Jodi Kitto-Ward

BIO

Jodi Kitto-Ward is a Sheridan College Fine Arts Graduate and an elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists, the Ontario Society of Artists and the Colour and Form Society. Painting mainly in acrylic, Jodi’s work is strongly influenced by line, colour and expression. Her style is representational, vibrant and simplified in form, evoking influences of Pop Art and Art Deco. Repeating within her body of work are landscapes and urban views, many inspired by Hamilton, Ont. where Jodi resides and works from her home studio. Jodi has won numerous awards including the Ina Gilbert 1st Award of Excellence from the Society of Canadian Artists in 2023. Her artwork can be found in public and private collections across Canada. 

ARTIST STATEMENT

The inspiration for my artwork is derived from art and the beauty of design that naturally occurs in places considered unusual and/or “ordinary”. My compositions can be based on something I’m first taken with visually, intellectually or emotionally, although I consider the intersections of all three before deciding if what I see before me will become a painting. Once a composition is chosen, my design is drawn on the canvas using lines and simplified shapes. This creates the freedom to focus solely on colour. Paint is applied evenly and hard edges are used to accentuate the colours, and also the overall design. Straight and curved lines in my compositions represent life’s contrasts: restraint and freedom, dark and light, pain and joy, etc.

These experiences often change from one into the other. Recognizing and observing these contrasts can lead to a deeper appreciation, an acceptance of change, and a sense of peace. These contrasts in life are the basis of my artwork, accompanied by the use of metaphors to inspire connective thinking. I view the act of painting as intertwined with both the subconscious and the universal allowing for a pure flow of truth to come forth, resonating with each viewer’s individual truth and interpretation.