Jo Dyer

Welcome to the second installation of the Novocastrian series. I first spotted Jo Dyer's work on my first visit to The Olive Tree Markets a couple of months back. Her milky soft illustrations looked so delicate and as I looked closer, the detail in each one was ever more apparent. What really caught my eye though was her book, Free Grub. The pencil-and-collage caterpillars tell a tale reflecting modern society and consumerism. Again, the detail of each image is painstakingly collated and is a marvel to hold and look. I hope you enjoy this Q&A with another of Newcastle's talented creatives.

Jo manning her stall at The Olive Tree Markets.

Condensed CV:

I moved to Melbourne after school to study computer animation but met my partner in Newcastle a month before, so I moved back after four months. I started a Communications degree at the University of Newcastle because I was interested in media and film making at the time, but it wasn’t my cup of tea so I transferred to Arts and ended up doing majors in Creative Arts and French (which included a semester of study in France and some travel around Europe). I got pretty involved as a volunteer at Watt Space (the university’s student gallery) towards the end of my degree and had a few solo shows there. It was a really encouraging place to first bring my art into the public.

What has been your most memorable project?

Probably the Shopfront Gallery wall installation I did in October last year because it was something I hadn’t attempted before. I tried to create a large artwork on paper that I could just pin to the wall beforehand but it just wasn’t happening for me. In the end, I decided to paint straight on the wall. It was pretty confronting creating an artwork in a confined space in full view of people walking past, but actually I really loved it. It ended up taking only about four hours to create and I felt really empowered because I managed to pull it off. I love the transience of installation art. After a couple of weeks I had to paint over it and that was the end of it. I think there’s something beautifully simple about that. It’s seems more natural in a way because the natural world is always in a state of transformation. The art world is quite precious about the permanence of artwork so it was nice to do something deliberately temporary.

Jo's installation for Shopfront Gallery last year.

What would be your dream project?

I want to do everything! Definitely more wall art. I’d love to paint laneways in cities around the world. I’d love to create sculpture dolls out of paper clay, illustrate books, animate a short film, to collaborate on any sort of interesting project that happens to find me, really. There are already some dream projects I’m involved in this year including a group show in Melbourne, a collaborative gallery space in Newcastle and an album cover commission. My hope is to be as prolific as I can be and never stop experimenting and pushing my own creative boundaries.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I was lucky enough to have an Avant Card printed at the beginning of the year. They run an artist’s program where they print your artwork onto a postcard and distribute it around Australia to brighten up their free postcard displays. It all happened really quickly. I sent in some images late last year thinking I’d never hear from them and a few weeks later they wrote back to say they’d accepted Kitty & the Carousel. It’s funny how things come about like that. I drew Kitty in bed one night with a cup of tea and later scanned the image and combined it with a photo that I’d taken on exchange in France. I was just mucking around in Photoshop, it wasn’t ever really intended to become anything. But Avant Card liked it and people have collected it. I’ve had emails from all around Australia and overseas and some interesting work has come about as a result so I’m extremely grateful to Avant Card for that lucky break.

Kitty and the Carousel, selected for Avant Card's artist program.

What is your most treasured possession?

I love handmade things (surprise surprise) and things that have a history. I have a painting of an owl (Spiral 2005, Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30cm) by artist Trevor Weekes that I adore. I started Honours in Natural History Illustration in 2009 (where I created the Free Grub book). Trevor was my supervisor. His office is this amazing treasure trove of artwork, books, animal bones & students’ creations. I was in there talking to him one day when I saw this owl painting peeking out at me from behind a stack of stuff and I commented on how much I liked it. I didn’t realize it was one of his paintings. Anyway, he gave it to me! Just like that. It was such a generous gesture and really humbling. The artwork reminds me of that moment and reminds me of the kind of person I’m striving to be. Someone who is generous and encouraging, especially as a creative being. I want to be able to inspire other people to fulfill their potential and create. That was a moment in my life where I really needed someone to say “It’s ok to do this with your life! Follow your heart!” and fortunately for me I received that encouragement. I don’t take that for granted because often as a creative person you’re exposed to really negative experiences like being actively discouraged by those that don’t value creativity or being exposed to a highly competitive or narrow-minded “artistic” environment.

