Summer Sounds, Sunlight and Smiles – Jo Tilker’s Celebration of Everyday Joy

Q. What role did creativity play in your early years
growing up in Sydney?
A. I have always loved all things creative and would spend
hours drawing or painting in my spare time. Anything became a subject, my family, the landscape around me, and scenes from my imagination.

I pursued this passion up until my HSC (Year 12) however was discouraged from continuing in the arts by well meaning family and friends. At the time, social media was only starting, and art as a career seemed impossible.

Q. What made you pick up painting again after living overseas?
A. Spending 9 months overseas travelling through South
America, the US and then France was life changing. During this time I visited various museums and galleries in each continent, and I felt rejuvenated by seeing such a rich variety of self expression and colour. This time also was valuable in helping me to refocus on what was important and to pursue what I was passionate about. It motivated me to pick up the brushes again.

Q. How did your time in Europe influence your art?
A. Spending time in Europe, I was able to immerse myself
in art with so many incredible museums within easy reach.

The Impressionists in particular will always have a soft spot in my heart and I loved seeing so many different still life paintings, particularly those by Cezanne. Matisse’s use of bold colour and pattern was also inspiring. I draw on many influences that I love to create something that personally speaks to me.

Q. How would you describe your painting style?
A. It’s still life, but with a modern, joyful take in contrast
to darker or symbolic still life’s. My paintings are bright
and bold, but balanced compositions that play with light and shadow and are evocative of the good times shared with others.

Q. What draws you to still life as a subject?
A. There is something about a still life that sparks my imagination as to the who and the why, and it really is a mirror of everyday life. For me, my still life’s are all about capturing or bringing back joyful shared memories.

Q. How do you bring an Australian twist into a subject with European roots?
A. I love inserting little things, like native flora, a book
with an Australian theme, or seafood that makes it feel distinctively Australian. The bright, bold colours also
reflect our sunny context and climate.

Q. Which artists or styles inspire you the most?
A. Paul Cezanne, Emily Raubenheimer, and Ka Mo.

Q. How important is memory and storytelling in your art?
A. It’s at the absolute heart of my art. It’s why I create my
paintings, and I think it’s why collectors purchase my art,
it’s because it evokes a special memory for them.

Q. What’s the story behind your favourite piece so far?
A. I created a really personal piece for my sister. They
are big foodies so she had their favourite drinks, their favourite cookbook, oysters and the vase they had
in their living room with a stunning eucalyptus arrangement and playing cards to represent each
member of the family.

It’s such a happy and deeply personal artwork that hangs in in their dining room, and it always gets so many great compliments. I love it for what it represents – them as
a family.

Q. What’s your dream tablescape to capture on canvas?
A. It’s hard to say, there’s so many options!!! It’s probably
something that I am yet to paint so I am excited to
explore further. 

Q. If you could paint only three objects forever, what would they be?
A. Lemons, glasses, shadows.

Q. If your art had a soundtrack, what would it sound like?
A. The gentle crash of the ocean, cicadas, clinking glasses,
background chatter and laughter, basically the sounds
of summer.

Q. How does it feel to have your work part of this season
of The Block Daylesford?
A. It’s surreal! The Block is something I have loved for
years. Beyond painting, I love interior design and am always tinkering with our layout and décor (much to
my husband’s amusement) so I always love seeing the finished homes of The Block. Having my work be on the show is just incredible!

Q. What do you hope your art says about you as an artist?
A. That I am not afraid to play with colour, and that I just want to add some vibrant art and joy to the world in a
way that is personally meaningful. I love when collectors connect with a piece because it sparks a personal memory or special feeling for them. It’s truly art for the heart.