Jo Arksey is an artist and creative facilitator who relishes working across various media. Although essentially abstract, her individual pieces evoke something recognisable. Reclaiming discarded materials through papermaking has for Jo, been a process of discovery and evolution, combining pulp with text, hair, metal and print in sculptural works and installations. Threads running through Jo’s artwork are sometimes literal, more often metaphorical. She explores contradiction, the contrast between external appearance and the internal, the way our hidden, private self contrasts with our public persona – a kind of mysterious duality.

The artworks, although visually simple and enticing, may hide darker more complex ideas. Less appealing, should they be presented in a less enigmatic way. For many years, Jo has helped engage a huge spectrum of participants in their own creative endeavours and understanding of contemporary art, as Learning and Engagement Coordinator with Travelling Gallery. Continuing to develop her own artistic practice alongside this role has been vital for her artistic passion and more recently for her sense of wellbeing as she has navigated challenges in her physical and mental health. Jo gained a first-class degree from DJCA Dundee, before completing an MFA from Winchester in 1993, including 9 months study in Barcelona.