Meet Jo Situ Allen aka. DIRTY ERASER | Artist. Naturalist. Designer. Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jo Situ Allen aka. DIRTY ERASER and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jo Situ Allen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was an organic journey that started from mental health and wellness. In 2015 I had been suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety – after a particularly tough panic attack I realized that I felt best when I was creating. I had always been creative from a young age – I was always writing and drawing but didn’t realize how important it was to me until I stopped for a few years after my two girls were born. Starting up painting and drawing again allowed me to connect to spirit, get into the flow and felt like meditation.

I started to commit to drawing everyday and put my work up on social media. Almost immediately I received attention for my work eventually leading to meeting with a regional publisher who was fascinated by my education in geography/sustainability and my ability to draw.

We published two books together – all about the native species of California – I wrote and illustrated both books which were a big labor of love and also healed me in so many ways. I then started getting work from different brands in beauty/lifestyle and my career has been abundant and deeply fulfilling since then.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am known for my dreamy and sensitive works in ink and watercolor.

What sets me apart is my combination of saturated watercolor abstracts juxtaposed with intricate and lacy ink renditions of the natural world.

Some lessons I’ve learned along the way is to keep creating everyday – whether its drawing, writing, cooking, daydreaming, treasure-hunting – make one part of your life beautiful and magical everyday. That creating is cyclical – there are no “blocks” its just your soul’s way to asking to play in a different way! And always stand up for yourself in negotiating and pricing – you deserve it.

I hope that everyone who views my art (either online or IRL) is filled with a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world. My paintings are like instant drops into plant medicine. I connect with spirit and the best of myself when I create and that energy passes on anyone who views my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohhh – this is fun!

I would take them on a roadtrip to Ojai – which is a magical little oasis a couple hours outside of LA. We would stay at the Capri Hotel and sunbathe on the grassy lawn surrounded by majestic palms every morning while waking up.

The day would be spent wandering around the little shops full of herbs, vintage, crystals and fresh produce. We might stop for (clothing optional) swimming in the creeks that run around the town. Grab a bite at the yummy Farmer and the Cook for amazing and fresh food (always get the vegan cheese option there)- take a nap, go for a hike, or just hang out.

There would be no schedule except for dinner reservations at The Duchess which has the most delicious food I’ve had in a very long time. I almost get delirious from the textures and flavors there – we would get all the dishes family style especially the Mango Lassi pie for dessert.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my journey and career I have been so blessed to find support and love in community and and amongst my friends and family.

But one person and brand really helped me to see my potential and gave me my first big chance. Sasha Plavsic – the founder of ILIA, was the first brand I collaborated with and she was the first person who paid me a professional industry rate for licensing my artwork.

So many artists struggle with being paid fairly and being respected for their process. Sasha’s eye for design and big heart – in many ways jumpstarted my career. That was a huge act of trust from an established brand – especially for an artist who was just starting out.

She’s since become one of my closest friends and I have loved being there her company’s growth and success every step of the way.

I don’t think I’ve ever told her how much of an impact our first collaboration made in my career!!!

So thank you ShoutOut LA for the opportunity to thank this very special human!!!

Website: dirtyeraser.com

Instagram: @dirty_eraser

Image Credits
Pictures are by me or my partner