Jo Waterhouse

1. What motivates you to make?

I just have an urge to make, I think it’s a way of communicating with myself, of figuring things out. Even when I’ve finished a piece, my mind is always further ahead thinking about the next thing to do. Making collages is like scratching an itch for me, it satisfies a very primal part of my brain that becomes restless if I don’t make something for too long. It isn’t always an easy process, but it feels necessary.

I have a very short attention span and live quite a chaotic life as a result, but seeing my artwork laid out gives me a feeling of togetherness and control that I find quite intoxicating. At least briefly, until my mind wanders off to the next thing!

2. What and/or who are you most inspired or influenced by?

I’m always on the lookout for antique paper cuts and ephemera. Finding something at a car boot sale or market that has been handmade, in a purposeful or characterful way, might set off a whole string of ideas. Sometimes it will be the tiniest thing, like a new way of shaping a leaf or folding paper. I always enjoy incorporating these details into my work. I like everyday paper products too, things that get used and mass produced but are also intriguing and attract people.

I also find folk art completely absorbing, and I’m inspired by the feeling of power that some artworks can radiate – a sort of confidence. I also love the seriousness of a lot of Children's drawings and the boldness of line.

3. What is your unique approach to your craft, and how have you honed your skills?

My work has a few aspects that make it unique. One is the sourcing of the materials – I used to be an antiques dealer and have a network of excellent paper and collage material suppliers. I’m inspired by pattern and the mesmeric effect of repetition, quilts and block printed textiles particularly fascinate me, and sometimes I use the act of making a printed, folded or cut pattern to force a pause in my working process.

4. What is your defining or proudest moment as a maker so far?

I feel proud to have made a career for myself that allows me to work flexibly enough to spend lots of time with my children and support our household.

I was invited to make illustrations for a book for Scottish Travellers last year; and seeing my work so beautifully presented by Kit Kemp (of Firmdale Hotels) was a lovely moment. Alongside my art practice, my greeting card company is doing really well. I have some employees now and am able to focus a little more on designing. It feels good to be contributing to a cultural canon that I find so inspiring... Maybe in the future, an artist will buy some of my designs in a bundle of old correspondence and be inspired.

5. What is your dream project?

I would like to find a way of collaging together all the little narratives of my images into a bigger narrative, maybe across multiple pages in a book or rooms in a house. Honestly though, I’m happiest when I’m working with someone who really understands the process of making a piece and is willing to go on a creative journey with me.