By Abbey Cannan
Noosa artist Jo Cook has made a career swap in pursuit of her creative dreams, opening her new studio gallery at Unit 4/47 Gateway Dr, Noosaville.
With Noosa Open Studios Art Trail (30 August – 8 September) just around the corner, Jo can’t wait to introduce and welcome the community into her art space from 10am to 4pm each day.
“A couple of years ago I walked into a friend’s warehouse studio and thought how incredible it would be to do something like that,” Jo said.
“I use a variety of different mediums and they take up a lot of room. I also really wanted to explore going bigger in my mixed media art and sculptures.”
Her new studio space has taken a couple of months to renovate and brand, showcasing a pink entrance with eye-catching art.
“I have had great support from my artist community,” she said.
“I only opened the space to the public about two weeks ago so that is still a big learning curve.”
Jo’s life and art have been profoundly influenced by her upbringing and lengthy career in speech pathology.
“As my 50th birthday approached, I found myself unsettled,” Jo said.
“I had been in private practice for nearly 10 years as a speech pathologist. I used to work with a lot of clients who had progressive neurological disorders such as Motor Neurone Disease or brain cancer for example.
“There was a particular Christmas period where four of my delightful clients passed away. It really knocked me and at the same time I also felt quite burned out in my profession.
“I listened to the niggle inside that kept at me to become more serious about my creativity.”
Jo’s husband was there for her when she broke down and said “I can’t do this (speech pathology) anymore”.
“With his support I was able to start to walk my new creative path and whilst not always rosy, it has been the best decision ever,” she said.
Although she only made the career change at 50, Jo has always been involved in some sort of art or craft activity.
“In fact in my first job in the Education Department I got permission to paint murals all over my clinic walls,” she said.
Her primarily figurative works aim to evoke emotions and create conversations about the journey of women in current society.
“I want women to construct their own narrative and to be heard and empowered to follow their own path,” she said.
“My large mixed media pieces use layering and symbols relating to self-actualisation and spirituality which are paramount to me. My current challenges are to go big with everything I produce.”
Her hand built ceramic pieces are often assembled with recycled and up-cycled items.
In recent ceramic experiments, she has added slip dipped materials, encaustic wax and mixed media finishes.
“I love entering art competitions and have also been in a number of art exhibitions,” Jo said.
“My new studio is open irregular hours so when you see the open sign, I am in. Otherwise, feel free to call and arrange an appointment.”
For more information visit jocookartist.com.au or call 0416 121 154.
Find Jo Cook’s Studio Gallery at Unit 4/47 Gateway Dr, Noosaville.
