Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Smitherman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi, My name is Joanna but my artist name is Geek Jojo. I have been an artist as long as I can remember. I won my first award for my art at a library drawing contest back in elementary school and have not stoped bring art into the world since( 12 art shows and 8 awards later). My art is connected to life experiences, my whimsical imagination and my love of story telling. While my main medium concentration is watercolor I also do acrylic(canvas & murals), sculptures and make costumes as well. I am a strong believer that if you have a gift its your life goal to share it with the world and thats something I have passed on to my children (ages 10 & 12) who are also budding artist getting into animation and comics.
When I am not making art you can find me going for a hike/camping, visiting a museum, dressing up for a renaissance fair or staying up way to late so I can read one more chapter of the book that has captivated me this month.
If I were to give some advice to another artist ( which is everyone because we all are creative)…its to get out there and have life experiences, go on an adventure, visit all your local museums and parks, meet people outside your normal bubble…..this is where the ideas come from, this is where your new creative passions catch on fire, this is how to grow and expand the possibilities in your art….by experiencing life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth rode? Absolutely not. Major life changes (marriage, deaths, births, moves) becomes overwhelming and art takes a back burner to other life events. When that happens life gets unbalanced, a part of me is missing and it’s hard to get back into the practice of doing art again.
How I have combat this in the past has been going on artist dates ( something I learned from the famous book “Artist Way” by Julia Cameron). An artist date is where you go out by yourself to do something that sparks creativity. Examples would be:
– Go for a nature walk and take photos of your favorite plants or trees that look like they have faces
– Visit a museum and learn about the artist and really study how they made their artwork
-Go to a concert and dance
-Visit the Dollar store ( AKA $1.25 store) and get a kid coloring book or toy to play with
All of these will get you out of your slump and ease you back into being creative again.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Water Color artist ( traditional and digital) but I also do Acrylic on canvas/murals, Scultures and create Costumes.
I am known for my whimsical artwork that has a story telling aspect to it.
Its hard to say what I am most proud of because I am so sure there are more art/projects/shows/opportunities that are coming my way that are grander then anything I have done so far…but if you want to know as of today I am proud to have been part of 8 art shows, won several awards, Painted Murals in Leesburg and also have been featured as a must see Local Talent in the Lake & Sumter Style Magazine.
The thing that sets me apart from others would be by style and imagination. I have a tech background ( my main job is in Tech) and a creative colorful flowing mind. Thats how I got the name “Geek Jojo” I am always wanting to make something magical/vintage but with a touch old technology (think 80’s/ 90’s) that gives it a dreamy feel as if it was taken on a Polaroid camera while listening to your favorite cassette tape.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is spreading the joy of art and making sure everyone gets a chance to find what form of art speaks to them. Everyone is creative, you just have to find your specific style and that takes time, life experiences and practice. Everyone deserve to find their spark on this earth while they are here for this wild ride.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.geekjojo.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/geekjojo
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thegeekjojo
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/joannasmitherman
