Jo Jago - Artist

Jo Jago is a New Zealand–based visual artist and art tutor whose work bridges watercolour, alcohol inks, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, photography & more. 

Splitting her time between Taieri Mouth, central Dunedin (The Imaginarium Studio), and Central Otago, Jo combines personal exploration focused on viewer engagement in every piece she creates.

Creative Journey

Jo’s path into art began during a challenging chapter in their life, when art became a source of quiet discovery. What started as personal experiments evolved into a lifelong practice. A defining moment came when a viewer was moved to tears by one of Jo’s watercolours - proof that genuine expression can reach across life’s divides.

Artistic Practice

• Watercolour and alcohol inks remain Jo’s primary mediums. They embrace unpredictability, balancing delicate washes with bursts of vibrant colour.  

• Printmaking techniques—lino cut, wood carving, blind embossing—grew from a 2022 residency at Homeprint with John and Allison Brebner. Jo layers these textures into mixed-media works.  

• Photography informs both standalone pieces and painting references, reflecting Jo’s inquisitive nature and attention to detail.

Workshops & Community Engagement

Since concluding her residency at the Wanaka Arts Centre in 2025, Jo has continued to teach classes in Dunedin, Wanaka, Cromwell, and beyond. Her workshops welcome all levels, guiding beginners through fundamentals and encouraging experienced artists to push boundaries. In 2023, Jo co-founded Art for All, a not-for-profit initiative offering subsidised workshops across the South Island through Creative New Zealand’s Creatives in Communities Scheme.

Residencies, Scholarships & Exhibitions

• Resident Artist (alongside other renowned Wanaka artists), Wanaka Arts Centre (2019–2025)  

• Homeprint Residency focused on hand printing and embossing (2022)  

• Recipient of two art scholarships; graduated with Excellence (2023)  

• Exhibited work in numerous locations in New Zealand, including Wanaka, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Stuart Island, Riversdale, Waikaka, Dunedin & Nelson.

Materials & Philosophy

Jo selects archival-grade papers, professional paints, and fine-art supplies to ensure longevity and vibrant results. Her studio practice blends technical precision with playful experimentation, treating each challenge as an opportunity to refine both process and vision.

What’s Next

Currently, Jo is expanding her programs at The Imaginarium Studio while developing a new series of alcohol ink works. She continues to explore how texture, colour, and form can evoke emotion and foster connection across diverse audiences.