Adventures in The Underworld (Brigit Was Here First) by Jo Heckett
2023
Acrylic paint, tissue paper, copper leaf, abalone, garnet, labradorite, jasper, lapis lazuli, silver, white metal and glaze on canvas
90 cm x 60 cm x 3.5 cm
Certificate of Authenticity
Artist Statement
‘An artist’s job is to imagine the world they want to live in and do their utmost to bring it to life.’
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Jo Heckett’s art is intended to be experienced physically, in person.
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Heckett layers materials that play with the light (iridescent and metallic paint, glitter, tissue paper, precious metals and stones) to create visual effects. The sensuality of making and experiencing art is a key factor in her work.
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Starting from the premise that the Earth is alive, and we are deeply embedded in it, she explores how women’s spirituality, sexuality and magic are inextricably woven into the Living Earth.
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She aims to redefine what ‘feminine’ means, rather than work within inherited definitions. What would it be like if we thought of the Divine as feminine? If the world was shaped around and by women?
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She considers her art to be spells of remaking.Artist Bio
Jo Heckett is a multi-disciplinary visual artist and poet exploring concepts such as mythological archetypes, Paganism and themes of science and magic.
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Combining a background in healing and meditation, feminism and her experience as an instinctive Earth worshipper, the last five years she has seen a deepening of her feminine spiritual awakening which has become a driving force in her practice.
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In addition to painting and collage, her other specialist media include conceptual sculptural ceramics, spoken word poetry and art books, which combining words and visuals together.
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She holds a BTEC GAD from Chelsea School of Art, a BA (Hons) in 3D Design (Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Plastics) from Brighton University and an MA in Therapeutic Bodywork from Westminster University.
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Originally from Cork in the Irish Republic, Heckett now shares her time between her studio at Kindred Artists community in London and rural Ireland, where her ageing mother still lives.