In celebration of the upcoming Open Studios Tour, Wonder Docent is highlighting the work of one of their favorite local artists, the iconic mixed media and soft sculpture creator Jori Jori, with a weeklong residency in their shop’s window, beginning on October 3rd.
Over the course of the week leading up to Open Studios–October 3-10, from 11am to 1pm daily–Jori will be working on a large-scale hand-sewn sculptural piece in Wonder Docent’s big Broad Street window. When Jori is not in the window, her work-in-progress, tools, and supplies will remain for customers and passers by to see.
This is a rare opportunity to watch the artist at work in her natural habitat: fully on display in a window.
“Jori is one of the most unique and inventive artists working in Nevada County today,” said Wonder Docent co-owner Heather Heckler.
“Her ‘high whimsy, high reward’ philosophy is about embracing the weird and wonderful aspects of life, even (or especially) in times of darkness. Plus, she’s just a joy to be around,” adds Heckler.
Jori Jori (formerly known as Jori Phillips) is an award-winning visual storyteller working with found objects and textiles to create wearable and sculptural art. As a personal mission to make her practice sustainable, Jori works only with secondhand, donated, and found materials–keeping objects that have more life in them out of landfills.
Jori’s work explores themes of mythology; representations of gender, body, and self; and how we are connected and disconnected from the natural world. There is an additional focus on the creation of “worship objects” and our relationship to them.
The artist was raised performing in a community circus on an island in British Columbia. She now splits her time between Canada and the foothills of Northern California, living in a tiny house in a meadow with her partner and thousands of dolls. In addition to her sculptural work, Jori works in film production and live theater as a performer, costumer, comedian, and puppeteer.
Jori’s residency in Wonder Docent’s window is just a small preview of what Open Studios visitors will find at her St. Joseph’s studio (number 15 on the tour), which will be open to the public on October 11, 12, 18, and 19 from 11am to 5pm. See the Open Studios website and digital Tour Guide for more information.
Wonder Docent is Nevada City’s new creative hub, located in the former home of the Gray Goose at 230 Broad Street. The shop offers a curated selection of art supplies, stationery, and gifts as well as creative workshops for adults. Jori Jori is Wonder Docent’s first Artist in Residence in Window. Learn more about Wonder Docent and Jori Jori at wonderdocent.com.