About Jo
I discovered my passion for batik whilst working with artists in Kota Baharu on the east coast of Malaysia in 1991.
On returning to the UK I moved to Bristol and have continued to develop my own style of batik, repeating motifs to give the works life, depth and a sense of movement.
The natural world provides an unlimited source of inspiration - my love of wildlife is reflected in my work.
My father is a keen birdwatcher & fisherman, so as a child this is where I learnt much about and a love for birds and British wildlife.
I work on white cotton lawn fabric using traditional wax pens & brushes to apply wax and painting on dyes to build up layers to give depth and colour. A final dip in the dye bath creates the characteristic crackled effect.
I also produce etched glass to commission using wax as a resist before sandblasting and more recently have moved into textile design using a range of my images to produce fabric for handmade lampshades and cushions.
I have exhibited widely in the West Country (including WWT Slimbridge, & artist in residence at Nature in Art) and at SWLA open exhibition in London.
My numerous commissions include health centres, and corporate, charitable trusts and private clients.
I also teach batik to individuals and community and school workshops producing large batik banners.
