Poison into Medicine

The Collection

Poison into Medicine is a Buddhist concept meaning that we can take suffering, hardship, or trauma happening in our lives and use it as a stimulus to create something positive, thus transforming poison into medicine. It is a collaboration of Renaissance paint colours between Dillwyn Smith (Artist) and Francesca Wezel (The Colourwoman).

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

The Inspiration

The colours in this new collection take direct inspiration from Piero della Francesca’s painting The Nativity (painted in 1470–75 in oil on poplar wood). Dillwyn has been viewing this painting for more than forty years and has developed a deep, lifelong relationship with it.

We build connections with particular artworks across a lifetime; sometimes they challenge us, and at other times they offer us sustenance and courage. The Nativity has long provided that sanctuary for Dillwyn.

Through developing this new range of colours, we wish to share the sense of calm illumination, serenity, and beauty that we find in Piero’s masterpiece. We believe these ten colours are beautifully balanced, reflecting the ultimate humanity and strength of The Nativity.

The History

Dillwyn and Francesca developed a deep mutual respect and friendship while working on a project in 2014, when Dillwyn reached out to Francesca to create bespoke colours to set the atmosphere at Morito on 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 artwork with colours painted directly onto the walls, inspired by early Renaissance paintings. Working closely together, they created a series of bespoke shades that were a resounding success, leading them to plan a future collaboration that ultimately became Poison into Medicine.

Dillwyn’s profound love of art and colour has its roots in his school art room, where he initially found solace and sanctuary from a teacher who groomed and abused him as a child. Throughout his life as an artist, Dillwyn believes in turning “poison into medicine.” Both Dillwyn and Francesca share the belief that colour touches us deeply, affecting, stimulating, and remaining vibrantly alive within us.