Joseph Dilnot paints intuitively to explore layered subject matter creating a personal mythology and symbolism, in which imagined worlds, momentary insights and reflections on personal experiences are condensed into lyrical and enigmatic paintings. Growing up and living between the English Channel and the South Downs National Park, Dilnot draws great inspiration from the natural world. Spending long periods observing the micro life of insects and exploring the gentle and contemplative landscape of the South Downs, he draws on these observations and memories to depict uncanny, equivocal landscapes, often inhabited by wandering, solitary figures.

We Caught up with Joseph in the lead up to our Mothshell Ambit exhibition!

Weald - Earlier this year you were invited to take part in Creature Feature, a virtual group exhibition by mepaintsme; an exclusively online gallery. Can you tell us about the experience of exhibiting online?

Joseph - It was great, they have a very unique eye and I was honoured to be invited after being a fan for a long time. Exhibiting online was a brilliant experience with them, it allowed my pictures to reach a wide audience and was very positive.

Weald - Is there a specific environment or material that feels integral to your work at the moment?

Joseph - The most integral environment will always be where I live/work. I live in Eastbourne and my studio is at the bottom of a garden. Always being surrounded by nature, be it the South Downs or the pond by my studio I am always immersed in nature which is an important part of my subject matter. I have peace and time to really think about what I’m doing. It has its downsides living and working somewhere quiet but I’m not sure I could make my work in a city.

Weald - Your work has real tenderness, can you tell us about your influences?

Joseph - Thank you! That’s a difficult one to answer. I was greatly impacted by going to see the 500 year anniversary exhibition of Hieronymus Bosch when I was 18/19, it was incredible. People were having to queue up to see the paintings! I also visited the Prado in Madrid last year and the background landscapes in Goya and Velazquez paintings sparked something within me, I still imagine myself walking in those distant landscapes.

Weald - Are there overarching themes that return to your painting?

Joseph - I tend to return to solitary figures in unpeopled spaces. I’m interested in what that experience is, from moments of wonder and lightness to anxiety and self searching.

Weald - What are you working on now?

Joseph - I have just got back from Cornwall where I spent time marching about in the countryside battling rain and wind! I’m going to try and channel some of those elemental landscapes and weather in my pictures.