OUGD404 - Jo Blaker

Jo Blaker describes her practice as based on playful and intuitive image making. Her work obviously reflects this and it was really inspiring when she came to talk to us.

Jo advised us not to label ourselves - she herself is still not sure whether she is an illustrator or artist. She gave us a nice quote - you decide what you are when you decide the audience.

She showed us her vast portfolio of sketchbooks and loose leaf work and it instilled in me the importance of working by hand - a sketchbook is a form of thinking.
I loved these pieces. The use of colour and shape in the second picture was striking and the folds in the figures in the top picture was really interesting as it invited you to unfold the women and get involved in the art work. It also added another dimension to an otherwise flat piece.

I absolutely loved this illustration of an old building. The intricacy of the small lines coupled with the unfinished parts (not sure whether this is intentional or not) provides an interesting appearance.

I especially loved these series of paintings. The vibrant colours and abstract shapes especially caught my eye.