Jo Chalkblack

Jo’s interest lies in deep ecology, human interaction and social sculpture especially around the themes of natural life/death cycles, grief, personal and societal transition. Often working in outdoor woodland or empty urban spaces, she is not so interested in creating finished art pieces as much as creating a temporary ‘vessel’ within which a process of mutual enquiry and interaction takes place.  She often fuses the use of projected image with hands-on preparation of indigenous, organic materials to encourage participants on a physical journey around a space – a deeply engaging experience responding to the specific environment and moment in time.

Her approach lends itself to working in community projects, organisations, schools and with small groups of individuals who are seeking creative processes for navigating transitions.  She responds to the need to communicate collectively, bringing diverse voices together to effect change in themselves and in their communities. Her practice is informed by 16 years experience of working in adult drug and alcohol services and youth services.