Jo's treasured possession, Spiral by Trevor Weekes

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

I’ve just started working part-time at Eckersley's so I spend a couple of days a week selling art supplies. My art-making business is in its infancy so working at Eckersley's is complementary in a lot of ways. It’s a bit of a creative hub for Newcastle, I think. I feel more connected than ever to the local arts scene as a result because people are either buying something for a project, or bringing in flyers to pin on the notice board. It’s really exciting to help people that are just starting to create art for the first time, or coming back to it after many years. You can tell they’re excited. I have met so many fabulous people there, including the other staff. To be honest I’m a little afraid of doing the art thing full-time at the moment because I need a certain amount of social interaction (especially with other creatives) to stay focused and inspired. I’m not sure yet if I could cope with working on my own all day every day. I’m hoping to move my studio out of my house and into a shared space which I think will help. For now I work from home in the evening and on the weekend, which is OK. I like to come home and create. I rarely watch TV and I usually get to bed much later than I’d like to! This year has been especially busy for me with juggling part-time work and various creative projects at once. In some ways it’s been harder and more tiring than being a student. Self-imposed deadlines seem to carry more weight for me I think. I’m probably busier than I’d like to be at the moment as I can feel myself needing to slow down. But at the same I love what I’m doing, so it can be hard to negotiate that balance and make sacrifices.

What is your most valuable pearl of wisdom gained since starting your business?

I kind of just started doing what I wanted to be doing and then found ways to get it out into the world. It sounds like a cliché but you just have to start. If you want to draw, draw. That random sketch you create on a piece of paper as you drink your morning coffee might be the beginning of an amazing journey. I guess that’s my philosophy and even though it’s only early days it’s certainly been my experience so far. Nothing is ever wasted. It all somehow comes together. It feels like everything has kind of just fallen into place for me this year but when I look back I realise that I was making choices much earlier that have lead me here. I decided to drop my psychology major for creative arts at the beginning of 2007. That felt like a huge decision at the time. I guess I’ve chopped and changed a lot and have accepted that I needed to do that in order to really figure out what I want. But in fact, all those little experiences have helped me get here in some way. While studying I also worked at my mum’s practice (she’s a psychologist) and that experience has been fabulous in terms of gaining skills in small business management. I actually enjoy bookkeeping. I just think whatever life experience you have had, it is going to enrich your creative practice in some way.

Research is invaluable for any business, but especially if you’re in a creative industry. It really helps to be aware of how other people are getting their work into the world, even if it’s just to remind yourself that it’s possible to achieve. The internet is an invaluable tool, whether it’s for research, inspiration, connecting to others or “exhibiting” work. I guess I spend a lot of time on the net doing all those things and I can’t imagine that my little venture would have developed so quickly without it. I guess I’m optimistic about the possibilities for creative people to make a living these days. And I’m not in a hurry to prove myself. I’m doing what I love and it’s a work in progress. I think it helps to not try to fit into a box and be a “fine artist” or a “commercial artist” but to just have a go at whatever opportunities come your way and have fun with it. Have a collaborative spirit and connect to those around you and support each other.

The Girls

Where do you derive creative inspiration?

I’m not entirely sure. It feels like things often pop up in my work in an unexpected way. Like how a dream is sometimes a mish-mash of things you were thinking that day. I guess that indicates that my method of working is not an overly conscious process. I have little control over inspiration. I don’t plan my artworks much. And when I do I find I’m unable to stick to the plan anyway. I’m not sure if this is the best way to work but it is the most interesting way. I’m always experimenting with new media because for me “creating” is when I’m doing something for the first time and am not really sure if it’ll work. I’ve made an agreement with myself to only accept commissioned work that I feel personally interested in, that I can do whole heartedly. There is a difference between creating and producing. I can’t think of anything worse than having to churn out an artwork that I don’t feel connected to. Who would actually benefit from that?

Spring Makes Me Hopeful

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?

A lot of Australian artists come to mind, like Catherine Campbell , Kat McLeod, Caitlin Shearer, Lilli Piri, Abbey McCulloch, Del Kathryn Barton and Courtney Brims. I love the work of local artist Bridie Watts, too. She’s just had a sellout show at Suspension (3 Beaumont St, Islington). Her work resonates happiness and warmth. My mum bought me a little painting of hers (Gloria 2007) from The Olive Tree Markets for my birthday last year. It’s a beautiful peacock and I feel cheerful whenever I look at it.

