Artist’s statement
Jo Smith is a full time, mixed media artist who loves to paint predominantly land and seascapes.
My inspiration comes from the sense of connection I feel to the natural world and my place in it. I often incorporate earth or sand, collected on my walks, in to my work, which I mix into my paint or apply directly to the canvas. This gives richness and texture, rendering tactile memory of each place I visit.
I take immense pride in creating uplifting images that enhance the mood of their environment and engage the viewer positively. As a result, my work hangs in many private and public collections including Arrowe Park Hospital, Heswall Golf Club, Aintree University Hospital and 4748 Business Centre, Hamilton Square, Birkenhead. I exhibit regularly in group shows throughout the country, have had several solo exhibitions and was selected to participate at the prestigious Chester Arts Fair at Chester Race Course.
I run workshops and teach 1:1 as well as take children’s art classes during term time. I have carried out many schools arts projects across the Wirral, and have run a mixed media course at the Blue Coat Chambers in Liverpool. I have received many commissions over the years, most notably an enormous triptych which hangs in a great hall of a private home. I was also commissioned to create a street mural for Hoylake Arts Trail. Jo and Dave (her husband), run Seagrass Studio Gallery together, established in 2009, in the heart of West Kirby.
