jo hart art — ceramics by Jo Hart, St. Louis

Jo Hart thinks a lot about the concept of “too much.”

Her work centers around the idea of abundance. In her functional pieces, abundance usually comes via a mix of textures, colors, patterns, images. Through experiments and combinations, it asks: Is there a limit to maximalism? Where is that point? When is something too much, and when is it not enough?

Her sculptural pieces explore the idea of “too much,” as a confine put on women and women’s bodies. The work pushes back on this by celebrating the female figure, voice and lived experience.

Jo’s exploration of “too much,” across decades and throughout her body of work, comes in many forms: at various times pleasing and useful, repulsive and discomforting, banal and quiet. Through examination, viewers are invited to question the concept of “too much,” as well as their own experiences, and what they mean.

Jo holds an MFA in ceramics from Illinois State University and a BA in Visual Communications from Eastern Illinois University. She lives and works in St. Louis.