Meet Jojo Alderson | Artist, designer and healer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jojo Alderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jojo, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.

I am in my happy place when I create. When ideas are flowing and I get to execute them.

But what really makes me happy is when I inspire people.
I love seeing my kids being inspired to create, problem solve and build.

If what I do can inspire someone else to create, learn something new or to follow their dream.
That makes me happy because then I have contributed to a happier world.

If we were all a little happier then we would all be a little more appreciative of what we have.
And take care of all the things that helps us live a happy life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the moment I am working on a collection of continuous work, exploring resilience and strength, taking inspiration from the cactus, which grows and blooms against all odds, out of the arid desert dirt.

I use the cactus as a symbol of fortitude, letting my intuition guide me with the choice of color and shape.

Inspired by energies that I have learned to see through my work as a Reiki healer. I am interested in the human journey and especially as women.
To bring this into my work, I am working with the tradition of women expressing creativity through textiles. By using this medium, I am able to draw on skills that I developed as a fashion and textile designer.

My work is different from others because its made by me. Shaped by my experiences and interests. I bring all my experiences in to the mix and I keep learning and evolving.

My practice currently involves mixed media, painting and textile design. And I am also a Reiki master and a healer apprentice. I like to think that I combine all this and that my art can be healing to myself and others.

For me a truly successful artist is following there essence. They don’t get confused by what others think.

This is something that has been hard for me. I have been distracted by what other people might like, what the rules are. And it is something that I have been consciously unlearning in the last few years.
I feel that I am getting there and I am excited by what kind of work the future will bring.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love exploring this city, there are so many hidden gem’s and always something new happening.

Most of the time I’ll bring my family with me. There for I like outings where you can see something, eat something and where there is space to explore and not too much waiting around.

My absolute favorite is the ocean. Cycling along the bike path down at Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Stopping for coffee or a bite to eat at White shark or Gjusta. Or I love driving along the PCH out to Malibu the coast line is so beautiful and interesting with the varied architecture.

There are so many great beaches and for different reasons.
But when I visit a new place I love people watching and a beach that is great for that is Surfrider. You got the sweet multi generational surf community that are like taken from a movie and people that has travelled from all over LA.
Next to it you have cute Malibu pier with Malibu cafe if you fancy some refreshments. Or Malibu lagoon for a quieter vibe and kids love playing in the shallow water there.
And if you get hungry you have to try the lobster roll at Broadstreet oyster cafe it is delicious. I love having it protein style wrapped in lettuce instead of bread.

Another favorite is vintage shopping and LA has many great markets for that.
Rose bowl flea market is huge and you can find anything from furniture to plants or clothes.
If you are more interested in just clothes try Pickwick vintage show.

While on the east side I would stick around and look around the shops in Silver lake.
I especially like Mohawk general store, Midland shop or Lake. Next to Lake is Botanica serving and selling mouthwatering food. Or if I fancy a French fix I would go to cafe Stella for dinner.
The late afternoon view from the Griffiths Park Observatory is magical and you can also get a good glimpse of the Hollywood sign.

For a museum or gallery day my favorite places to visit are the LACMA or the Getty Center not only for what’s showing but also the space and architecture.
Hauser and Wirth is a great outing with some art followed by some food at Manuela and then browsing around the local shops.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Malou Palmqvist- soul sister and amazing inspiring artist. – maloupalmqvist.com

Mike Alderson- partner in life incredibly inspiring creator. – mvsm.com

Aisha Amarfio- I wouldn’t be where I am today without her healing and wisdom. – createthegreat.com

Maxine Dillion- Life transforming healer- bluestarguidance.com

Mitra – Amazing teacher and healer- veniceholisticenergyhealing.com

Website: jojoalderson.com

Instagram: @jojoaldersonart