GARDEN STATE
Paintings and ceramics JO DYER

THURS 16 AUG - SUN 26 AUG 2018

Official opening: Saturday 18 August, 2-4pm
Beer kindly sponsored by @murraysbrewing

Garden State explores the healing relationship between nature and bereavement and is the culmination of Dyer’s practice since the unexpected death of her father in early 2015. In response to this terrible loss, Dyer felt an overwhelming need for solitude and connection to the natural world and found herself dedicated to establishing a leafy garden courtyard at her home in Mayfield.

“Having the opportunity to slow down, connect with and observe the natural world has been a deeply restorative and healing process, which in turn, has influenced my art practice. Many of these works were developed within my little garden. They both represent and respond to that space and how I feel within it. Connecting to the life in my garden helps me feel more accepting of death as part of life’s process.”

Drawn to the experiential process of art making, Dyer creates work that is deliberately expressive and emotive. She renders her figures like portals into their own emotional experiences, layering painterly details with naively depicted figures to explore themes and experiences that are both deeply personal yet universal, such as connection, love, vulnerability and loss.

All artwork from this exhibition will be available for sale by 32auctions.com/gardenstate during the exhibition period, with 10% of sales being donated to Global Gardens of Peace

Nature at the heart of art born from grief

AUGUST 10 2018 - 11:30AM | AUGUST 10 2018 - 11:30AM | newcastlestar.com

FROM deep grief has come a collection of works from Newcastle artist Jo Dyer.

In March 2015, Dyer’s father Dr Ross Dyer drowned at Bar Beach. He was an emergency doctor at the John Hunter Hospital.

“My father was a big nature lover, he loved the bush and he loved the beach,” Dyer said. “He was quite adventurous and was passionate about nature and connected to nature.

“It might sound strange, but I think he died the way he would have preferred to die doing something he loved, out in the waves.

“Following his death I felt this intense desire for solitude.

“I did spend time in the studio but felt this intense need to connect with nature. I did that through gardening.

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install photos below by Edwina Richards