspired at a young age. Growing up, he and his three siblings learned that creativity and a strong work ethic could go a long way. Armed with little money and lots of imagination, they built everything from go-carts and bikes, to roller coasters. His mother, a teacher, taught them that if they could think it, it could be created. Ford’s creativity stems from the artistic seed that was planted in him as a child and continues to flourish throughout the span of his life.

His father, a carpenter and amateur sculptor, was his first inspiration. There always seemed to be a rolled up piece of canvas behind the seat of his truck, waiting patiently to be drawn on by Ford and his 3 other siblings. By the age of 12, art had become more than just a rolled up piece of canvas behind the seat of his dad’s truck. Ford was desperately seeking more. Finally, in high school, he was introduced to visual artist and teacher Richard C. Thomas. Under Thomas’ supervision, Ford began to lay the foundations of art discipline that helped him develop into the innovative artist he is today.

Ford received his BFA in painting and drawing, with a minor in print making, from Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge in 2003. His work has been selected by numerous local and national juried exhibitions for showcase, of which he has received many honors and awards. In the years that followed graduation, he taught in the Talented Visual Arts Program of the New Orleans Public School System. After Hurricane Katrina, Ford moved to Saint Landry Parish where he continues to teach and create works of art. Ford’s works suggest inspiration, intuition and visual reference conjugated with the culture and heritage of Louisiana.