JO-ANN HUNT

ARTIST STATEMENT

Series: The Child Within

I want to capture the essence of the ‘Wonder –Years’ …. those awkward, optimistic, invincible, energetic, fearless years.

I want these paintings to be of today’s children, but to stir memories of our own childhood… that lovely limbo-land between innocence and awakening to the realities of the world…a snapshot of childhood caught between innocence and independence.

 This Series is painted with one foot in the present, and one in the past!

 

 I believe art should enrich our lives, enhance our wellbeing, our homes, and our visual awareness.

In the past few years my work has moved away from traditional realism, to a more personal, stylized interpretative art.

 People often tell me that my paintings “make them feel good”. I think that is because I can only paint that which makes me feel good, that which gives me pleasure.

When I’m painting, I’m in my “Happy Place!”

And I think it is this shared response to a happy memory that connects.

 I want people to enjoy living with my art.

 I believe art should be felt, as well as viewed!

 

 JO-ANN HUNT

BACKGROUND:

2001- Present   Full-time, professional Visual Artist, Melbourne, Victoria

Jo-Ann began her working life as an Art Teacher, but quickly realised her own creative voice needed expression and would not be stifled.  Her free-wheeling journey began as Fashion Designer with iconic fashion label “The House of Merivale and Mr John”. From there it was a small leap into the costume departments of the Australian Opera Company in Sydney and The Melbourne Theatre Company. The next move slowed her pace for some 9 years, established as Head Designer with Coats Patons with her designs, colours and books sold in Australia and internationally. Moving to Thailand in 1995 with her young family gave her the impetus to return to her love of illustration and art, with commissions for magazines in Bangkok and Australia, and a range of prints for the interior design market. But it was the seemingly innocuous decision in 2001 to enter two local Art Shows, where she took out three prizes, that was the catalyst for her to confidently pursue her obsession full-time. An obsession with creating the painted image that still enslaves her today!

EDUCATION:

HIGHER DIPLOMA OF EDUCATION – SECONDARY ARTS AND CRAFTS (4 years)

Melbourne State College (annexe of Melbourne University)

·       Majoring in Fashion (Design /Construction)

·       Graduated with Honours - Fashion Design, Study of Art   

·       Secondary Teacher Registration

·       Technical/ Tertiary Teacher Registration

Over the years I have undertaken many extracurricular courses and workshops with some marvellously generous tutors, including

·       Painting the Nude from Life with Prudence Flint

·       Drawing the Nude with Linda Robertson

·       Pastel Portraiture with Janet Hayes

·       Watercolours with Khun Charlee Sodprasert

·       Artist Books

LIFE ON THE MOVE:

·       1980: lived in Padova, Italy ...4 months

·       1982-1994 Frequent trips to London, Paris, Tokyo, Milan, Florence, Venice, Rome Dusseldorf, Munich for business

·       1995-1998: lived in Bangkok, Thailand

·       From ‘way back then’ till now: private travel to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Noumea, Tahiti, Germany, UK, Greece, France and Italy

 

 

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS:

202010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 Art Melbourne

·       2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 Suburban 312 Gallery Brighton

·       2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 Art Sydney

·       2010, 2009 Pink Ladies Art Exhibition, Brighton

·       2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 St Kevins Art Show

·       20010, 2009, 2008,  2004 Strathcona Art Show

·       2007 Art Brisbane

·       2004 Strathcona Art Show Highly Commended

                      awarded by Paul Fitzgerald AO

·       2004 Xavier College Contemporary Art Exhibition

·       2004 Harmony Artworks Exhibition Highly Commended

·       2004 Ivanhoe GGS Art Exhibition Highly Commended

·       2001 Roberts Mc Cubbin Art Exhibition Featured Artist

·       2001 Chelsea Art Show Best Pastel and

                                                   Honourable mention, pastel

·       2001 St Kevins College Art Show Highly Commended

                       awarded by Jon Dwyer, Director of Christies Fine Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jo-Ann Hunt

Feb 2011