Dirty Eraser is Jo Situ Allen - an artist who works across multiple mediums.  Jo's love for creative expression started when she was young.  Growing up in China and Los Angeles, her life was always filled with art, music, style, and literature.  Whether it was a moving passage from a book, an unforgettable cinematic moment or dandelions peeking through concrete sidewalks - to Jo, these moments were all love letters sent from the universe. 

This spiritual connection to nature led to a degree in Geography / Environmental Studies at UCLA - where Jo almost became a Bryologist (that's right, a moss scientist)  in the process. 

While there, she was mesmerized by the bands Le Tigre, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ladytron, Camera Obscura, Cat Power and the feminist punk ethos of the Riot Grrl movement.  Inspired by the voices of girls with fierce attitudes and something to say, Jo started a comic series in 2001 which lead to the conception of DIRTY ERASER - expressing her view that creativity is a work in progress. 

After UCLA, Jo worked as an environmental advisor while selling her hand-sewn comic book, screen-printed fanny packs made from vintage textiles, and art prints at the LA punk craft fair Bizarre Bazaar .  In 2009, she graduated from Presidio Graduate School with an MBA in Sustainable Management.  She co-founded a sustainability agency, lived abroad in Hong Kong, and continued to create.  

Fast forward...

These days Dirty Eraser is known for her work in ink and watercolor.  In 2018, she was inspired to start creating in another medium that she loves - gold. Her jewels serve as personal reminders of our cosmic journey. 

In 2019, she completed several murals - most notably her first public mural.  Titled "Daytripper," the 30 foot mural (in downtown Laguna Beach) is a celebration of California's native species.  

Jo has brought her thoughtful, edgy and playful spirit to live art events/collaborations for ILIA, Odacite, Richer Poorer, Jenni Kayne, Fashion Mamas, Holi Frog, Gorjana and other rad brands.

Published Book Titles:

"The Accidental Naturalist:  Exploring the Flora and Fauna of Laguna Beach and Beyond (2016)

"The Accidental Naturalist:  Exploring the Flora and Fauna of San Francisco and Beyond" (2017)

"The Accidental Naturalist:  Exploring the Flora and Fauna of Los Angeles and Beyond" (to be announced)

Published by Brook Street Books

For commissions and collaborations, send a note to jo@dirtyeraser.com

You can also DM her on Instagram @dirty_eraser