I am a semi abstract figurative painter, passionate about freedom of expression and embodiment. I create evocative, expressive colourful paintings that surprise, excite and empower.

Recently I exhibited as part of The Path, an exhibition dedicated to Social Justice. The catalogue reads:

In 'The Tender Holding of My Existence' Dovey presents a unique approach to social justice through an embodied, individual perspective. Moving beyond mere intellectual engagement, the work explores the integration of physical sensations and intuitive responses.

On a personal level, social justice involves recognising and nurturing the full spectrum of our bodily experiences-from our primal instincts and sexuality to our gut feelings, emotional openess, and self-expression. Dovey suggests that meaningful external action must be complemented by a parallel commitment to inner exploration, listening, and compassion. This holistic approach, embracing both the external and the internal realms, is essential for achieving true freedom.

SOME BACKGROUND..

After painting the same tree for seven years,(Colourful Sausage Trees) my life became full of change. The tree fell down, the next tree (Cleddau Oaks) eventually also became inaccessible because of fallen surrounding trees. I got divorced from my husband of 20 years, and my children grew up into teenagers.

I discovered my way into abstraction using negative space as a pictorial device, inspired by the ancient cave paintings (Inside the Cave) I started painting the space around things and leaving the form as white space. The form became the space, and the space became the form.

In this time I made the decision to experiment with everything, and to rediscover who I was. The paintings mirror this journey. (The Tender Holding of My Existence) Having recognised the elements of veiled sexuality in my work, I am experimenting with openly embracing the subjects of lust and desire.

With translucent watercolour, and torn collage the images express sensations in a moment in time, rather than exteranal reality. I create images that create a balance of expressive form, and the white space, which acts like a visual pause, and allows the eye to rest. (Surrendering Attachment)

I shocked myself in creating a collage including a large pink cock. I also have a project where I am drawing 100 naked men.

As mother, daughter, friend, lover and artist I enjoy giving form to the parts of me that have lived in the shadows, celebrating expression and openess as conduits for healing and freedom.

BIO/CV

Born in England, and raised in New Zealand, I finished my first degree in New Zealand, before travelling to Europe to see the paintings I had studied first hand. Completing my Masters at the School of Visual Arts in New York I encountered the works of the Abstract Expressionists which made a deep impression. Returning to England I lived in London for many years. I was represented by Gimpel Fils from 2006-2019.

Exhibitions:

2024 The Path, curated by Amy Jackson, Palazzo Pisani-Revedin, Venice

2022 Y Lle Celf, National Eisteddfod, Wales

2020 John Moores Painting Prize exhibition

2020 Summer Exhibition, Plas Glyn y Weddw, Llanbedrog

2016 The Colourful Sausage Trees, Gimpel Fils, London (solo)

2014 In the Garden, Gimpel Fils, London (solo)

2014 Art of the Tree, Royal West of England Academy, Bristol

2013 Under the Greenwood, St Barbe Museum

2010 Peppercannister Gallery, Dublin (solo)

2009 New Landscapes, Gimpel Fils, London (solo)

2006 Early Trees, Gimpel Fils, London (solo)