My Story
For the last decade I have defined my practice around the facilitation of a utopic world which deals with the intrinsic connection I feels with nature and other humans. The purpose of my work is to research and put forward a vision of the world that I want to come to pass. I see a need to re-create an ethics of responsibility towards others, to abolish the ideas of binary and the Other in order to reduce conflict, and to reclaim a space in our society where there is a greater awareness of how we interact with and impact our environment.
About me…
The purpose of my art is to help support the healing of the planet. We currently live in a deeply dysfunctional world, with damaging hierarchies between individuals, an absence of connection to Spirit, and a lack of respect for the environment.
But all creatures are meant to be free, joyful, and fulfilled! I create art with the hope of bringing some small measure of a utopia into the world. I believe that if I can produce transformative images and tools for others, it will help facilitate a path for others to participate in world change.
I’ve lived a strange life that has affected everything about how I came to my soul’s purpose. My political, spiritual, and social views are based on experiences that are quite different from the overarching culture practiced in North America. It’s been a strange sort of life, but one that has brought me to a place of fulfillment and joy.
I grew up all over the world. Montreal is the 52nd city that I have lived in, with places that have spanned North and Central America, Europe, and Asia. It was a complex and sometimes violent life that made me move around so much, but the fact is that it gave me a unique perspective on the world.
Living around the world instilled in me was a lack of attachment to a particular cultural space. Each location gave me some new piece of identity that didn’t always link to what I had known before. The societal rituals and cultural norms changed from place to place, and I became a bit of a hodgepodge person, with a made-up idea of what “normal” was supposed to look like.
This translates directly into my art. I feel an allowance to cherry-pick different symbology or cultural references and make them into something new. All of the symbols and rituals I use relate to me through direct personal experience, even if it comes from different places around the globe.
That mobile lifestyle also affected the idea of what community means to me. I feel like most individuals have spent several formative years growing up and around the same people. These communities have biases and norms that the person then adopts. As they grow older they tend to seek out similar types of people who they continue to make a life with.
I never had that type of situation. Because my location was continually changing I never had a community around me that anchored my identity. This allowed me a freedom of choice around the type of people I was in touch with. Rather than having to make friends with whoever was in my vicinity, I was exposed to a large number of people with whom I could then choose to stay in touch. The idea of traveling or moving to be with the humans I chose as my community became a logical part of my life.
This connected me to a community of people that I have based a large part of my practice around- the “Feather Family” of transformational festivals. This now-vast community is full of other individuals who also lead a mobile existence and are willing to travel to find other like-minded people.
A transformational festival is a co-created counterculture festival that promotes a community-building ethic and a value system that celebrates life, personal growth, social responsibility, healthy living, and creative expression.
Transformational alludes both to personal transformation and steering the transformation of culture toward sustainability. Some transformational festivals resemble music festivals but are distinguished by such features as seminars, classes, ceremonies, installation art or other visual art, the availability of whole food and bodywork, and sustainable environmental policy.
This was the community that by my teens I had sought out and then came of age in. Rather than growing up in a traditional community located in my vicinity, my peers and influences were others who were focused on the creation of a new type of cultural space.
Between this community interaction and my lack of attachment to culture or physical place, the world around me became one that I could design and create based on what I valued.
The second major influence in my life was my relationship with spirituality. I grew up as a part of an abusive and fundamental religious culture. My father was a Baptist paster, so my upbringing was focused on the challenging way that my biological family practiced their doctrine.
This meant that the roles that I was allowed to have in my young life were extremely narrow, especially concerning my gender as a woman. I had a set way that I was supposed to live, and any deviation from that caused serious repercussions.
It is important to note that I am an advocate for religious freedom. I feel that religious spaces, even fundamental ones, are vital in making up our wonderful and diverse world. Anyone who chooses those beliefs should be allowed to do so and practice how they need, as long as it doesn’t elicit violence on others.
