
Biography
Jo Rees-Jones is an independent artist and maker working from her home studio. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting at Queensland
College of Art, Griffith University, in 2016 and followed that with a
Cert IV in Small Business in 2017. Currently, Jo is developing a small
Arts & Crafts business from her studio.
While her formal training was in painting, Jo’s passion expanded
when she was introduced to metal-working and enamelling.
Captivated by the alchemy of metal and the allure of the tools, she
delved into the art of enamelling during her studies. After
graduation, she pursued further mentorship to deepen her
knowledge and refine her skills.
As a visual artist exploring the abstract, Jo creates a dialogue
between form and the ephemeral qualities of light and shade. Her
work with torch-firing bright vitreous enamel onto simple copper
shapes, seamlessly translating her love for colour, mark-making, and
texture into accessible and affordable wearable art. The combination
of the enamelling process with the challenge of inventing and
adapting tools offers Jo immense satisfaction.
Recently, Jo’s study and practice of gemstone cutting have brought
her full circle back to painting. She now integrates the refractive light
of gemstones into her canvas work, capturing bursts of light inspired
by her lapidary craft.
Influenced by Orphist artist FrantiĊĦek Kupka and the Cubists, Jo’s
creations invite viewers to explore visual perception and delve into
the intricate layers within each piece. Her art is a narrative that
viewers can interpret through their own perspectives.
Community-oriented and collaborative, Jo is an active member of
various collectives, art groups, and associations. She facilitates
workshops and provides one-on-one support to emerging artisans in
her studio when time allows. Her adornments and artworks are
featured at Makers Markets, pop-up shops, exhibitions, and art
gallery stores.