TALENT: An Interview with artist Jo DeSerio Jones

Right now ‘recycled art’ is a trend that can’t be denied. There are many artists making the move toward incorporating recycled components into their artwork…for now anyway. More than likely a large number of them do it because all of the other cool kids are doing it. But what separates those artists who say they recycle because it tugs at a potential customer’s heartstrings from those who recycle because they care? I talked a little to artist Jo DeSerio Jones about what separates her from the pack and how she's saving the planet one piece of art at a time.

Atelier: What type of work do you do? What's your favorite media?

JO:  I'm a mixed media artist making mostly jewelry. I find inspiration in many forms. At this time I am particularly fond of metal, fossils, concrete and leather.

Atelier: How do you incorporate fossils? Do you use a special process to prep them?

JO:  I'm currently making molds from fossils, then casting in concrete or resin and adding many patinas until I get the look I love. So I'm creating new fossils that look old!  I later incorporate them into my jewelry as layered components. 

Atelier:   What inspires your work for Jomama? I've noticed a number of influences; steampunk, nature... What influences you the most?

JO:  My biggest inspiration is from nature in the form of materials such as wood, pods, shell, and fossils, [also] patina from weathering and rust; as well as shapes that only nature could create.

Atelier: I love that you incorporate nature into your work. Is there a deeper meaning when adding it into your pieces? Spiritual or otherwise?

JO:  I've always said I feel a connection with the earth. It may come from childhood where I spent a lot of time outdoors where I lived in Northern New Jersey. I look at items that nature offers as a gift, not a byproduct. 

Atelier:  Right now there seem to be lots of artists incorporating eco-friendly components into their work, what separates you from the crowd and makes your work different?

JO: Being an environmentalist is a way of life for me first. I'd have to say that my work is a byproduct of my lifestyle. I'm not just creating eco products, I'm living it. Not only do I recycle items and work with found objects, but I also search for products that have the least environmental impact as well as buying things that are local or made in the USA. All being important aspects of sustainability.

Atelier:  That's awesome that you take all of those things into consideration when creating your work. Do you feel like it might be only the job of a few of us (artists) to incorporate eco-sensitivity into our work while others focus on other things? Or can we all do our part?

I think we can all incorporate eco-consciousness into our work, but your eyes have to be open to the opportunities around you, no matter what form they come in. 

Atelier:  So you do commissioned pieces as well. Talk a little about what goes into completing pieces for clients.

JO: Typically when someone commissions me it's because they like the uniqueness of my style. So going into a project I know that I can be me. However, I ask questions pertaining to their likes and style, such as colors, a feeling they want it to reflect, or incorporating personal items or family heirlooms into the piece so it is a part of them as well.

Atelier:  Which do you prefer doing, work for others or your own personal projects and why?

I'm an artist, so I definitely prefer working on personal pieces that don't have limits. There's satisfaction in that freedom and it shows in your work, making it more desirable.

Atelier:  What do you feel is our responsibility as artists in educating the public about recycling? Do we have a responsibility specifically as artists? I know this is kind of a repeat of my earlier question, but can you talk a little bit more about your perspective?

JO:  I feel we have a responsibility as humans. I have come to realize through the years that there can be a lot of unnecessary waste in the art world that every artist should try to be aware of. I think if you are an environmental artist that you should most definitely educate people about the ways of your work and items used. That is how we educate, inspire and open people's eyes to new ways of thinking. People are amazed by some of the things I reuse. I see the intrigue in my work all the time when I do shows and it's very rewarding. I love when I inspire others and get them to think outside of the box!

Atelier:  Any projects you working on at the moment?

JO:  I am currently working on more steampunk ballerina sculptures for and art exhibit I will be participating in this fall called "The Lucky Ones". 

Atelier:  Tell me a smidgen more about the show. What's it about?

JO: The exhibit will be curated by an artist who is very involved in the community. Last year's event was covered by PBS and the local cultural division [where I live]. The common thread amongst selected artist seems to be color and texture, including photography and paintings.  

If you want to find out more about Jo and her work check out her site www.shopjomama.com

 

Bike Chain. ReIncarnated.

At the beginning of next month I am going to be sharing my newest collection of bike chain jewelry, Sunset and Lotus. I freely admit that recycling bike parts or even more specifically bike chain into the stuff fashion forward dreams are made of wasn't my idea. 

When I lived in Philadelphia I worked with some folks who knew some folks that worked at this great and amazing place called The Bike Church. Run by this super organization called Neighborhood Bike Works. I participated in a fundraiser where I made art from busted bike parts.

Here's one of my pieces I did for the show: 

I also helped this ( I believe now defunct) organization Spokespeople assemble their bike chain jewelry. Soooo much fun and I was hooked.

It was a while after being introduced to the idea of recycling bike parts that I decided to do my own thing. I had a different vision for the jewelry though. I wanted to combine the feminine and masculine characteristics of the chain. I didn't want it to just be seen as a 'guy thing' or a 'girl thing'. I Feel like the new collection Sunset and Lotus does this pretty well. Hopefully, I have something for the guys and the chicks.

To celebrate the new collection I'll be posting fun facts about bicycles and bike related topics. Silly facts, serious facts, facts concerning me and my fear of running over people on a bike...

Also, newsletter subscribers will get 10% off items in the new collection, so be sure to sign up before November 16th to get your coupon. This is a great opportunity to get started on your holiday shopping! You will also get a sneak peek at a few of the pieces. Those who attend ArtWalk November 6th (the first Wednesday of the month) will get a full preview of the new line.  

If you have any interesting facts about bicycles, bike chain, and the like feel free to post them here in the comments section. I'd love to hear them :)