Jo Jack started Tin Shed Textiles a small, contemporary art and weave business based in Hoswick, Shetland in 2007 after completing her BA in Contemporary Textiles at Shetland College. Jo's main aim is to work from her open studio to design, make and offer a unique range of quality fine artworks, installation pieces and designer craft items. All works are inspired by Shetland and the sea that surrounds it.

Artist's Statement

The sea holds a special interest for me and, along with a childhood fascination with laboratories, microscopes and specimen collections It provides the inspiration for my work.

I have researched the art and marine biology work of Ernst Haekle which opened up the fascinating world of medusae and other oceanic life forms. I study them under the microscope looking at the strange phenomena of bioluminosity and observe form and structure which I combine with related issues of ocean ecology.

My work has three main strands.

Art work I create paintings, sketches and printed and woven studies of my research subjects.

Product design I design and make woven light sculptures and other bespoke interior products again all inspired by the sea and oceanic life forms.

Installation work For this I use the traditional crafts of hand weave and knit combined with contemporary materials such as monofilaments and Elwire to make sculptural forms. I then use lighting to create atmospheric installations that generate public interest and encourage people to explore and consider issues that affect and threaten our planet’s many oceans.

The business offers a website shopping facility and an open studio which welcomes visitors who wish to witness the design process first hand or purchase items from our studio range.