Jo Loforte

Jo Loforte is a San Diego–based painter who works primarily in oil and clay. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Jo grew up surrounded by a visual landscape shaped by both Duwamish art and mid-century modern design, an early juxtaposition that continues to inform her sense of balance, color, and form.

Jo studied oil painting and ceramics at Pima College in Tucson, including under renowned artist Hirotsune Tashima. While her early practice included ceramics, her current focus is on painting, where she continues to develop her voice through large-format works and commissioned pieces.

In addition to her studio practice, Jo has experience in interior design and spatial curation, collaborating with clients to create personalized environments that blend artistic expression with functional living. This background informs her approach to painting, where she considers not only the artwork itself, but how it lives within a space.