But for me, the space I grew up in was incredibly unhealthy. I struggled with its allowance of violence, prejudice against women, mistreatment of minorities, lack of care for the environment, and disregard for scientific facts. I left home and that community at 16 with a desire to find a better way.
But one thing that stayed with me was a deep connection to Spirit and the great mysteries of our world. I have always felt a fluidity in my beliefs and life practices. And while the dogma of religion has never sat well with me, I have always felt that there is a deep undercurrent of magic in the world.
I feel no need to explain to myself what this magic or Spirit is, but I believe that it is valuable in allowing humans to connect to each other and the world around them. This lack of definition combined with my lack of attachment to culture or place has created a practice where I can choose which rituals and symbols hold universal truth for me while discarding religious practices I feel do not resonate.
I want to be clear that when I speak of this practice I am not speaking of colonialist cultural and spiritual appropriation. Unhealthy appropriation is focused on dominance and exploitation. Instead, what I desire is transculturation.
Transculturation is a term coined by Cuban anthropologist Fernando Ortiz in 1947 to describe the phenomenon of merging and converging cultures. Rather than unhealthy appropriation, it is the act of creating something new out of inspiration from the other, rather than of stealing what is someone else’s. (Learn more about this in my talk about creating your spiritual practice without cultural appropriation!)
This context of new spiritual creation underlies the entirety of my art practice. The belief that we can make space sacred through our attention and presence has lived with me through all my art and is now the central focus.
For me, art and spirituality are synonymous. They both provide a way of understanding ourselves and comparing our experiences with others. Both focus on creating a utopic vision and a greater connection to the whole. It is through my art practice that I hope to make some small difference in the world.
Want to talk to me about any of this? Reach out by DM on Instagram. I'd love to connect!
