curators corner: artist spotlight

Jo Beth Wharton

I am a lover of art who has had the fortune to study the history of some of the world's most famous pieces. Art inspires me, amazes me, and reveals so much about the times in which we live. Art is the window into our culture's soul.

My lack of exceptional painterly skills steered me to manipulate the images and paper that I found in magazines into creating images of strong women. With each piece I cut I am hoping to send the message that women are the strongest creatures in existence. Without our intelligence, tenacity, compassion, resilience, and strength this world would lose all the vibrancy it possesses.

What are the primary concepts and focus of your art and how do these ideas relate to your medium, and creative process itself?

My primary focus of my art is portraiture, specifically of women. I like to mix old concepts about what it means to be a woman, with contemporary notions. Collage as a medium has allowed me to express my ideas in ways painting, for me, could not.

I’ve always loved looking through magazines, and I find the entire creative process of collage extremely enjoyable. Cutting and pasting little bits of paper has allowed to express my views on female autonomy, and the cultural expectations of woman in a new and freeing manner.

Which artists are you inspired and influenced by?

The first artists that I remember being really interested in were Marc Chagall, and Henri Matisse, because of their use of vibrant colors and bold shapes. I am partial to the work of the Renaissance masters, because they brought emotion back to Western art. I am fascinated by the of Ana Mendieta, and am in awe of Kara Walker, and appreciate the absurdity of Genevive Figgis. Since most of my work is portraiture, and I love history, I respect and enjoy the work of Elisabeth Vigee le Brun as well.

Which of your works stands out as a highlight, a favorite, or a significant point in your creative growth and development? and why?

A piece that I made recently titled, Lady Lilith (Left on Read), is a work of art that I am really proud of. It is inspired by the painting Lady Lilith from 1866 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who was a Pre-Raphealite artist. It was originally created as a commentary on female vanity, and in Rossetti’s piece Lady Lilith is looking in the mirror. In my piece, Lady Lilith is staring into the screen of her cell phone, illustrating how much our self-worth and identity are tied into our relationship with this rectangular object that is always on our body. I find the connection between women and their cell phones really interesting, and I like exploring that concept in my work.

What is your artist message, what do you wish to communicate to the viewer?

The message that I want to convey through my work is that all women are beautiful and deserving of being depicted in the artistic sphere.

I like to think the women I create are not intimidated by the male gaze, or anybody’s gaze at all. They are existing in the present, careless of the opinions of others.

What memorable reactions have you had to your work?

I am always so delighted when people appreciate my work. I have had some people look at my pieces, and tell their friend they could do what I do. I say, do it! Any creative endeavor is good for your soul!

Most of the people that encounter my work do not realize that is made completely out of paper, and are surprised when I tell them that no paint is involved. I constantly am being told that my art is unique, and unlike art people have seen before, which makes me happy.

It is my goal for the paper to look as painterly as possible.