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Jo Jack |
| BA in Contemporary Textiles (distinction), specialising in weave although I also like to work in knit and print. The inspiration for my work stems from both my spectacular surroundings here in Shetland and from a childhood fascination with science laboratories, microscopes and specimen collections. During the summer of 2006, I learned how to observe and photograph medusae (jellyfish) under the microscope. Their form, movement and colours are so liquid and translucent, so very different from land animals. I became fascinated by them and have spent the last few years studying microscopic, oceanic life forms.
Sculptures in monofilament, yarn and wire I used photomicrography to make visual studies of my specimens, followed by sketches of enlarged areas in order to observe their structure. I extended this science / art link by researching bioluminosity and other areas of science and ocean ecology which I combined with particular materials, principally monofilament, wire, ribbon, fibre optics and iridescent yarns, to make double weave, sculptural forms. Digital printing I also used digital printing to recreate some of my visuals as banners and canvases and have worked extensively with recycled Shetland sailcloth. I hope my sculptures capture that fascinating, ethereal, other-worldly feel which I witnessed down the lens of a microscope and that the interest they generate will encourage people to look beneath the surface at some of the issues that affect and threaten our planet's many oceans. Exhibitions 2008 Lights in The Ocean, The New Museum, Lerwick - solo installation exhibition, 9th Feb – 10th March 2008 Related Art Projects Child and family day, Lerwick - Indigenous crafts weaving workshop |