Jo Briscoe
Jo is a weaver and textile artist who works from her studio at Sunny Bank Mill, Farsley, Leeds. Blue has long been the predominant colour running through her practice and this led her to explore the origins of blue dyes and pigments; specifically the history and use of indigo. She believes woven shibori to be one of the best examples of combining weave with indigo. Jo uses a wide range of materials: from silk and linen to monofilament; wire to air dried clay.
Inspiration comes from the often unseen world around her – earth viewed from space; ripple shadows on the sea bed; and the tension between the beauty of indigo and the historic abuses in its production. Jo is motivated by her advocacy for social justice.
Jo facilitates weaving and other textile workshops and offers individual weaving tuition.
Lived Experience
In 2017, alongside a long and successful career in healthcare, Jo began to explore her creative heritage by studying part-time for a HNC Contemporary Constructed Textiles at Bradford School of Art. After a lifetime as a maker of ‘things’, she discovered her true textile calling by learning to weave. Jo returned to Bradford School of Art for further part-time study, first for a Foundation degree, then a BA, in Textiles Practice, graduating in 2026.
In 2024, Jo was voted “Peoples Choice” at Ones to Watch exhibition, Sunny Bank Mills Gallery, Farsley, Leeds. She describes this as a turning point; a validation of her practice that has transformed how she views her standing as an artist.
Using her healthcare history & creative skills, Jo is interested in how these can combine to heal mind and body.