Education
2017 MFA Studio Arts, Material Practices- Concordia University, Montreal
2012 BFA Studio Arts- Concordia University, Montreal
2008 Fine Arts Three Year Diploma- Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton
2005 Certificate of Theology- Capernwray, England
Solo Exhibitions
2017 March- My Body is a Battlefield- SUB Gallery, Montreal, Quebec.
2013 May- The Garbage Patch People- Concordia Vitrine Gallery, Montreal, Quebec.
Group Exhibitions
2024 July- Sunburn, Socorro, New Mexico
2024 May- The Art of Tarot, Electra Gallery- Santa Fe, New Mexico
2023 September- From Death Comes Life, Fuller Lodge Art Gallery- Los Alamos, New Mexico
2023 June- Come As You Are, Fuller Lodge Art Gallery- Los Alamos, New Mexico
2023 April- FairyTale, Fuller Lodge Art Gallery- Los Alamos, New Mexico
2022 September- Burning Man- Black Rock City, Nevada
2021 October- L’OsstidBurn- Magog, Quebec
2021 August- Art Boreal- Huberdeau, Quebec
2021 August- Terra BURNa- Harrington, Quebec
2021 March- taBURNak! 10- Virtual
2019 August- U Mad Bro, Apsley, Ontario
2019 February- taBURNak! 9- Montreal, Quebec
2018 October- Nectr- Coventry, Connecticut.
2018 August- Burning Man- BRC, Nevada.
2018 July- FireflyArts Festival- Vermont.
2018 June- Solstice Gathering, Singhamton, Ontario.
2018 June- L'OsstidBurn- Magog, Quebec.
2018 May- Hyperborea- Tamworth, Ontario.
2017 November- taBURNak! 8!- Paradox Theatre, Montreal, Quebec
2017 August- Burning Man- Black Rock City, Nevada
2017 July- Gratitude Migration- Keansburg, New Jersey
2017 June- Om Reunion Project- Singhampton, Ontario
2017 June- Figment NYC- Governors Island, New York
2017 May- Le Space Maker- Montreal, Quebec
2017 February- Love Burn- Miami, Florida
2016 November- Marche Noir- Montreal, Quebec
2016 September- Village au Pied-du-Courant- Montreal, Quebec
2016 September- Mécaniques Discursives- Perte de Signal, Montreal, Quebec
2016 September- Harvest Festival- Burk Falls, Ontario
2016 August- Elements Festival- Brooklyn, New York
2016 August- Playground Festival- Boulter, Ontario
2016 July- L’OsstidBurn- Magog, Quebec
2016 July- Gratitude Migration- Keansburg, New Jersey
2016 June- Om Reunion Project- Singhampton, Ontario
2016 June- Figment NYC- Governors Island, New York
2016 April- taBURNak! 7!- Paradox Theatre, Montreal, Quebec
2016 February- heART attack- Matahari Loft, Montreal, Quebec
2015 August- Montreal Pride Parade- Montreal, Quebec
2015 July- Firefly Arts Festival- Bethel, Vermont
2015 June- Om Reunion Project- Singhampton, Ontario
2015 June- Memory Bank- Concordia Library Vitrine, Montreal, Quebec
2015 June- Figment NYC- Governors Island, New York, New York
2015 May- Wake the Baby, Take the Baby- Blossom Festival, Alexandria, Ontario
2015 April- taBURNak! 6!- Espace Reunion, Montreal, Quebec
2015 January- Intention Gathering- Camp Ephinestone, Gibsons, British Columbia
2014 March- taBURNak! 5!- Espace Reunion, Montreal, Quebec
2014 March- Inventory of Memory- Mouse Print Gallery, Montreal, Quebec
2014 February- Open Doors Exhibition- Room 412, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec
2013 September- Self Portraits- Gallery X, Montreal, Quebec
2013 August- Dome- Alexandria Art Festival, Alexandria, Ontario
2013 July- Sanctuary- Open Mind Festival, La Patrie, Quebec
2013 June- Super Fun Palace of Awesomeness- Firefly Art Festival, Bethel, Vermont
2013 April- Collections- SUB Gallery, Montreal, Quebec
2013 March- Ultramoderne- Art Mur, Montreal, Quebec
2013 February- Bloody Valentine Film Contest, Montreal, Quebec
2012 September- Staff and Such- Gallery X, Montreal, Quebec
2012 March- By Hook or By Crook- Eastern Bloc, Montreal, Quebec
2012 March- Don't Call It a Comeback- Gallery Diagonale, Montreal, Quebec
2012 March- WEIGHS- Studio Beluga, Montreal, Quebec
2012 February- The Brian Webb Annual Art Show, Winspear Center, Edmonton, Alberta
2011 November- Am I still in the power of the demon? (Has my preserver never come?)- VAV Gallery, Montreal, Quebec
2011 October- Fibers Showcase- Concordia University Showcase, Montreal, Quebec
2011 September- Self Portraits- Gallery X, Montreal, Quebec
2011 May- HAVEN Annual Art Show and Auction, Montreal, Quebec
2011 April- Material Flux- Gallery Rye, Montreal, Quebec
2011 January- Go Figure- VAV Gallery, Montreal, Quebec
2010 March- Tree of Life- Invision Festival, Pigeon Lake, Alberta
2009 December- A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That- Sideshow Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta
2008 April- Surfacing- Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta
2008 March- Line- Centre for the Arts and Communications, Edmonton, Alberta
2008 February- New Religion- Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta
2006 February- Featured Artist of the Month- Capernwray Gallery, Carnforth, England
2004 October- Edmonton International Film Festival- Edmonton, Alberta
2004 June- Woodfire Film Screening- Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, Grande Prairie, Alberta
On-site Certificates and Training
2018 Event Coordination Mentorship Program- Burning Man Org, Nevada.
2018 Burn Perimeter and Fire Safety Training (FAST)- Burning Man Org, Nevada. 2018 Burn Perimeter and Fire Safety Training (FAST)- Burning Man Org, Quebec. 2018 Emergency Medical Responder/ SA/ 1.5H/Life Support AED- Lifesaving Society, Ontario.
