Jo Hollier is a respected Canberra artist and art tutor in drawing, painting, etching and printmaking, working full time from her studio at Strathnairn Arts. Jo specialises in printmaking methods to produce unique prints and limited edition etchings. Jo’s produces unique prints and limited edition etchings. Her detailed and technically brilliant works reflect a deep respect for the natural world interpreted, and influenced by a love of colour, texture and design. Through her work Jo explores painterly aspects of printmaking; experimenting with textures and colours. She manipulates the ink on the printing plate, combining techniques, mixing colour and adding texture and depth through collaged papers. Over coffee Jo Hollier shared some of her insight into her creative space and how she stays focused and inspired as a full time working Artist.

How would you describe your arts practice?

I am a full time practicing artist living in Canberra. I specialise in hand printmaking techniques that produce unique prints, monoprints and limited edition etchings or relief prints. I have been a printmaker for the last 20 years. I learned to make prints the traditional way with acid fumes, oil based inks and solvent based cleaners. Recent trends towards a more environmentally sensitive lifestyle have prompted me to experiment with new, gentler and safer printmaking methods which highlight my personal interest and concern for the local environment and the natural world. In printmaking a knowledge of papers and how they behave with various inks / dyes and pressure through the press is vital. This has led me into various realms of working with paper. Creating artists books, eco-dyeing papers and even papermaking have found their way into my practice. Drawing has always been the starting point of any of my works. It is the most immediate planning tool and the easiest way to put ideas down which can then be later worked on.

What do you find most inspiring about your arts space?

I consider myself fortunate to have a studio at Strathnairn Arts, on the western edge of the city. Up until recently suburbia was far enough away to ignore. It really felt like you were out in the country. Birds flew around the property in abundant numbers, galahs, cockatoos, parrots, finches and robins. Although these have diminished somewhat with recent urban developments they still are regular subjects for prints and drawing. My studio is the quiet place I can come to let the creative juices flow.

I have space to store paper, prints, dry work and setup a press and work surfaces. Without this I couldn’t work as a printmaker I have quite a few works on the drawing board, so to speak at the same time. Having this space allows me to work this way until all problems have been solved and I have a finished resolved piece or a cohesive body of work. I love the look and feel of a busy studio. The other thing that is really special about my studio space is belonging an arts community. Even though we are not a socially active group I like the feeling of being connected.

What does a studio day in your life look like?

It is important to be focused and dedicated to my practice. I aim to spend some time each day working if not in the studio then catching up on admin, writing or reading. This means frantic domestic activity in the mornings to get to the studio as early as possible. Fortunately cooking a meal in the evening is not a chore. It is a time for relaxing and sharing about the days work. If there is a show or commission coming up the pace is quite intense. However once I have the ideas all worked out I can work quite quickly

How have you grown as an artist since starting out?

I can see that there is a change since I first started out. I know more about what is behind what I do. Having more confidence makes everything more spontaneous. I worry less about other people’s opinions of my work.

What gets you up in the morning and inspires you to be a working artist?

Keeping on working inspires me. One thing always leads to another. I know I am not finished. I have more to do!!

What do you read, watch listen to stay inspired?

Lots of music, mostly classical (but currently hooked on’ The Voice’) reading, different things such as histories and biographies. I enjoy listening and watching interviews. Especially with creatives… I love listening to creative people talk.

What are the biggest challenges facing working artists and how do you overcome them?

Finances are probably the biggest challenge for all artists. I haven’t overcome that one!!!

You can see more of Jo’s work and contact her via www.johollier.com.au or follow her on social media. Instagram & Facebook