Thursday Night: First Thursday - Jody Joldersma

Jody uses imagery to explore cultural boundaries through visual narrative. Using an assortment of traditional media: cut paper, photography and self-developed sculptural techniques, she draws upon the experience of growing up caught between a culturally repressive conservative suburb and the rural escapism of her Grandparent's farm.  Eluding gender roles and escaping to the freedom of nature have been consistent themes in Jody's art, as well as the conflation of humor and tragedy. From early exposures to nature, the exploration of color and texture have always been dominant in her work.  I personally think she was successful in not only having these grotesque and disturbing images she produces; she has a deep meaning or concept behind each one that makes you feel both ridiculously uncomfortable and sickened.  She could have have just whipped out these pieces just because she likes or thinks gross things are cool, but her pieces are very strong with having both meaning and that grotesque element.  I don't know if she was doing these pieces for more of a personal reasoning, but if she were doing it more from a political perspective, then I think she has succeeded very well because she made me feel something from a personal point when viewing her work.