In the Studio with Artist Jo Coyle

Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Jo Coyle. Jo’s artwork is currently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Her Ideas, Her Stories: Women Artists Gallery exhibit.

Jo Coyle, graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University, uses what she learned as she obtained her BA in Fine Art, to create a wide variety of artistic pieces. Driven to constantly push the boundaries of what she already knows, her body of work consists of varying subject matter, styles and artistic mediums. Her use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) in her paintings and the layering and texture use in her abstract mixed media pieces illustrates her vast knowledge of her craft and bold exploration. 

Here’s Jo talking about her art, process and experience... 

How would you describe your style of work?

Eclectic, in that I get bored with the same media or style very quickly and am often struck with the desire to explore new subjects. I consider my work to be an “art roulette” for this very reason.

Tell me about your favorite medium.

Right now I’m into acrylic paint. Not saying that won’t change in two days. It’s forgiving and quick for those days I don’t have a lot of time to paint due to a rambunctious toddler.

What characteristic(s) about your personality shows through your art?

I think I’m generally a “windy” kind of person, in that some days I’m very steady and easygoing, and others I’m a bit all over the place. I think my art varies accordingly in subject and medium, but there are always moments and glimpses of something interesting and new in each one. 

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I’m from Maryland, but particularly the northern countryside of Baltimore county. I'm not sure how much of that reflects in my work as I'm not known for serene landscapes or equine paintings like many Maryland artists, but what I associate with the area is my childhood, a sense of freedom through nature and the unending support of my parents, all of which lend a confidence and gratitude to my work.

How have your life experiences influenced your aesthetic style?

I was lucky to get into the Carver Center for Arts and Technology, where I was exposed from an adolescent age to a range of artistic styles by everything from my studies to the artwork of my peers. With exposure to these different aesthetics and encouragement throughout my career to keep art journals of work that I happened to like or find interesting, I've kept myself open-minded to a lot of aesthetics which reflects in a myriad of styles within my portfolio.

What's your biggest barrier to being a female artist? How do you address it?

My biggest barrier, I believe, is not being taken seriously in a capitalist world, especially now as a mother. I am often undercut in others' expectations when it comes to how I sell my work. There is a huge narrative out there that female artists don't need the money, or just do art for fun, are looking for Instagram clout, or have male partners to pay for things, therefore they can accept less money and respect for their work. I address this by refusing it and encouraging other artists to do the same and stick to their guns when it comes to their worth as tradespeople and human beings.

Do you think there’s a double standard in the industry?

There's a double standard in most industries, so I'd say yes. My nook in the art world is very small at the moment, but I know intrinsically this standard pervades art as well. See my above answer too.

Do your works comment on contemporary social or political issues; if so, how?

Some do, some don't. Sometimes I paint just to paint pretty things (side note: Listen to "Pretty Things" by Rufus Wainwright). Sometimes I illustrate my thoughts on government's influence on abortion rights (See "The Hold They Have"). My latest series is a "purge" of materials and my past corporate self, while my upcoming series aims to address the stigma surrounding women's mental health journeys.

What are your biggest motivations?

Right now? Myself. It sounds incredibly selfish or narcissistic but I've been repressing my artistic nature for about a decade to fit in a 9-5 world that isn't really meant for me and a lot of other people. I've had a lot of heavy experiences recently that I need to process artistically - there's almost a giant backlog of stuff I just need to get out. When that's all done I imagine my motivations will be more external.

How do you market yourself and your work?

With a background in marketing you think I'd do more to market myself, but I'm limited with my time so much that even though I have a plan and expertise in time-saving marketing automation, I can't get it done. My biggest efforts right now are my weekly newsletter and Instagram/Facebook advertising, which I hope eventually to steer away from (my relationship with/resentment for social media is a story for another day). I also rely on word of mouth and hope exposure from past purchases will generate more income. I am also currently pushing to get my repurposed altoid tins in small business retail settings.

When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?

My two sisters. For whatever reason they're my first go-to. They both offer very different perspectives when it comes to my art, so it's refreshing to balance both of their opinions. 

What are you working on at the moment? 

This questionnaire. Haha. Just kidding. My upcoming series is Siren. This series will feature women (an extended definition of the word, in order to be as inclusive as possible and to consider stigmas regarding sexuality and transgenderism) who’ve had a history of mental health struggles, and/or a history of feeling oppressed by the stigma of mental health issues and the expectation to “keep it together” in social, familial, and professional settings in spite of these issues. Often there isn’t a safe space to discuss these struggles without feeling like we are drowning or dragging others down with us - and so I’d like Siren to serve as that space. 

Is there a specific environment or material that's integral to your work?

Nope! I've found that waiting for that specific environment or material is a nice excuse for me to procrastinate, so I try to avoid those limits for myself.

What did you have to develop, try or learn to create your artwork?

I had to learn to let go of perfectionism. Through high school and college I was known for realism and unfortunately didn't start exploring illustration and more abstract concepts seriously until my junior year of college. I've learned to become more experimental in my work, as aiming for 100% perfect art was limiting my willingness to create at all, and introduced a fear I'd never experienced before to the creative process.

How do you prepare to start a new piece? (do you have a ritual, do research, sketch it out, talk it out…)

I usually take a think, pour some espresso or some whiskey depending on the time of day, and just kind of get started. Nothing too ritualistic here, as often as soon as I get an idea, it goes out the window if I don't get it down immediately. I blame it on my ADHD. 

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

This is tough, mainly because I'm really bad at remembering names, but given the world's current climate I would love to collaborate with a neo-Dadaist. 

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

I think that's the same as asking "What's the best thing about being an x?". The answer for any occupation/identity, I imagine, would be that I get to be my authentic self.

For more information on Jo and her artwork, check her out on instagram or on her website.

Hal Gomer Gallery Hours: 

Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm

Saturday 10am-1pm ( starting on January 15, 2022)

*Visitors are required to call ahead to reserve a time to view the exhibit. Please call CAC’s main office at 410-636-6597 during our business hours Monday - Thursday, 10:00 am-6:00pm to reserve a date and time. Visitors will be checked in upon arrival and masks are required to enter the gallery and CAC building.