My work reflects my interests in Biblical theology, poetry and the landscape and culture of rural north Monmouthshire in Wales, UK, where I live. 

I am a chartered engineer and Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management. I have a Master of Philosophy degree from the University of Cardiff Business School (2000). I held chief officer positions in three UK local authorities prior to taking early retirement in 2001.

 Following my retirement I studied art at Hereford College of Art and Design and was awarded a Higher National Diploma in Fine Art in 2005. I began exhibiting in 2004 and enjoyed early success in major competitions and regional exhibitions. I began study for an MA/MFA in Printmaking with the University of Wales, Newport, in October 2008 and will complete my studies in 2010.

 I am a Reader (licensed to take services, preach and teach) in the Church in Wales and my wife and I are also active members of a rural Baptist church.

 I exhibit throughout the year in churches in the Welsh Marches and my work can be seen in Gallery 54 at Ross on Wye and The Apple Store Gallery at Brockhampton, near Hereford, UK .

 Awards in open competitions include: 

·      Hunting Art Prizes, Royal College of Art Gallery, London, February 2004

·      Triennial Open Print, Royal West of England Academy, Bristol, May-June 2004.

·      Cheltenham Art Prize exhibition, July 04.

·      Originals 05, Mall Galleries, London, 16 – 26 February 2005.

·      Welsh Artist of the Year Exhibition, St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, June-July 2005

·      Christmas Exhibition, The Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff, December 05

·      Welsh Artist of the Year Exhibition, St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, June-Aug 2006

·      5th Lessedra World Art Print Annual - mini print, Sophia , Bulgaria, June-September 2006

·      Biennial International Mini Print, Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada, June- July 2006

·      ‘Miniworks 2007’, The Courtyard Arts Centre, Hereford, September 2007

·      Naestved International Exhibition of Contemporary Mini Square Prints, Denmark, March– April 2008

·      Symmetry, Original Print Gallery, Dublin, February 2009

·      Wrexham Print International 2009, Wrexham then on tour, 2009

·      “Influence”, Brock St. Gallery, Bath, March 2009

·      RWA Open Print 2009, Royal West of England Academy, August – Sept 09

Appendix: 

Two recent examples of Jo's work that reflect the culture in Wales are in the woodcut images "Ioannis" and "Anne Morgan", both in the Black & White Collection, and both done from images on their stone tomb in Skenfrith, Wales. Ioannis (John) Morgan was the last Lord of Skenfrith. He died in 1557 and his wife Anne died in 1564. The top of the tomb has the images of John and Anne side by side in shallow relief - sadly the stone is badly affected by the environment in the church and the carving is being lost. 

More information about the church and the tomb may be found at the church website at www.skenfrith.org The writing on the tomb, which is in Latin, reads as follows:

"HOC TUMULO CONDITA SUNT CORPORA IOHANNIS MORGAN, ARMIGERI, QUI OBIT 2 DIE SEPTEMBRIS ANNO D’NI 1557, ET ANNE UXORCIS EIUS QUE OBIT 4 DIE IAN. ANNO D’NI 1564 QUORUM ANIMABUS PROPICIENTUR DEUS."