Exhibition - Terry Johnson & Jojo Spook - Two Friends Two Dimensions
Jojo Spook and Terry Johnson have been friends and artistic collaborators for many years.
Together they have created ‘Two Friends, Two Dimensions’ which is a whimsical and joyful exhibition of paintings and sculptures that celebrate the beauty of our natural world.
The two both live and work in Robe, South Australia where the local landscape serves as inspiration for their work.
We caught up with both artists and learned more about their artistic journeys, and what inspires and motivates them.
Terry
F.A. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background as an artist?
T.J. Art has the incredible power to serve as a means of communication and empowerment. Through artistic expression, individuals can convey their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a way that words often cannot capture. Living in Robe, a coastal paradise, surrounded by the beauty of nature, art has the opportunity to thrive and flourish. Here I have enjoyed many years teaching high school art, gallery ownership and working as an art curator, but most of all I find my solace in creating my own art.
F.A. What initially inspired you to pursue a career in art?
T.J. I have always wanted to be an artist. Throughout my life I have has many professions and somehow I found a link to art in every one. I found that the calling of art was part of my making that was not to be ignored.
F.A. How would you describe your style and the themes you most commonly explore?
T.J. My style is expressionistic; it is colour and pattern based. I find my inspiration in everyday life, people, animals’ plants and the energy of nature. I have a joyful outlook on life and my goal through my art is to share that happiness with you the viewer. In short I create works that are unashamedly tossed in fantasy, humour and vibrant colour.
F.A. What does your creative process look like? ie how do you begin a new piece and what does that entail?
T.J. A white canvas is not my starting point. Before I begin to paint, I set myself the task of covering my canvas with stains of colour, patterns and enthusiastic mark making. I then set to paint scenes of everyday life embellished by my imagination. My work utilises the vibrancy of colour and subject matter to convey the joy of life. In participating in this exhibition I have further explored incorporating stencil marks, repeated patterns and various coloured inks into my completed work. My artistic goal is to speak to the viewer in colour the language of dreams.
F.A. Who are your favourite artists/who are you most inspired by?
T.J My favourite historic artists are Gauguin, Matisse, Van Gough, Chagall, and Cezanne. I also find inspiration in the free work of children that are uninfluenced by defined art and my many artistic friends and colleagues
F.A. What's the best part about being an artist/what is most fulfilling about your work
T.J. The best part of being an artist is entering into your own zone of creativity , finding endless ideas and working towards a finished piece of work that you most likely have no idea when it will each its conclusion.
The Outlet by Terry Johnson
Visit the Fleurieu Arthouse to see Two Friends Two Dimensions
Over the Christmas period we are open 7 days a week. Pop in and see us between 11.00am and 4.00pm - take in the exhibition, enjoy a coffee and pastry from our coffee bar and browse our resident artist’s studios.
You can also enjoy the design store where we stock the work of many local artists and artisans.
We have everything from clothing to fine jewellry and ceramics on display.
Situated in the lovely grounds of Hardys Tintara Winery, we’re right on McLaren Vale High Street and within easy access of everything the region has to offer.
Contact us at hello@fleurieuarthouse.com.au or call us on 08 7288 3095 if you have any questions.
The Studios at Fleurieu Arthouse
Jojo Spook and Terry Johnson
Jojo
F.A. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background as an artist?
J.S. I grew up in an active creative household. My mum was a commercial artist and my Father an engineer. I was always building something, making my own fun and always eager to try something new. Mum taught me to paint, pottery and I started welding with dad when l was 9. I was always encouraged to be creative and always considered myself as an artist of some sought. Later on I started night classes at Tafe, I was 15. The year after I got into Monash University with a folio, a mixture of sculpture and painting completing a BA in Fine Art. Still thirsty for knowledge I attended Monash University and completed a BA of Craft, a Masters and finally a Dip Ed.
Detail from Just When you Thought you Were Safe by Jojo Spook
F.A. How would you describe your style and the themes you most commonly explore?
J.S. My partner is a pilot and we travel a lot in our small aeroplane that we can fit a double bed in, we call it the “flying caravan”. We travel to quite remote places and I enjoy the camping experience and collecting mementos from my trips away being metal scraps or going painting in the outback. My messages get out and see this amazing country, don’t get stuck in the same spot or box. Look at your environment and care for it, including our oceans.That’s where the use of nets and washed up ropes are used, creating awareness. Collecting metal symbolises time gone by, that piece holding a memory.
F.A. What does your creative process look like? ie how do you begin a new piece and what does that entail?
J.S. It could be metal, clay, found objects, painting, collage, textiles… just depends on the idea or what is unfolding. I don’t stick to a style, I don’t think I have one, I just keep reinventing and evolving. I get bored pretty easily and I push myself as I like to be challenged. I like my audience to connect with the work, have a laugh and have that discussion and be curious. I collect loads of things that I hold onto for that designated piece or assemblage. I am inspired by my experiences and surroundings and my work coincides with this. A typical week could be teaching at school, thinking about art, waking up in the night and resolving that issue or idea. I let problem solving take a big part, and I enjoy the challenge, planning a piece never goes well. My life is spontaneous so the work goes with it.
F.A. Who are your favourite artists/who are you most inspired by?
J.S. I discovered Frida Kahlo in 1986 in a book and have never looked back. I have followed herwork and exhibitions for years and admire and inspire her strength. Shes gutsy and never gave up despite her pain. She was an advocate for women and way ahead of her time.
F.A. What’s the best part about being an artist/what is most fulfilling about your work
J.S. In 2017 I hired a large Winnebago and drove 9000 km on my own for 6 weeks. During this time I painted and collected items, went to every art gallery I could and art studio. I also spent a week with the elders in QLD and Ghostnets Australia.
One of my largest pieces called “Kevin” the turtle was created from Ocean Rubbish in Ceduna with the elders and the community. He has since been on display at the National Indigenous Art fair in Sydney.
My last greatest achievement would be designing a program about ocean rubbish that I have delivered in schools. It’s a program about creating awareness of the harmful rubbish in the ocean and how it affects sea creatures. Students are encouraged to collect and create sea creatures for display.