Written by Anna Itkonen
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Jo S Stacey is an artist whose work resonates with the beauty of nature and the spirit of life. Her canvasses inspire through their vivid portrayals of the natural world, reminding us all of the power and beauty inherent in our shared experiences. Her journey as an artist speaks of the profound connections between art, spirit, and the life we lead.
Jo S Stacey
We talked to Jo about beautiful paintings, horses and cows, spirituality in art and the challenges and joys of being an artist.
“For me, horses symbolise vitality and spirit. When I paint them, I’m not just capturing their physical form; I’m trying to convey the essence of a person’s spirit. I believe that each colour I choose represents different aspects of life—spirituality, logic, and emotions. Sometimes, I simply paint something because it’s beautiful, but with horses, it’s like I’m calling out to the spirit within a person.”
The Muddy Climb | 79 x 64cm, Oil on canvas
“I studied strategic psychotherapy and was a life coach. My work intertwined with that background, especially when I started creating free videos on managing anxiety and depression. Those videos helped people find hope and support, and when I transitioned to painting, my audience naturally followed. I still infuse those uplifting messages into my art and descriptions, aiming to inspire and remind people of their potential.”
Brahman’s In The Deepwater Mist | 79 x 64cm, Oil on canvas
“Art has a dual role. While some believe artists must challenge the status quo, I think it’s equally important to gently remind people of their own capabilities and the beauty around them. Many have told me that my work inspires them to feel powerful and at peace, and that’s incredibly rewarding. My goal is to share messages that resonate within and encourage people to engage with the world positively.”
Heading Out To Location On Pisa Range | 35.4 x 45.6cm, Oil on canvas
“I start with an underpainting in transparent colours, like raw umber and burnt sienna. It helps me check the balance and composition. From there, I layer colours and details as I go. Inspiration can strike from various sources—profound conversations, a beautiful scene, or even a fleeting moment, like a magpie in my garden. I often sketch live to capture these moments.”
Not Through Me | 125 x 105cm, Oil on canvas
“Initially, I struggled with colour and painted mostly in monochrome. But as I worked through personal challenges, colour began to emerge in my work, and I embraced it fully. Growing up in the countryside, I developed a keen appreciation for the vast colour palette of nature. My style has become a blend of realism with an impressionist touch, often reflecting the simple beauty of life.”
Reg’s Wandering Geese At Monto | 35.4 x 45.6cm, Oil on canvas
“I want to experiment more with watercolor. I find it a useful drawing technique. I also aim to make time to paint on-site rather than just drawing. That shift in perspective is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. It’s important for me to reconnect with the world and capture those vibrant scenes directly.”
Your Steps Have Been Ordered | 76 x 100cm, Oil on canvas
“The biggest challenge was overcoming the internal conflict between accuracy and artistic expression. I used to focus so much on getting it ‘right’ that the painting would lose its soul. Now, I embrace the journey of creation, allowing myself to enjoy the process rather than rush to finish. I’ve learned there’s beauty in every phase of a painting’s development, which has made my practice much more fulfilling.”
Morning Visits | 121.5 x 61cm , Oil on canvas
“My philosophy centres on the idea of making a meaningful impact in small ways. I believe in the power of compassion and the privilege we have to touch lives through our work. Art can reflect that beauty, reminding us of what is worthy of preservation—both in nature and within ourselves.”
Midday Dreaming – Wild Horses In Utah | 185.5 x 94cm, Oil on canvas
“Inspiration comes from the world around me—the joyful dance of life, deep conversations, or even witnessing small acts of kindness. Each moment can ignite that creative fire, pushing me to capture the essence of beauty and truth in my work.”
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1st Nov. – 24th Jan.
ART LOVERS AUSTRALIA GALLERY | MELBOURNE
300 Wellington St., Collingwood Victoria 3066
Our 2024 Salon exhibition is a vibrant celebration of creativity, featuring over 50 talented artists and more than 150 artworks, all under one metre. This diverse collection offers something for everyone, from striking figurative pieces and bold Pop art to serene landscapes, captivating abstracts, and timeless still life.
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