In conversation with
Jo Lewis

Jo Lewis is a contemporary British artist living and working in South London. Initially trained in Edinburgh and the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Valence, France,
Jo is known for her large-scale inks created in the flowing waters of rivers and seas.

Drawn for many years to the diversity and power of water, her practice traces the fragile moments of interaction between paper, ink and the elements. Exploring the process which visualises the constant flux that underlies our environmental and physical connectivity.

Artiq When was the moment you realised you were going to be an artist?

Jo I don’t think there was a moment, maybe a series of moments that became time and practice so now it’s what I do.

Artiq Who or what has had the most significant influence on your practice?

Jo For quite a few years I did life drawing classes with Maggi Hambling, something far from my normal work. She’s an amazing teacher. From her I learnt to treat my work like a best friend, to be able to go to it no matter what is going on and however I may be feeling.

My art college painting tutor Michel Duport taught me the importance of really getting to know one’s materials, of constant experimentation and the joyous fluidity of watercolour. Most importantly I learnt to just keep going. There’s a reason it’s called a practice. And of course, water has taught me a lot. There is a profound stillness in its’ movement.

Artiq As you are based in London, many of your works are born out of the Thames, but you have worked all over the world. Thinking of water as your collaborator, how do the different places affect the final outcome?

Jo I see each series as the outcome of a ‘conversation’ with the place. I try to listen, to discover and wait for how to proceed. I’ll then try various things out. The river has taught me patience.

Obviously, different waters practically have a huge effect on how I work and what happens, be they salty waters with waves, fast-flowing rivers, the tidal Thames, or the calm pools or flow of a river. Also, I try to remember that I am not the same as yesterday or last week, so we meet in a state of continual flux.

Artiq What do you want the audience to take away from your work?

Jo I try hard not to think about that. That’s up to them.

Artiq Can you recommend another artist you think everyone should know about?

Jo Too many to mention! Where to start? Start anywhere and look everywhere.