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, Ontario. 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

“Within my process I connect with my work on a deep level, through the use of symbolism, narrative and subsequent self-reflection. As a female Canadian artist, Emily Carr has been a major influence on my practice and to an even greater degree American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, both with their bold use of colour and abstracted simplification.  In painting my compositional elements, I tend to incorporate a personality into my subjects, whether it be a home or the environment itself.

In our world today, having a sense of home does not necessarily come easily. With major global displacement, our society is an ever-changing landscape. People all over are in search of a living environment, whether within our natural surroundings or our city streets. For many, including myself, home can symbolize a sense of belonging, and a safe place. The psychological aspects that home represents are many, offering an inward investigation into who we really are. Home is where we exist creating our own unique part of the world.

With my art, the intended hope is to connect with the viewer on an emotional level exploring memories, places and concepts. Through my paintings, I offer reflection that emotionally informs the viewer as to where they have been and where they wish to go. My objective,by focusing on themes of hope, nature and home, is to inspire positivity, create a sense of peacefulness, and to lift people up.“

Read Jodi Kitto-Ward's "One Day in a Studio" interview.