Betty Davenport Ford

portrait by: Gene Sasse 2010

One of Claremont’s most prolific sculptors, Betty Davenport Ford is well known for her unique style and honest craftsmanship. Working in clay and bronze for over sixty years, she simplifies form to abstract the natural essence of the wild creatures she depicts.

During Ford’s early years she discovered the beauty of the animal form, a fascination that thematically reoccurred in her sculptures throughout her professional career. It was through the study of the form and anatomy of these creatures that Ford gained the ability to capture not only the likeness of her animal subjects, but their essence as well.

A professional sculptor, teacher and author, Betty Davenport Ford was born in Upland in 1924. She received her BA degree from Scripps College and her MFA from Cranbrook Academy in Michigan in 1950. Her award winning work has been exhibited throughout the country and she has taught at Scripps, Pasadena City College and throughout California for the Visual Arts Program.

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All Art © by The Artist