Meaning: John Dyer is an English painter known for his vibrant and expressive works of art. The quote "I really enjoy squeezing out a big lump of paint directly onto the canvas and leaving it; fresh, immediate and sometimes shocking" provides insight into Dyer's artistic process and philosophy. In this quote, Dyer emphasizes the spontaneity and rawness of his approach to painting, highlighting the act of directly applying paint to the canvas without overthinking or overworking it.

Dyer's statement reflects the ethos of the action painting movement, which emerged in the mid-20th century and prioritized the physical act of painting as a means of expressing emotion and energy. The act of squeezing out a "big lump of paint" directly onto the canvas suggests a bold and unrestrained gesture, one that captures the artist's immediate impulse and energy in that moment. This approach allows for a sense of freshness and immediacy in the artwork, as the paint retains its tactile and unaltered quality, free from excessive manipulation or correction.

By embracing the "shocking" nature of his process, Dyer acknowledges the potential for surprise and unpredictability in his art. The direct application of paint in such a manner can result in unexpected textures, colors, and forms, creating a sense of dynamism and vitality within the work. This element of surprise adds an exciting and adventurous dimension to Dyer's practice, as he allows the materials themselves to dictate certain aspects of the artistic outcome.

Dyer's preference for leaving the paint as it is also speaks to his willingness to embrace the inherent qualities of the medium. By allowing the paint to exist in its natural state, Dyer celebrates its materiality and the unique characteristics that make it a distinct artistic tool. This approach aligns with the broader principles of abstract expressionism, a movement that sought to foreground the physicality and essence of the painting process itself.

In essence, Dyer's quote encapsulates his commitment to spontaneity, immediacy, and the unadulterated expression of paint on canvas. His emphasis on the act of squeezing out paint directly onto the canvas speaks to a sense of liberation from preconceived notions of what painting should be, allowing for a more visceral and authentic engagement with the creative act. The resulting works embody a sense of vitality and raw emotion, inviting viewers to experience the essence of the artist's gesture and the unfiltered energy of the painted surface.

Overall, Dyer's quote provides valuable insight into the mindset of an artist who values the visceral and unmediated qualities of paint, embracing the potential for surprise and impact that arises from direct and uninhibited artistic expression. It serves as a reminder of the power of spontaneity and the unapologetic celebration of the act of creation in its most immediate and unrefined form.