Eye for the Find

Eye for the Find began as a dream:

To find talented artists and bring their work to market.

Today, that dream is reality.

Our Story

Maybe it's because I grew up in the backseat of my dad's old cadillac, as we roared off to yet another adventure on another backroad that I came to love travel and discovery, and especially handcrafted art.

Even then, I was the one who always could find the perfect treasure, all but hidden among the varnished toothpick holders with names like Yosemite and Miami painted on the side.

My dad is gone now. That old cadillac is nothing more than a happy memory. And it's been years since I've set foot in a roadside souvenir stand. But my love of travel and of discovering that perfect, hidden treasure is stronger than ever.

Over the years I've met remarkable local artists throughout the world who are creating truly exciting works of art. Many of these artists are women who combine extraordinary skills with a unique vision. And the results are stunning!

Since its inception five years ago, I've dreamed of seeing Eye for the Find grow from my first line, the original handcrafted art-glass nail files, to include handcrafted original works by a select group of talented artists here and throughout the world.

Now that dream is realized. I invite you to explore, to imagine and to enjoy these unique handcrafted works that bring beauty to your everyday life.

Ellyn Ford 

Ellyn Ford is the CEO. President and founder of Eye for the Find. As the creator of the original handcrafted art-glass nail file, Ellyn has taken the Portland, Oregon-based company from its modest beginnings to one of the most robust companies of its kind.

Her first product line, the original handcrafted art-glass nail files, debuted in 2006 at small local arts-and-crafts shows. Today, Eye for the Find art-glass nail files are found in fine boutiques, spas and gift shops throughout the world, and are available at many of the country's largest arts and crafts events.

Ellyn still works every day in her Portland, Oregon studio creating embellishments for the files, and working with artists who share the Eye for the Find dream of bringing fine, handcrafted works of art to market.

Ellyn has been crafting art for most of her life. Her range of work includes textile art and reconfiguring vintage jewelry. Like most artists, she found it difficult to support herself, so she built a successful career in marketing for the high-tech industry.

Eventually, she came to believe that she could use her marketing skills to create a workable dream: To establish a business that would bring her work to the marketplace, while creating a supportive environment for artists both in the United States and throughout the world.

Eye for the Find is a company composed of artists who work collaboratively to create extraordinary works of functional art.

Jean Wilson 

Jean Wilson, the Vice President, is a gifted glass artist who specializes in creating unique works from dichroic glass. As the lead artist, she created the unique multi-dimensional cabochons that embellish each of the art-glass nail files.

For more than a dozen years, Jean has been bringing her stunning vision to functional and decorative works of glass art, ranging from the art-glass nail files to intricate multi-dimensional glass collages which have attracted the attention of art-glass collectors and museum stores.

Her latest creation, the fabulous art-glass coasters, are being introduced this year. Like the art-glass nail files and the glass collages, the coasters push art glass in new and exciting directions. 

Drawing on a rich family tradition of functional art--her father was a sign painter--Jean's background includes extensive experience in the screen-printing industry. Her husband is the Portland-based architectural photographer Gary Wilson.

In addition to creating a range of glass art, she also works closely with established and emerging artists to create exciting new works. 

Jean, Ellyn and the other artists with whom they work are creating exciting new trends by embracing the traditions of mid century America, moderne art, and the traditions of folk art from throughout the world with 21st century style and sensibilities.