Gayle Dwyer Artist Statement

I’m an artist whose art came to fruition late in life. I paint and create pottery as if I mulled the possibilities and processes over and over in my mind for decades even before putting the first stroke of paint down or sitting at the wheel for the first time. 

As an empath that has struggled with the realities and harsh images of the world all my life, I was planning and creating a lens in which to view the world in a kinder, gentler way. This includes celebrating the beauty of the ordinary, of the everyday. Painting and pottery have allowed me the opportunity to immerse myself in slow, thoughtful processes that evolve over time and help keep the lure of immediate gratification at bay. 

Having a background in corporate training and development, I was aware of the differences in individuals learning styles. This awareness is what led me to art school in my late 50’s as I was facing retirement from the corporate world. I knew that the best way for me to learn the elements and principles of art was from working artists in an academic setting. It has set the stage for continuing my evolution and expression via art. 

I generally start new work as pieces of a series that can stand alone or work together usually in groups of 2-3. Some develop and resolve quickly and others take much longer. I prefer working on large wood panels and frequently layer collage elements with layers of paint. The wood surface allows me to sand and repaint over and over creating a history from the layers beneath. 

In both my painting and pottery practice, I tend to use earthy, desaturated colors. These colors help support and relay soothing, calming and contemplative art. My pottery almost always has a functional element, but I am gradually incorporating aesthetic elements that lend beauty to the functional. 

My paintings are generally reduced landscapes, still lifes and figurative works. I consider my painting style as interpretive realism through the use of layering, visual brushstrokes and other techniques such as sanding to expose prior layers. 

I have a daily studio practice in Greenville, SC. My work can be seen on the website TheStudioArtistGallery.com/artist/gayle-dwyer/ and on Instagram at GayleDwyer_Art.