2017 WHIMIS Training- Concordia University, Quebec.
2015 Fire Safety Refresher- Montreal Fire Practices, Quebec. 2015 Working at Heights Certification (PRO-34625)- ICSS Academy, WAH-34615, Ontario. 2015 Scissor Lift License, ID 1678149- United Academy, Ontario.
2014 WHIMIS Training- Concordia University, Quebec.
2013 Drug Deescalation Training- Dr. Laura Dalia, Solstice Project, Ontario. 2013 First Aid/ SA/ 1.5H/Life Support AED/ CPR level C- Heart and Stroke Foundation, Montreal, Quebec.
2013 Fire Safety- Montreal Fire Practices, Quebec. 2011 Construction Harness and Rigging Seminar- Scholars Painting, Montreal, Quebec.
2010 First Aid/ SA/ 1.5H/Life Support AED- Heart and Stroke Foundation, Montreal, Quebec.2010 2010 Larson and Juhl Professional Framing and Art Installation Seminar- Larson and Juhl, Edmonton, Alberta. 2008 Wood shop Proficiency Certificate- Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta.2005
2008 Ladder Safety Training- Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta.
Grants/ Awards
2021 L’OsstidBurn Artist Grant
2018 Nectr Artist Grant
2018 Solstice Arts and Creation Grant
2018 L’OsstidBurn Travel Grant
2018 Firefly Arts Festival Creativity Grant
2018 Hyperborea Artist Grant
2015 Firefly Arts Festival Creativity Grant 2014 Golden Key Society Award 2013 Golden Key Society Award 2012 Saint-Armand's Paper Award for Creative Achievement in Paper 2012 CCSL Special Projects Grant 2011 CSU Special Projects Grant 2011 Golden Key Society Award 2004 Edmonton International Film Festival Honourable Mention
Professional Experience
2014-2020 Archimedes Design, Managing Partner and Creative Director. Founder of a startup company that designs and builds geodesic domes. Day to day running of the business, art design, prototyping, site specific installations and marketing.
2011- 2018 Organisme de décompression des Brûleurs de Montréal, Vice President and Lead Arts Administrator. Running art events for the Burning Man community in Montreal. Dealing with large scale art installations, artist grants, event organization, and volunteer management.
2015 Micah Lexier’s Two Circles, Assistant Installation Lead and Ceramic Technician. Installation of Micah Lexier’s public art installation at Bay Adelaide Centre, Toronto.
2013- 2014 Concordia University, ARTX 280, Professor. Co-teaching a first year university course at Concordia University in mixed media.
2013 The Little Prince Stop Motion Department, Paper Consultant. Artist training in paper for the stop motion animation department for The Little Prince blockbuster film.
2012- 2013 Concordia University, Paper-making 300, Professor. Co-teaching a 300 level undergrad class at Concordia University.
2012-2013 Urban Outfitters, Display Artist, Team Lead. Heading a flagship store redesign, designing and building large scale display art and installations for retail space.
Artistic Activities
2022 February- How To Find Your Passion, featuring Jodi Sharp- Virtual, EQ Cast Podcast
2021 December- Holiday Interview Series- Virtual, The Simplified Life Podcast
2021 May- Jodi Sharp Artist Talk- Virtual, The Simplified Life Wellness Weekend.
2017 March- Jodi Sharp Artist Talk- Concordia University, MFA program talks.
2014 February- Jodi Sharp Studio Event- Concordia University, Hosting an event for artist information exchange and public studio visits.
2013 February- Jodi Sharp Artist Talk- Concordia University, Visting Artist, Paper making class.
2013 February- Jodi Sharp Artist Talk- Concordia University, Public Fibers Lunchtime Talks.
2012 November- Jodi Sharp Artist Talk- Concordia University, MFA program talks.