Jo Lorimer: Bringing Art to Everyone
Tara A. Spears
Art brings beauty into our world and makes it a better place. Local artist, Jo Lorimer, has dedicated her life to creating beauty while celebrating color and texture. For the last few years, Jo has broadened her repertoire to take art out of the studio and into the public consciousness in hopes of inspiring a sense of artistic enjoyment. She has tirelessly networked to try to get other artisans to gather for a Saturday art market. “I dreamed of having an art gallery since the 1980s,” said Jo. “I’m excited to open La Penita shop besides my studio.” She is passionate about participating at the Saturday and Monday outdoor market (tianguis) in Guayabitos plaza. To Jo, it isn’t about selling original items as much as displaying the art and motivating someone to make art a part of their life. You can contact Jo at 327 274 3492 or go to her website www.glassworksmx.com or check out the new gallery on highway 200 about a half kilometer north of the main La Penita avenida.
Art brings beauty into our world and makes it a better place.
For those new to the Jaltemba Bay area, Jo Lorimer originally started Glassworks, Calle #25 Reforma, as a stained glass material shop. It is where Jo creates and a place for you to get your custom designed windows, doors and glass supplies for the hobbyist. Over the years, Glassworks Studio Mx has expanded into a hub of creative lessons for a variety of artistic media. You can create stunning functional artwork to take home from vacation. There are currently five types of lessons planned:
Stained Glass Mosaics: Pictures, tables, wall hangings, frames, mirrors. There is no limit to re-imagining a common item in a beautiful form.
Fused Glass/Dichroic Jewelry/Hot Mosaics: Fused glass is a very interesting and creative process from inception to firing. Typical creative objects are plates, jewelry, wind chimes, night lights, cabinet knobs and Christmas ornaments.
Pottery: Enjoy different methods of creating with clay such as building, rolling and coiling. It is truly enjoyable to create, fire, glaze and refire…the results are beautiful and you can also embellish with glass.
Silk Painting: Color dyes and wax resist are used to paint on silk. The results are absolutely breathtaking. Many find the process of painting to be relaxing. 
Besides her eye for color and composition, Jo’s biggest strength is her passion for creating- it’s contagious! Those who have taken art classes with Jo have only raves about the experience. “I never thought I was talented but with Jo’s guidance and positive attitude I was pleasantly surprised that my project looked so good!” said one fused glass participant. Many find the laid back studio to be inspiring-; with all of the art on display it’s easy to get motivated.
Jo believes that art is important as an intellectual stimulant. A good artist evokes emotions through the intertwining of subject, color, and texture. “I am so thrilled when I create something that evokes feelings in the viewer.”
Art has the intrinsic ability to elevate the commonplace. It lifts the viewer beyond the confines of reality and into another world, such as the use of art to express fantasy or escapism. No matter which type of medium, art communicates across cultures, tells the stories of the past and present, and inspires minds to do beautiful things. “I need art as part of my life and wish for others to appreciate beauty- to make it, enjoy it and to do it together!” explained Jo when asked about about why she trudges to the markets week after week.
In a very real sense, Jo is an art activist: She makes art to communicate beauty with everyone. She is striving to bring together the local talent to form an artist community because she feels it’s important. One can only applaud Jo Lorimer’s art talent, caring and dedication. Visit her studio between 10 am – 3:00 pm Monday through Friday or the new Glassworks MX Gallery 10 am-1:00 pm Tuesday through Friday. Stop by her market booth on Mondays and Saturdays.
