Jo Gamel
In my monumental oil still lifes, I delve into the ocean as a symbol of the feminine spirit’s depth and complexity, inspired by the rich mythology of water goddesses and sea creatures across cultures. The sea, with its dual nature—nurturing yet destructive—mirrors the multifaceted roles women play globally. These myths, while distinct in origin, converge in their representation of the feminine spirit's power and complexity.
Many of the shells and marine artifacts I paint are ones I’ve personally collected during my surfing and snorkeling adventures—each one a tangible memory of time spent immersed in the ocean’s embrace. These objects carry a sensory weight, imbued with salt, light, and movement.
Inspired by the tradition of early still life painters like Clara Peeters and Rachel Ruysch, I use large-scale oil paintings to elevate marine life, creating a visceral engagement with these powerful, mythical beings. I lean into the history of vanitas painting—known for contemplating the eternal and the temporal—as a framework for exploring the tension between the fleeting beauty of life and the enduring power of myth. The monumental scale amplifies the emotional and symbolic depth of the sea, inviting the viewer to confront its untamable force. Vivid, saturated colors—echoing the luminous intensity of Georgia O'Keeffe and Emily Eveleth—highlight the transformative essence of the sea, underscoring the mystery and beauty of the feminine.
Through this expansive scale and vibrant palette, I seek to reframe myth, identity, and power, immersing the viewer in the eternal connection between women and the vast, elemental force of the ocean.
Contact
jodee_joan@yahoo.com
@jogamel
Interview
What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
The ocean inspires me through its beauty, danger, and mythic depth. It reflects the complexity of feminine identity. Collecting seashells while surfing and snorkeling connects me directly to that source and keeps my practice grounded and energized.
How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
My mission is to honor the power and mystery of the feminine through myth and marine symbolism. I use monumental still lifes and vanitas traditions to explore themes of transformation, strength, and vulnerability.
Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
I begin by gathering natural objects during ocean adventures. These tactile experiences help me stay present and intentional in the studio, rooting my work in both emotion and memory.
What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
I trust the ebb and flow. Like the tide, creativity returns. When stuck, I return to nature, allowing time and movement to reset my perspective. Ultimately, I trust the quality of my artwork as its own creative force.
How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
I hope my work creates space for reflection and empowerment, especially for women. By blending myth, beauty, and memory, I aim to reconnect viewers with the sacred and emotional depth of the feminine spirit.
