Jo was born and raised in South Dakota. In her family home the sewing machine was as necessary as the ironing board. Making clothes, drapes, and household projects continued into Jo’s adult life. However, it wasn’t until she went to Uganda in 2002 that she discovered the joy of using the sewing machine to create art with fabric.
There, in a country rich in beautiful fabrics, the possibilities were endless. While there, Jo developed a tailoring department for Kika Cultural Dance Troupe so that the performers could make their own costumes. With access to sewing machines and notions, Jo also started exploring the basics of quilting. When she returned to the United States in 2012, she joined Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) and Columbia Fiber Art Guild in Portland Oregon. There, she turned full-time to her artistry exploring fiber, technique, and composition. While color, texture, and composition are all important components of fiber art, the story is the driving force behind Jo’s work. She is a natural story teller and believes art is a natural medium to share the struggle and joy of being human.
See more of Jo’s work on her website at http://www.noblefiberart.com/.
