This is a direct copy of a journal entry I posted to redbubble just over a year ago. From a time when I was bright eyed and bushy tailed and meeting people for the first time who understood me creatively. I think it’s still relevant.
I just want to take a minute to let you know where it is I am coming from in terms of my art both visually and written.
I have almost no hang ups and laugh in the face of most taboos. My art reflects this and I sometimes push people’s emotional buttons for better or worse. I certainly hope you enjoy my stuff and I do make every effort to ensure those people who do not want to be exposed to it are not. The subjectiveness of art means that I can mean one thing, but it is interpreted as another. In the interests of maintaining the amazing tone and quality of this site I will happily remove any works if requested.
I do tend to use myself as a subject, mainly out of a lack of options, but also out of my perfectionist nature. Again this is something that really changes the dynamic of art and as such I am doing my best to tread lightly.
I also like to draw from reality which provokes strong reactions. It is harder to confront something if it is personalised and has a context which is meaningful to you. I think this makes art more real and exciting and dangerous and limitless. It can be emotionally draining (and plain terrifying) for the creator but of amazing value to the viewer. I hope I am not the only person who appreciates this perspective on the creation of art.
So what is all this getting at? I guess what I’m saying is that I’m trying my best to walk a fine line between making the art I want to make, and doing it in an inoffensive way. If you want to talk to me about it, I welcome and encourage you to do so.
Jo
Faith Hunter, 3 months ago
Really well written Joe and you make some very important points. I think if you feel the need to explain yourself you’ve done so admirably and sensitively. Ss for the ‘fine line’ you’re trying to tread, you seem to me to be doing it verywell. (Albeit , that is soming from someone whose interaction with you is pretty limited so I don’t know…......... you could be a real dragon to someone else!)
Natalie Perkins, 3 months ago
It’s hard to cater to everyone’s interpretations, because everyone will find offence in different things. I think my approach is not to discriminate against people in a way that limits their understanding or experience because sometimes I want to cause offence or rattle people’s preconceptions about things, particularly when it comes to body politics.
Paul McClintock, 3 months ago
Out of interest, have you had people ask you to remove any pieces of art? I mean, personally ask you – not just whinge about you in the forums?
Jo O'Brien
in reply to Paul McClintock’s comment,
3 months ago
To date, I have removed 7 artworks after discussions with an individual via email or bubblemail. I don’t just flop over and do it without reason but there have certainly been cases where it seemed the right thing to do.
JimFilmer, 3 months ago
Jo.. you express your thoughts and love of art and creating art exceptionally well. As with all art there will be those who love a piece, those who hate it, those indifferent and those who get so “ruffled” by, or made uncomfortable about it – but hey, that’s the world.
If you can get one person to see outside their normal view and interpretation of the world then you have made a contribution to developing our society.
What you do is great.. so keep it up.
HarrietRN, 3 months ago
ALWAYS be yourself, my dear, and do what makes YOU happy.
I have viewed your art many times and have not found it offensive, I simply see a beautiful woman expressing herself through her art.
If you removed your art, and it seemed the best thing to do for yourself, or even for someone else, and felt good about….then that certainly is the best choice.
For what I have witnessed through your art and writings, as well as your work on Redbubble, you are very talented and creative individual, I am in awe of you.
You display a strong individual, with a mind of her own. Stand strong Jo, and continue creating, I look foreward to what you have in store next.
Sincerely, Cindy
Watertoy, 3 months ago
Jo, you have an amazing talent, a sensational outlook on life and it is so exciting watching what work you put up on the site. Your writing is also well put together. I only wish that I had some of your skills. There will always be at least one who is sensitive to certain materials but please don’t remove too much and keep the new work coming in.
whirrakee, 3 months ago
If art ceases to challenge, it will lose its power and become mere “decorative” fluff. I myself am still in the decorative stages, but I am attempting to change that. We will all stop growing as artists if we stop challenging ourselves (and others).
Never stop growing, Jo