The Arts & Culture Journal

Butcher to artist isn’t a transition that many of us make, but that’s exactly the path followed by illustrator Dale Wylie.

Originating from Lincolnshire, Dale moved to Norwich to embark on a career in illustration at the NUCA. Now in his second year he is already harbouring an explosive talent.

The collection on display here incorporates an array of jovial imagery that expertly conveys day-to-day living. Dale’s ink work focuses on the small, seemingly incidental, happenings of everyday life. However, his coy illustrative style puts beautiful, spontaneous moments into the spotlight.

Dale’s works are both direct and accessible. His limited colour palette both reinforces gender stereotypes and yet seeks comfort in these. This bare-naked honesty is reassuring with so much work being inaccessible; albeit to a small, ‘privileged’ elite.

These works are intriguing when you go to place an explanation on them. Simply two hands holding? Or on closer inspection, two hands being dragged apart?

Dale explains, “I think my illustrations convey the everyday and ordinary.  I tend to work around people and the shapes that people can make. I'm trying to make images that people can relate with.”

Clearly Dale is inspired by the people around him yet he points out the importance of honing his skill through tuition.

“I attend life drawing classes and every week I take my sketchbook into the city centre and just sit and draw people going about their day. My work usually tends to spring out from my sketchbook.”

Dale is testament to the importance of life-drawing lessons and it is refreshing to see a traditional use of inks and observation.