Dyke Wood is serious about his art. He’s found that putting paint on a canvas relaxes him. Lucky for art aficionados, his manner of relaxation has resulted in beautiful, unique, artwork that is now on exhibit at Harrison Museum of African American Culture downtown.
The Roanoke native is a product of Roanoke City Public Schools. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School and later attended Hampton University prior to being employed by Norfolk Southern Railroad for 38 years.
Simply entitled the “Art of Dyke Wood,” the exhibit is his premier showing. It features original oils-on-canvas, that his family has enjoyed for years and now are on public display at the museum.
Dyke’s exhibit exudes vibrancy. Francois Claytor, museum curator said that although Dyke has no formal art training, he is “an abstract expressionist… who uses color in a special and skillful way. It has very little to do with his thinking…rather yielding and embracing emotion!”
Dyke gives props to his 3 art teachers, Mr. Sands, Ms. Vest and Mrs. Booth, who all influenced his affinity and love of art.
With a focus on colors and shapes, his art evokes reaction from those who feel the message conveyed through such works as the vivid imagery of “Galaxy.” His sense of arrangement and composition incorporated in the painting allow the viewer room to develop their own perspective, thus creating a unique artistic experience.
Another, “Waterfront” emphasizes the scenic subtilities and reflections of the city after dark.
In the artists’ own words, “Painting relaxes me. When I’m painting my mind is just on that. I’m a really deep thinker and my mind never rests. Painting takes away the stress.” He said he starts a painting with an idea and begins by putting colors on the canvas and the project evolves from there.
Dyke’s creations are visual expressions of his thoughts. His work speaks the language of colors, shapes and revelations. His broad spectrum of composition gives viewers the chance to formulate their own artistic impression.
“In Roanoke, the Star City of the South, a new star is born,” Claytor said.
“Being a colorist and abstractionist, his work invites one to examine something within ourselves to see colors. The fact remains our eyes see color differently. This artist’s works express the inexpressible and his paintings are characterized by intense colors transcending into a feeling and emotion resulting in “head turning” Art!”
“The Art of Dyke Wood” is currently on exhibit at The Harrison Museum of African American Culture, 2nd floor, Center in the Square.
