Jo McDonald

Reconnections

Recent times have brought about many challenges, foremost being feelings of disassociation and disconnection. The human spirit has proven resilient and resourceful. We have adapted and found new ways of connecting with each other. Now, it is important to reach out again, to share our stories and re-establish our connections.

Unique Recollections II

I used 900 books in this entire work. The written literary content was not important to me, due to the sheer volume of material needed. I cut the pages into 1cm wide strips, then knotted the strips onto cotton warp on a loom, in the style of Turkish Knotting.

Revised Edition 2003 (All Rights Reserved)

This piece is constructed of hundreds of 15cm square flat weavings, woven on a handloom, using monofilament as the warp and paper as the weft, then threaded onto a metal circular ring. The execution of the final piece of work is often a repetitive process of building up a number of units.

Coronach

The books used in this piece have a special significance to me, as they are from my late father's collection, who sadly died in 2010. The work is a homage to him. It is a physical representation of him, which I can see and touch, and remember him by.

Mortal Coil

The title is a term for the troubles of daily life and the suffering of the world. It is used in the sense of a burden to be carried or abandoned. Over time, stories become inter-twined. They wrap around each other, and become inter-connected.

We're No Awa' Tae Bide Awa'

We're No Awa' Tae Bide Awa' is a Scottish song. The first verse translates as: We are not going to stay away, We are not away to leave you, We are not away to stay away, We will always come back and see you. This piece is a homage to my late father.

Short Stories

This is one of the first pieces I made with the 3cm squares of paper threaded onto monofilament. It represents the way history, tradition and stories become interwoven over time.

Networking

Wall hanging. Second-hand books, monofilament and wooden bobbins.

Treasured

Wall hanging. Second-hand books, cotton warp, sisal, hemp and monofilament.

Tales of the Unexpected

Wall hanging. Second-hand books, monofilament and metal.