Poison into Medicine

Poison into Medicine
The Collection

The collection is called Poison into Medicine. A Buddhist term meaning that we can take suffering, hardships or trauma happening in our life, and use it as stimulus to create something positive. Thus changing Poison into Medicine. It is a collaboration of renaissance paint colours between Dillwyn Smith (Artist) and Francesca Wezel (The Colourwoman).

Francesca and Dillwyn Smith visited The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square together in 2018. He introduced Francesca to some of his favourite early renaissance paintings and in particular the paintings of Piero della Francesca.

The Inspiration

The colours in this new collection take inspiration from his painting The Nativity, painted in 1470-5 in oil on poplar wood. Dillwyn has been looking at this painting for more than 40 years and has developed a deep relationship with it.

We build relationships with particular paintings across a lifetime, sometimes they challenge us and at other times give us sustenance and courage, The Nativity is one of these for Dillwyn.

Though developing this new range of colours inspired by this work, we wish to share the sense of the calm illumination, serenity and beauty that we find in Piero’s masterpiece. We believe that these colours are well balanced and reflect the humanity and strength of The Nativity.

The History

Dillwyn and Francesca developed a respect and friendship whilst working on a project in 2014. D found F because he wanted to use bespoke colours to create a special atmosphere at Morito Hackney Road for restaurateurs Sam & Sam Clark.

They worked together again in 2018 for Dillwyn’s exhibition ‘Teacher’s Pet’ at Patrick Heide Gallery, London. He wanted to frame his work with colours inspired by some of his favourite early renaissance paintings, these colours would be painted directly onto the wall.

Working closely together with Francesca they made the colours which were a great success. They agreed to collaborate together in the future and ‘Poison into Medicine’ is the result.

His love of art and colour has its roots in the art room at school where he found solace and sanctuary from a teacher who had groomed and abused him whilst at school.

Through his life as an artist Dillwyn believes he is turning ‘Poison into Medicine’. Dillwyn and Francesca believe that colour touches us deeply, can affect, stimulate and always be alive within us.

The Products

The A4s and 75 mls sample pots for this collection come in the Eco Emulsion only. From 1 litre onward, all of our colours are available in all of our finishes.

If you have any questions regarding my Colour Collections or any paint products, please email us or call us on 02072287694. Thank you.

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