In 2001 I began a journey of discovery. Not to Middle Earth but to the gates of the Eastern Institute of Technology in Hawkes bay where I started a degree in Visual Arts and Design. 

My kids had become an age that didn't need me to be at home for them all day everyday so my "late blooming" began. Suddenly I was immersed in all things arty and given a license to explore and push boundaries. An incredible sense of freedom followed and as long as I am creating something it stays with me. Some of the products from that time surprised even me but all were a necessary part of the process. I felt a needed to try everything that was on offer and this in turn led to a dilemma when I needed to choose a major media to focus on. 

Painting slowly took over my life and the need to create, essential. If I cant paint, I simply ain't me! I jumped straight from my Degree into a Diploma of Teaching, and that is my other job to this day. Inspiring young minds is such an honor, I become so excited about a particular lesson that I all I can think about is how my students will react. Teaching has opened my eyes on many levels and its only fair that I pass that love along to our youngsters.

 I have 4 series of artwork in progress at the same time. One provides an intensity that requires quiet to produce paintings with a realist quality, while another allows me to be wild and impulsive. A third provides a link to all things childish in nature balanced by the fourth that is fun, light and whimsical. I cant explain my obsession with using black and white, but for me is a bit like breathing. The need to strip away colour and focus on the tonal qualities of a work became paramount. Almost as if using colour would somehow interfere. When these works were born I thought it may just be a phase I was going through but as it has turned out, the phase is as important to me as a limb. Starting the Captain Hawk series has provided light relief with an infusion of colour and humor.

 It can be guaranteed that there is sure to be at least two paintings on my easels in my studio, a Captain Hawk and a black and white number, fulfilling the need to hold on to a limb and laugh about it! 

Hope you enjoy your journey into the world of my artwork.

Jo Eagle

2004 - 2005 Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawkes Bay. New Zealand 2001 - 2004 Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design Degree, major in Paint Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawkes Bay. New Zealand Exhibition Participation 2010 Exhibition of work at Studio Fifteen Gallery, Ahuriri, Napier, NZ 2009 Solo Exhibition, Greenwood Temporary Gallery, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay NZ 2009 Donation of Artwork for Charity Auction at Shattky on Russell Optometrists, Hastings NZ 2009 Napier Girls High School Jubilee Art Exhibition, Napier, NZ 2008 Solo Exhibition, Greenwood Temporary Gallery, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay NZ 2008 Donation of Artwork to School Auction, Greenmeadows, NZ 2004 Mazda Emerging Artist Awards, Auckland Hilton Hotel, Auckland NZ 2004 The Globe Gallery, Napier, NZ 2004 Foyer Gallery, Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawkes Bay, NZ 2004 Hawkes Bay Wine Country Gallery, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay, NZ 2004 Creative Napier Gallery, Napier, NZ 2003 Creative Napier, Silent Auction, Napier, NZ 2003 The Globe Gallery, Silent Auction, Napier, NZ 2003 Hawkes Bay Wine Country Gallery, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay, NZ 2003 Charity Auction. Hawkes Bay Museum, Napier NZ 2003 Christmas Sale, Hastings Community Arts Centre, Hastings NZ 2003 Level 6 Exhibition, Foyer Gallery, Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawkes Bay. NZ 2003 Mazda Emerging Artist Awards, Auckland Hilton Hotel, Auckland NZ 2002 Hep Set Mouch Café Gallery, Ahuriri, Napier, NZ 2002 Charity Auction. Hawkes Bay Museum, Napier NZ