Artist Statement
Contemporary realist Jo Guscott skillfully portrays the serene allure of her natural surroundings through her artworks. Drawing inspiration from the picturesque topography of the Jersey Shore, Guscott activates her compositions with captivating seascapes, vibrant marine life and carefree surfers. Utilizing a combination of oil paint and print techniques such as linocut, Guscott captures the intrinsic beauty of the shore, infusing each piece with a gentle tranquility that invites viewers to immerse themselves in idyllic coastal scenery.
Harnessing the power of art as a conduit, Guscott enters a state of flow where focus sharpens and rhythms unfold effortlessly. Through her work, she delves into her own emotions, forging a profound connection with viewers, inviting them to share in the emotional depth of her pieces. Employing a palette of lighter shades, her paintings and prints evoke the freedom of Impressionist techniques intertwined with the whimsy of coastal aesthetics.
In her oil paintings, Guscott meticulously crafts each piece, striving to bring her vision to life with precision and concentration. Conversely, printmaking offers her a more liberating experience, as the process introduces an element of spontaneity. Each linocut print is a unique creation, as variations in ink and carving result in distinct markings with every impression. Produced in limited editions, Guscott's prints are entirely handmade, emphasizing the authenticity and originality of each piece.
Bio
New Jersey-based painter and printmaker Jo Guscott produces scenic outdoor images that appeal to the senses. With a rich artistic heritage, Guscott's upbringing was immersed in creativity, stemming from a family lineage of diverse talents, including a Washington Post cartoonist, accomplished painters, and graphic designers. This legacy shaped Guscott's own artistic journey from an early age. After three decades of teaching high school special education and nurturing a family, she transitioned to pursue her passion for art. She honed her skills through studio classes in oil painting at The Perkins Institute in Moorestown, NJ, and the Ocean County Artists Guild in Island Heights, NJ, supplementing her learning with online courses from LightScapes Studio. Additionally, she shares her expertise by teaching printmaking at the Ocean County Artists Guild. Guscott's artworks grace the walls of local galleries near her home in Pine Beach, NJ, and she is proudly represented by ReFind Gallery in Bay Head, NJ. Actively involved in the artistic community, she is a member of the Toms River Artist Community, the Ocean County Artists Guild, Monmouth Arts, and the Audubon Artists in New York City. Her talents have garnered recognition, including several local awards and a notable second-place accolade in the graphics category at the 2023 Audubon Artists Juried show.