Continuing on our journey into the world of wonderful creative locals, this week we’re meeting Jo. It would be hard not to love her trademark linocut prints — they’re bright, fun, humorous and really won’t fail to make you smile. Like any good creative business she’s created a product that’s instantly recognisable as her own and yet seems to have unlimited scope in terms of new designs and products. Whether it’s selling on NOTHS or organising pop-up shops in Tring she is just nailing this creative business shizzle and we love it!

So let’s hear Jo’s story…

Tell us about Lucky Lobster Art — what do you do?

Hi I’m Jo and I am a British linocut printmaker. I create linocut prints and homewares inspired by the coast, a love of animals and romance. I create prints, tea towels, cards and notebooks.

Each design starts life with a pencil drawing, which is then transferred to a piece of lino. I spend time carving and removing the parts of the design that I want to stay white. The printed design is the part of the lino, which has been left behind. Ink is then applied to the design and the print is created.

All of my designs are created in my studio in Tring, fondly known as “The Lobster Pot”.

“The Lobster Pot” is also used to hold weekly art lessons and creative workshops. I teach classes in watercolours, acrylic painting and mixed media. I even have some new Christmas card painting sessions available in the evenings.

Where does the Lobster come from and why is it so lucky?

My love affair with linocut started after receiving some shiny new linocut tools and a piece of lino for my birthday. I became hooked on this amazing print making method. My first design was the “You are my Lobster” print created for my husband; as Lobsters are life long partners, hence the name “Lucky Lobster Art!” I feel very Lucky to have found my Lobster!

How long have you run your business and what did you do prior to that?

I have been running Lucky Lobster Art for 2 years and prior to that I was a teacher. However, I do still teach art lessons in Tring and have been teaching art to adults for over 3 years.

Where can we find your products?

You can find my products in many stores through-out the UK. I am also on www.notonthehighstreet.com and I have my own website; www.luckylobsterart.co.uk

To attend one of my workshops or classes you can find me at Unit 30, Silk Mill Industrial Business Park, Brook Street, Tring, HP23 5EF or you can email me at: jo@luckylobsterart.co.uk

What would be your dream creation?

I think my dream creation would be to design a range of Lucky Lobster Art Wallpaper. I would like to have a whole wall full of Lobsters!

Now that we’d like to see!