Through The Garden Gate: Dawn Thomson

Through the Garden Gate is my first solo exhibition and takes us through gardens and landscapes.

In his renowned poverty maps of London, Booth observed a paradox: the poorest neighbourhoods often flaunted the most enchanting window boxes. This striking imagery resonates deeply with my own experiences of hardship and resilience.

I am an autistic Dorset-based artist and have a degree in Fine Art. Living with chronic pain and neurodiversity has presented me with significant challenges in navigating life and stepping outside my comfort zone. However, I have been fortunate enough to access food banks and receive free flowers through Olio, which have ignited the inspiration behind this exhibition.

My artistic focus centres on transforming flowers, landscapes, and gardens into expressive works of art. I am captivated by the interplay of colours and textures, the dance of light and shadow, all encapsulating nature’s exquisite beauty.

As a Dorset-based artist, I passionately strive to capture the vibrant hues of the natural world. Whether painting outdoors (en plein air) or in my studio, I utilise bold colours and fluid brushstrokes to infuse my work with a sense of movement and energy. While I primarily work with oil paints, I also explore various other mediums, including mixed media, ceramics, and embroidery, allowing my creativity to flourish in diverse forms.

I graduated with a Fine Art BA (Hons.) in 1991 and have since exhibited extensively, selling my artwork and accepting commissions. One of my notable pieces, Spring Blossom, is part of the Southwark Art Collection and is featured in ArtUK’s catalog. Additionally, I had the honour of recreating a stolen painting of
King Charles I for St. Mary’s Church in Rotherhithe, London.

www.dawnthomsonart.com.

Open 10am to 4pm daily. Free admission.