Jo Dyer

Jo studied a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Arts and French) at the University of Newcastle which included a semester of study in La Rochelle, France. She graduated in 2008. Since graduating she has exhibited her work in numerous group and solo exhibitions in Newcastle, Melbourne and Sydney and has work held in private collections around Australia and overseas.

“This series of works explores the theme of belonging through the recurring motif of banksia integrifolia foliage, which is drawn, painted or scraped back into each artwork. Banksia integrifolia, or Coast Banksia is common along Newcastle’s coast and streets and the foliage of this plant is symbolic for me. I planted one of these trees on my birthday in dad’s garden after he died. This is my sister’s garden now, so it’s where my nephews play. The familiarity of this iconic plant, and seeing it every day in my neighbourhood, connects me to my own sense of belonging. Having a sense of belonging is something that I realise I actively need to cultivate for myself, and reconnecting to nature and making art are part of this active process for me.”

Jo Dyer Botanical Extracts Exhibition Catalogue, August 2021.