Secret Admirer

What are some of your favourite websites or blogs?

I sell prints and things online at Etsy. It’s basically the eBay of handmade items. Let’s just say I spend a lot of time compiling my list of favourites. Indie Art & Design is great for checking out what’s happening in art & design around Australia. I also like check out the blog of American artist Emily Martin every now and then. Her work is so charming and she’s so prolific! And I’m a huge fan of We Are the Image Makers and he Jacky Winter Group. I also keep my own little patch of internet which I try to maintain regularly!

Apart from your work, what other interests, passions, hobbies do you have?

I love markets. Particularly second-hand / flea markets. I love wandering around the Centenery Antique Centre (Centenary Rd, Newcastle). I get excited about old items and imagining the people that owned and used them. I love having coffee or a glass of wine with friends, gardening, cooking, listening to music, going to the beach, and escaping on the weekend to Hawks Nest with my partner Will.

How long have you been a Novocastrian?

I was born in Port Fairy in Victoria. We moved here when I was 4. I’ve since lived briefly in Bellingen, Melbourne and on exchange in La Rochelle, France. But Newcastle is home. My family are here and my partner’s family and I like that I know so many people but still meet new people every day that have been here for a long time too.

Newcastle in a word?

Home.

What do you love and hate about living in Newcastle?

Gosh, we Novocastrians like to have a whinge about it from time to time don’t we? Whether we want it to change, or go back to how it was, or stay the same, we all have something to say. I feel frustrated at times because it has so much potential, especially the CBD. But then I can’t help feel that we’re lucky to have such a good lifestyle that is relatively inexpensive compared to larger Australian cities. It do feel claustrophobic at times and I understand why a lot of Novocastrians move away, even temporarily (I did). But generally I feel pretty optimistic about living in Newcastle.

How is Newcastle different to anywhere else?

Geographically it’s awesome. We have amazing beaches & a gorgeous big lake. We’re not too small but it’s still easy to escape (less than an hour to the vineyards or up the coast). Larger cities are accessible; Sydney is close by (but not too close!) and there are cheap flights to Melbourne. And we actually have an amazing arts scene. I read somewhere that there are more artists per capita in Newcastle than any other city in Australia. I think it’s starting to actually become a cohesive “scene” now too, thanks to initiatives like Renew Newcastle the Hunter Arts Network and The Olive Tree Markets.

Free Grub (cover)

Free Grub (internal)

Free Grub (internal)

Free Grub (interal)

Where are your favourite places in Newcastle / Hunter to:

+ eat

I live in Hamilton so we often walk down to Beaumont Street for a feed. I also love eating in, especially in winter. When I lived in a share house we would often cook a roast or gourmet pizzas together, drink some wine and hang out in the lounge room. Happy times. Now I have to make the effort to invite friends over but it’s still good fun!

+ drink

for coffee: Suspension (3 Beaumont St, Islington, (02) 4962 2717),

 
+ shop

The markets:

Islington Markets (last Sunday of the month, 7am to 1pm, Wickham Park, Albert St, Wickham)

Adamstown Lions Markets (every Sunday, 7am to 12pm, cnr Brunker and Glebe Rds)

The Newcastle City Farmer's Markets (every Sunday, 8am to 1pm, Broadmeadow Showgrounds)

The Olive Tree Markets (first Saturday of the month, 8am to 3pm, The Junction Public School).

I just splurged on some gorgeous handmade dresses at the last Olive Tree Markets. They’re made from vintage lace tablecloths and are just so beautifully made. I don’t have the patience for sewing so I appreciate them so much!!!

 
+ play

You can’t beat the beach and barefoot bowls in summer. I’m a bit of a homebody too though. I love a good BBQ with friends in the backyard or a dinner party.

 
+ relax

My couch with a good book and some music. I also like to potter around in the garden or wander down to the park.

Red Grub

 

The incredible detail of Jo's caterpillars.

What is Newcastle / Hunter’s best-kept secret?

The Great Bar Bazaar Markets that have just started at The Great Northern Hotel (every third Saturday of the month, 12pm to 5pm, 89 Scott St, at Watt St, Newcastle, 4927 5728‎). I missed the first one but I’m pretty excited about the idea of markets in a pub.

Website Jo Dyer

Etsy Happily Ever Afternoon