Art creates atmosphere. It is a journey — and a necessity.
Jo shows us that making art is the driving force of his existence. It’s something he does not only during the day, but also at night, as it turns out. Perhaps that’s why his works constantly change with the light. A painting by Jo looks different in the morning than it does in the evening. Like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings, both Jo and his artworks do the same. The dynamism of that creature also typifies his way of working. Both he and the artwork are in constant motion. While painting, the canvas is turned; if it isn’t, then Jo himself moves around it.

He never stands still — not in life either. Traveling is his second passion, alongside painting. His style and color palette evolve with that movement. Sunny journeys to Greece, France, or Spain bring lightness and strength to his canvases. The muted tones of winter introduce intimacy and restraint. Just like life itself, euphoria and melancholy alternate across his paintings.

He has been painting for more than forty years. At first, he worked with oil paint, but like many professionals, he developed an allergy to the ethereal fumes. In recent years, he has therefore been experimenting with acrylic paint, mediums, and water-based binders.

Often, a painting begins with large color fields. He paints over them, starts again, removes layers of paint, or even transfers the canvas to another frame when the size no longer feels right. Anything is possible, and every color can be beautiful — especially in combination with others. Tastes differ, and so do colors. Fifty shades of green, you might think? No, closer to twenty thousand — and among them all, the green of coriander doesn’t seem to please Jo.

Jo was born to paint, but also to share his passion. For many years, he lectured in art education at both bachelor’s and master’s level. He gave guest lectures at art schools at home and abroad, helped develop curricula, wrote about art education, and served on the Central Examination Board.

His academic career is solidly grounded. He earned multiple degrees as a teacher of visual arts, for both secondary and higher education. His work has been recognized with, among others, the Encouragement Prize from Minister De Backer, a selection for the Grand Prize Alfons Blomme, the Painting Prize of the Academy, and the City Medal of Roeselare.

Yet he remains humble. Rather than talking about awards and titles, he prefers to speak about color — about the power of pigment, the transparency of layers, and the emotion that a well-chosen color combination can evoke.

His life is rich and full. He is married to Anne Vereecke, and together they have two children: Suzanne, a business engineer, and Alexander, a choreographer and performer. A love of art and beauty runs like a red thread through their family.

Art is his way of grasping the world — to touch, to reflect, to suggest. Never intrusive, yet always present. Like a deliciously fragrant meal, an atmosphere, or a memory that lingers.