Jo Jago - Artist
After an unfortunate series of difficult life events, I discovered painting & photography. They are art forms I adore. To date, my most memorable experience has been seeing a lady moved to tears of joy by one of my pieces of work. To be able to create art that moves people in such a beautiful way is a phenomenal gift and it is why I create. Creating art is my "happy space" and I find it to be amazingly satisfying. I have a studio at the Wanaka Arts Centre and also teach watercolour painting and other art classes to adults & children around New Zealand.I take pleasure in the little things in life, and am naturally inquisitive, often taking photographs to paint from or as art in their own right. I use high-quality fine arts paper and top of the range watercolour paints & materials. This ensures a beautiful finish on my art. I am drawn to the watercolour and alcohol ink mediums as they are difficult to control and challenge my perfectionist nature. Although some artists dislike watercolour for this reason, I enjoy the intricacy of these mediums.
I recently completed a five week residency with John & Allison Brebner at Homeprint, focusing on hand printing & letterpress, which are also mediums I love. Engrossed by the process of combining blind printing (embossing) with watercolour, I really enjoyed the challenge of fine tuning my work, as the obstacles were far more multifaceted that I had experienced to date. However from this process some very unique art has emerged.
I am a current member of Wanaka Arts Society, Queenstown Arts Society & Otago Arts Society - all located in the South Island of New Zealand