Artist Statement 2026

Jo Gifford works in porcelain making small vessel based non-functional objects of a size relating to the hand. They are meticulously worked with a pattern hand carved into their external surface, sometimes piercing the integrity of the walls. 

Jo’s work explores ideas around boundaries, containment and categorisation.  With the thrown vessel as a starting point, she works with porcelain to provide a physical presence for her ideas to take shape; the hands on act of making is integral to this while also allowing the processes and material have their say.  She is fascinated by the containing function of the vessel and its connotations with the body, where external surface and shape are often the defining characteristic rather than what is contained.

Jo takes inspiration from the natural world especially the naturally occurring shapes and patterns.  She is interested in how we have developed our knowledge and understanding and in doing so often categorise and label based on certain visible characteristics; effecting how we perceive and judge what is around us.  She plays with the expectations and assumptions of the viewer, encouraging them to look more closely and question what they are seeing. 

CV

Jo Gifford (b.1975, UK)

Lives and works in Angus, UK.

Formerly a doctor, Jo Gifford graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Arts in 2015.  She now lives in Kirriemuir, where she has her ceramics studio.   Her work is held in private collections across the world and a number of galleries across the UK.

Education

BA Fine Art, First Class Honours, Chelsea College of Arts, UAL, 2012 - 2015

Art Foundation, Mary Ward Centre, 2011-12

MBChB (Hons), University of Leeds, 1994-2000

BSc Anatomy, University of Leeds, 1997

Group Exhibitions

2026 Mixed Summer Show, Gallery Heinzel, Aberdeen

2026 Holding Conversations Part Two, Custom Lane Gallery, Leith, Edinburgh

2025 The Thread that Pulls VAS Biennial, RSA, Edinburgh

2025 Meffan Winter Show, Meffan Museum and Art Gallery, Forfar

2025 Potfest Suffolk, Haughley Park, Suffolk

2025 Gallery Heinzel Summer Exhibition, 'Continuum', Aberdeen

2024 Meffan Winter Show, Meffan Museum and Art Gallery, Forfar

2024 SSA 126th Annual Exhibition, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh

2024 Roots and Wings, Scottish Potters Association collaboration with Gallery Heinzel and Manar House, Aberdeenshire

2024 Festival Exhibition, Graystone Gallery, Edinburgh

2024 Potfest Scotland, Scone Palace, Perthshire

2024 VAS RSA Centenary Show, RSA, Edinburgh

2023 SSA 125th Annual Exhibition, The Maclaurin Art Gallery, Ayr

2023 Meffan Winter Show, Meffan Museum and Art Gallery, Forfar

2023 Potfest Scotland, Scone Palace, Perthshire

2023 Angus Creatives Open Exhibition, Meffan Museum and Art Gallery, Forfar

2022 North, Visual Arts Scotland's Members Exhibition, Inverness Creative Academy

2022 Meffan Winter Show, Meffan Museum and Art Gallery, Forfar

2022 Telling Tales, Arbroath Library

2022 Wild Clay Exhibition, Glasgow SECC

2022 Ballad to the Water, The Watermill Gallery, Aberfeldy

2022 Potfest Scotland, Scone Palace, Perthshire

2021 Potfest Scotland, Scone Palace, Perthshire

2020 Bring in the Light, Tatha Gallery, Newport-On-Tay

2018 Space To Grow, Scottish Potters Association, Barn Gallery, Bield at Blackruthven

2016 Innovations in Ceramic Art, Guild Hall, Cambridge

2015 ProCreate Project Launch Exhibition, Women's Art Library, London

2015 FloatArt, London 

Reviews

Poulton, H. R.  (2015) Chelsea College of Arts Degree Show 2015 - Abject Dynamism Prevails. Available at:  http://www.artlyst.com/articles/chelsea-college-of-arts-degree-show-2015-abject-dynamism-prevails/

Awards

2015 Rosalie Schweiker Award