Botanical Extracts by Jo Dyer
Jo Dyer invites emotive, nature-inspired pieces for her exhibition, Botanical Extracts, at The Corner Store Gallery in Orange.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Bianca Charleston
Banksia Extracts by Jo Dyer.
‘Because life is full of different contrasts and contradictions, I try to capture some of that energy in my work; joyful, messy, resilient marks layered with more vulnerable, fragile lines. This kind of work feels most authentic to me,’ says Jo Dyer.
Turning to the abundant Coast Banksia or banksia integrifolia on the streets and coastline of Newcastle, Jo Dyer’s latest exhibition, titled Botanical Extracts at The Corner Store Gallery in Orange, explores her close relationship to nature as a memorial to her father, who tragically passed away in a drowning accident.
She muses, ‘the best way to describe my dad’s energy as a person is that of a big old tree; grounded, calm and reassuring, so I feel especially connected to him when I am around trees and plants.’
In the show, Jo works mostly on canvas with some smaller works on paper, navigating the theme of belonging through the recurring motif of the banksia foliage, which is either drawn, painted or etched into the work.
After losing her father, Jo planted a Coast Banksia in his memory, and is now feeding this symbol into her work. ‘I feel that art and nature have an important part to play in helping us engage with and make sense of our experiences, and this has been particularly important for me in terms of my experiences of loss and grief,’ she explains.
‘I don’t believe it’s all scary or traumatising; this loss has made me really understand how precious life is. It’s what has given me the courage to make my art and to really believe that making art matters.’
Drawing on the colours of her environment, the dusky orange and pinks of sunsets, or punches of green and blue, the artworks come together organically. ‘I usually have a colour palette and a rough idea of the composition in my mind when I start, but as I work, I allow the media to do its own thing and respond to it as I go,’ Jo reflects.
“My art practice is as much about observing and connecting to nature as it is making the art — the two inform each other.”
In her process, the artist often reworks her paintings, adding texture and embracing the philosophy of accepting failures. She begins by building up textural layers and thin washes of acrylic paint before adding chalk and pastel or papier mache and collage.
‘I love contrasting different media and textures, so having a mixed media approach appeals to me,’ she adds. ‘I like to combine bold, expressive, almost child-like brushstrokes, with more delicate and considered renders.’
Jo always knew she wanted to be an artist from age seven, one of her first artworks captured herself painting at an easel. This may be in part due to the influences from her grandparents, who both painted; her grandad using watercolours and her nan with oils.
‘When I stayed with them, they took me to their painting group and would show me techniques in both media,’ says Jo. ‘My father was also very encouraging, and I remember he bought me some beautiful artist quality paints when I was in primary school.’
She reflects on the connection to her father, ‘he was quite a spiritual person and had a real affinity with nature whether it be the ocean, animals or plants so in a way I feel he died on his own terms because he was in his element, doing something he loved, and this has helped me come to terms with it.’
As such, Botanical Extracts is a show full of energy — one that embraces gesture and colour in joyful and messy forms. Ultimately, offering essential reminders to stay present in nature, art, and life; and seek out what makes us happy.
‘I’m happy to keep painting over something that isn’t working, because the layers of texture add a history and richness that I feel is authentic. It’s all process. I see this approach to my art practice as a good philosophy for living — nothing is a failure, if it’s not working, then it’s still in progress,’ says Jo Dyer.
VISIT
BOTANICAL EXTRACTS AT THE CORNER STORE GALLERY
Virtual Exhibition 18th - 28th August 2021