Jo Hamilton is a Portland-based artist who creates awesome figurative images of the people and the environment around her using crochet as her medium. She took formal training in Painting and Drawing from Glasgow School of Art but her deep interest in crochet led her to create such wonderful crochet images.

‘I first learned to crochet when I was six and my Gran taught me how to make a granny square. Ten years later a friend re-taught me, and I crocheted in a crafty way for years', says Jo.

Her artistic beauty and a determined approach towards using 'Crochet' as a medium compelled me to contact her for an interview. She has been kind enough to take out time to talk to us. Lets catch it below:

Jo, please introduce yourself to E-junkies.

My name is Jo Hamilton. I'm from Scotland, and moved to Portland, Oregon in the mid-nineties, after graduating from the Glasgow School of Art with a BFA.

You create beautiful crochet images of people and your environment. Tell us more about your work. When and how did you start it?

I've been working with crochet for almost five years now. My first piece was the cityscape 'I Crochet Portland'. I worked on it for about three years, after being inspired by a local craft show to try creating pictorial crochet. Looking at that piece, you can see my technique evolving from the simplest block buildings in the center, out to more ornate Victorian houses and trees. The portraits were begun during that time-after my coworkers were teasing me about my new project, I threatened to crochet them, and the idea was born.

What motivates the artist within you? Is there anyone whom you look up to?

I'm motivated by simple things- color, the love of making, wanting to push my technique to create new things.

What influences your choice of crochet designs?

I've always done aerial cityscapes, and portraits. Mugshots are another fascination of mine.

You draw and paint too. What do you like the most to draw?

These days, I'm fond of doing quick sharpie drawings.

Gent Night

How much time does it take to make a single crochet image?

Each portrait usually takes about a month. I don't plan ahead, just start in the middle and work my way out. I often have to unravel parts and rework until it's right. Also I spend a lot of time simply looking, and choosing the right color for each detail.

Which creation of yours is closest to your heart and why?

Probably the cityscape because I put so much work into it. The portrait of Bryon is one of my favorites; there's a lot of life in that one.

Crochet Portland, detail

Share with us the best compliment you've ever received for your work.

Someone posted this on a blog in response to my work:

"Wow! I wonder how she figured out how to use so much more percentage of her brain than the rest of us? " - I liked that one a lot.

What's next? Is there any dream project of yours?

My dream is to be able to make a living doing this. I'm working on some large male nudes which I hope to show later this year. I'd also like to find a public home for my cityscape.

Do you have any message for our readers?

Do what you love, even if it seems a bit mad.

Jo, thanks for a crisp and wonderful interview. Your artwork is amazing! We wish you all the very best!

You can visit his website at JoHamiltonArt.com.


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