10 QUESTIONS: Jo Shane


To keep the female subjects of our signature 10 questions series going we sat down to chat with local artist Jo Shane. Jo is currently in a three woman show titled Hair Raising at Secret Sixteen Gallery (located behind Martine and Juan) which will be up through August 2nd. There will be a closing party on August 2nd from 5 – 7:00pm. She works in Montauk and the city, has recently curated and shown at the SPRING/BREAK Art Show and has shown at various galleries on the east end including The Fireplace Project and Neoteric Fine Arts.

Check out her responses and a taste of her work below! 

LT: What’s your deal?

JS: Constructing art from objects and images within my environment that are reflexive of my personal experience and the culture at large. Recently, I have been doing a lot of works on paper involving ocean water, bleach, sunlight, detritus (abandoned items off the beach and streets) and flora, allowing me to work in different locations.

LT: Why Montauk?

JS: Its wild and natural beauty stole my heart and it acts as an energetic forcefield in so many ways. Additionally, it has always been a magnet for big offbeat personalties and creatives.

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Photo by Lily Ives

LT: Long or short?

JS: Long, it’s too late for short.

LT: In your opinion – what is the best, or worst, thing about Montauk?

JS: Best: nature / Worst : leaving

LT: Low Tide or High Time?

JS: Low Tide.

LT: What is your favorite place to eat – or drink – in Montauk?

JS: On my deck in the trailer park after a surf session.

LT: If you could instantly realize one wish, what would it be?

JS: To produce my vision without financial or environmental restraint.

LT/JS: Before I sleep I always _reflect on something positive_.

LT: Favorite artist? Why?

JS: So many – I’m gonna throw out some semi-recognizable ones though! Sylvie Fleury because she creates post consumer art to rival the big boys. Richard Prince because his work is a social commentary reflexive of our culture and is always one step ahead; he’s an in your face provocateur that everyone loves to hate and is taking on the Andy Warhol mantle with his Instagram works. John McCracken because his sculptures are simultaneously sublime and evocative of surfboards. Alice Neel because she painted the most searing portraits of the 20th century. Lucien Smith because he always surprises me, is an art prankster, supports my work and is going to blow up existing art dissemination models with his STP Creative Foundation.

LT/JS: I love to _get good  feedback__ because _it makes me happy___.