Jo Higgins

I studied Art and Education at Derby University and had been teaching for many years before I took a complete career change in 2017.  I now work in engineering but have continued to work as an artist throughout this time.

I try to capture a special place or feeling, one for which I have an emotional attachment. The Peak District has always been an inspiration, with its distant patchwork and contrasting rocks.  The sea, especially the Cornish coast has been a big influence in my work too.

I enjoy working within what some might see as a restricting small square.  I like to think my images are “little windows” onto special places or objects.  The small image surrounded by a much larger frame almost becomes a little gem.  For me, the smallness gives the image status, drawing the viewer in.  It’s a huge compliment when I see viewers doing that, being pulled into one of my windows on the world, wanting to take a much closer look.

Although my pictures appear photographic, they are hand crafted, being built up with mixed media – pencils, paints and inks.  I’d like to think the detail and richness shines through in my images.

Photography plays a major role in how I visualize my subjects.  I use the camera to capture aspects of landscape and composition, which in turn is used in my painting. Photographs are far more than just about recording a moment in time.  It’s about making an image with the camera and having the ability to envision the final result in a piece of work, whether photograph or a painting.