Acrylic Pours on gallery wrap 12x16 inch canvas

Can be paired with Blue Smoke II to create a dyptych.

Artist Jo Smoley is known for her technique of pouring brilliant colour combinations of paint onto fluid pillows of white and manipulating the results.Blue Smoke shows respect for the ancient art of smudging. Smudging is traditionally a ceremony for purifying or cleansing the soul of negative thoughts of a person or place.

During a smudge plant leaves or stems are placed in the container and ignited (preferably with a wooden match). The flames are then gently blown out and the smoke, which heals the mind, heart and body, is wafted over the person, either by hand or with an eagle feather. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. The ashes traditionally are returned to mother earth by disposing them outside on bare soil - it is believed that the negative thoughts and feelings have been absorbed by the ashes. A person can smudge themselves, or, someone can lead a smudge by holding the container and directing the smoke over others.

Smudging is also used to clear negative energy from rooms and homes.

Jo Smoley grew up in Winnipeg’s trendy Wolseley area into an extremely creative family who taught her everything was possible if you wanted it bad enough. All you have to do is work at it until you get it right and so through a impressive list of mentors, networking and perseverance, she is doing just that.  “I believe becoming an artist takes a lifetime,” Jo says. “Along this journey you rediscover and reinvent your technique, always searching for your own personal perfection and signature style.”

Her semi abstract approach captures a visual sensation of the complicated interactions of life around us.

Her work has found its way into homes across Canada, the USA, Germany and Trinidad.  She has artist connections all over the world through social media. She currently has displays at Warehouse Artworks, Gwen Fox Gallery, Tradition Law, RM of East St. Paul and RE/MAX Performance.

Jo is a long time member of LCAG (Local Colour Art Group) and creates their monthly newsletter to keep their 100+ members informed.

She has participated and been involved in the formation of the Artists of East St. Paul Art Tour and created the brochure and poster for the past 4 yearly events. As well, she coordinates an evening in East St Paul, where once a week, artists paint while sharing their skills, ideas and knowledge.

In 2019 she received an award from the RM of East St Paul for her volunteer work in promoting art in the community.

She has been juried into Winnipeg’s premier art show, Art Expo in 2018 and will be participating this year on October 23-25th, 2020.

“Two Eyes One Soul” was a solo show, featuring her artwork, hosted by Warehouse Artworks at 222 McDermot Avenue in September 2018. Her art continues to be featured there.