The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2024 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Jo Westfall
Artist Statement
My visual work is resource art. It is portraiture, fiber art, and assemblage made with local materials that were discarded, overlooked, or unused. It reclaims the aesthetic capacity and utility of these items by integrating them into fresh renderings.
I began to source supplies for my textile work by collecting discarded materials. It fascinates me to reveal surprisingly fibrous qualities in castoff items by manipulating them in woven assemblages. These are worked into wall hangings, as well as wearable designs.
I paint portraits of impressive life forms (such as women running businesses) and imperfect subjects (such as bruised produce). I like to invite viewers to recognize their own organic nature; that we all live, interact, and decay uniquely; that we are all precious. These portraits are often adorned with found objects as part of their composition and framing.
I especially enjoy collaborating with other artists to invent work that neither party would create on their own.
