Jo Darvall is an accomplished artist with over 30 years of experience, celebrated for her innovative landscape painting and printmaking. Winner of the 2023 Collie Art Prize, Australia’s richest regional art award, Jo's work has earned international recognition.

A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, she has practiced across Western Australia, Singapore, Fiji, and major Australian cities, including Melbourne and Sydney. Jo is also a passionate contributor to the arts community, co-founding the Artists for Kids Culture Trust and the Swan River Print Studio at Goolugatup Heathcote Gallery.

To learn more, visit www.jodarvall.com

Interview with Jo Darvall: Storytelling through Painting and Printmaking

Proartika: Jo, could you start by telling us about your artistic practice and your creative journey?

Jo Darvall: I live in Perth, Western Australia, working primarily in painting, printmaking, drawing, and watercolour. I try to paint every day, constantly exploring stories that compel me. For me, art is the best way to communicate these stories, whether they come from history, the landscape, or personal observation. Painting and printmaking help me interpret these themes authentically.

Proartika: Your work seems deeply connected to place and storytelling. How does that manifest in your art?

Jo Darvall: Yes, place is very important. For example, my show about the You Yangs, a mountainous area near Melbourne, was inspired by how people often drive past without really seeing that landscape’s beauty and stories. Through my work, I hope to bring viewers to that place emotionally, making them feel as if they are experiencing it firsthand. Art is about creating a mood and transporting people.

Proartika: You also emphasise audience engagement. How important is it to you that people connect with your work?

Jo Darvall: It’s crucial. If no one engages with the work, then I feel I haven’t achieved what I set out to do. I try to make beautiful, inviting paintings that draw people in with colour and texture. Discussions with viewers often reveal new insights about my own work, which then propel future projects.

Proartika: You mentioned colour and texture a lot. Could you tell us more about their role in your practice?

Jo Darvall: Colour is a powerful way to attract and move people. Texture works as a secondary layer that invites closer attention. I often mix my own pigments, experimenting with how colours interact within a painting’s complex composition. The way pieces relate to each other in an exhibition is also something I carefully consider, making sure everything harmonises.

Proartika: What are some challenges you’ve encountered in your art career, and how do you navigate them?

Jo Darvall: One big challenge is the competitive and changing nature of the art industry. Unlike the past, artists today often operate as their own business, which can be stressful. I've also had to learn how to balance showcasing my work, applying for awards, and keeping confidence. Authenticity and persistence are key, believing in your own story is what ultimately helps you stand out.

Proartika: You won the Collie Art Prize in 2023. How did that impact your career?

Jo Darvall: Winning was a huge honor and gave me resources to fund exhibitions and focus more on my practice. It also brought recognition, which helped elevate my career. But beyond that, it reaffirmed my commitment to what I make rather than chasing money or fame. The Collie win was about validating years of dedicated work.

Proartika: Any advice for emerging artists starting their journey?

Jo Darvall: Get curious, keep painting and making, and don’t be afraid of rejection. Apply for shows, grants, and prizes even if you’re unsure. Build confidence by staying authentic to yourself and your stories. Keep your practice grounded in what you care about, not in trends or external pressures.

Proartika: Thank you Jo for finding time to talk with us.

Jo Darvall: Thank you Ivana and Kamila.