Artists

Jo Forsyth

Whirlygiggle

I am a maker of humorous interactive ceramics and mixed media objects. My range of tableware is designed to allow the user to fully engage with the personality of each piece. Bright colours and added elements such as wheels and springs conjure up associations of carnivals puppets, toys and games. All this is a deliberate ruse to encourage people to play with their food!

Over the last ten years I have been developing my style, combining studying with making and teaching. I completed a master’s degree in 2005 (20th century art and design theory) and this helped to focus my interests on the activities of individuals on the margins of culture. I am interested in questions concerning the nature of creativity and the unfortunately often-inevitable disempowerment of both the viewer and the maker of objects, by the sanctioned cultural art establishment.

The Spontaneous combustion project is an attempt to give back some responsibility to the viewer who must decide for him or herself whether a piece of work moves them.

The word Art surely must derive from the verb ‘To Be’. If the creative act is performed with integrity the maker will appear dressed in his or her own garments and not those New Clothes belonging to the emperor. If the viewer sees with open eyes, the whole body can respond and form an opinion.

I would like to think that when people see my work they also see a reflection of me. The integrity of my style is my strength and is not confined to a particular range of work. From eggcups to houses via bathrooms and swimming pools, this is my claim for the future.

There are as many different types of art as there are people. We need to have confidence in our own responses and stand up for Subjectivity.