If you’ve wandered past Plots 3 and 4 recently, you might have noticed someone with a camera in hand, quietly observing or capturing the gentle ebb and flow of life on Highbridge Community Farm. That’s me – Jo Rose. I’m a full-time artist based in Winchester, where I work from my studio on Jewry Street.
Rooted in the natural world
My artistic practice is is deeply rooted in the natural world. I paint and illustrate abstract impressionist landscapes using oils and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the New Forest and the River Itchen. My work often features the wildlife I encounter on my walks and I’m especially inspired by the shifting colours and textures of the seasons, and the changing light on the river.
This year is shaping up to be both busy and exciting. I’m currently preparing for several exhibitions, starting with a group show with the Artful Collective at the beautiful Hillier Gardens this July. In August, I’ll be exhibiting a solo collection in Falmouth, and in October, I’m curating an immersive group show in Winchester city centre, all inspired by nature.
My Highbridge project
Amid all this, I’m embarking on a personal project: a sketchbook series that documents my time here at Highbridge Community Farm. The photographs I take often evolve into illustrated journal entries—more than just drawings, they become a visual diary of our shared work, quiet moments of connection, and the stories that make this place so special. This project is also pushing me out of my comfort zone as I begin to illustrate people more often, helping me to expand and develop my practice in new directions.
Having been a member of the farm for many years, I’ve come to see it as much more than just a place to grow fruit and vegetables. It has offered me friendship, peace, and a sense of grounding through difficult times. The Farm is a wonderfully inspiring community—one that nurtures both the land and the people who care for it. My sketchbooks aim to celebrate this spirit: the collaboration, the care, and the joy that comes from growing together.
If you and your team are working on something interesting and wouldn’t mind being photographed, I’d love to hear from you. This is a collaborative journal, and I’d be delighted to include more of our collective story. And if you’re curious about my work, feel free to stop by Plots 3 and 4 for a chat.
You can find out more about my work at www.jorosestudio.co.uk or on Instagram @jo_rose_studio.
