Jo Wooler's mojocreations shines at the 42nd Salon de la Marine

by Jeni Bone on 14 Dec 2011 Artist and sculptor, Jo Wooler is again showing in Paris with her stainless steel creation '360 degrees' accepted by the Jury of the 42nd Salon de la Marine and on display at the National Maritime Museum in Paris from 2 December until 8 January 2012.

The exhibition is a biennial showcase that celebrates marine themed art work, in all mediums, from painting, drawing, printmaking and photography, to tapestry, sculpture and medals. The Jury is selected from France’s Navy Painters, the official artists of the navy. The event's history spans more than 80 years.

Entirely her own vision, inspired by sailing boats, '360 Degrees' represents the world, on top of a compass, evoking all aspects of sailing, all types of vessels, uniting people around the world and then reflecting back at the world through its interlocking facets and shimmering surfaces.

'I decided to do something totally different,' explains Jo. 'They were impressed with the piece and were struck by the stark difference from the marine creatures I have become known for over the past decade.'

Jo’s classic 'Lion Fish' sculpture was accepted to the exhibition in 2009.

She continues: 'Very rarely do they accept international artists. In 2009 I was the only foreign artist. There were 450 submissions and only 110 were selected, and I was one of them. This year, it was opened up to more foreign artists, but it’s still highly contested.'

Jo sent the piece over to Paris and admits sending the artwork unaccompanied 'was scary!'

'But I built the crate for it, so I know it was safe. I couldn’t get to Paris for the exhibition, but some of my friends who are in Paris went to the opening and say it is wonderful!'

One of them, David Booth said he saw the sculpture from several yards away and it was 'arresting'. 'He was struck by the brilliant colours, the different planes, which he said were startling,' says Jo.

Jo is busy with commissions from around the world and locally, and is poised to send another piece over to Dubai to the Majlis Gallery, with the theme of the culturally significant Racing Dhows.

She is also entering the jewellery market. 'So many people have asked me. I will be making a range of stainless steel pieces in 2012. If people want a piece of mojocreations, but can’t afford or accommodate a large piece, or if they want it for a gift, jewelley is another great part of the mojocreations story.'

Mojocreations Floating Gallery will have a showing of Jo’s new works, including stainless steel jewellery in the New Year at the Keppel Bay Marina, Roslyn Bay, Queensland, Australia.

You can see more at www.mojocreations.com.au