B.1959
Mark Dicey’s artistic practice is rooted in his passion for painting, particularly the evolution and history of abstraction. His abstract works emerge organically, without predetermined direction, aside from the choice of oil as a medium and the size of the canvas. His process is instinctual and spontaneous, blending action, memory, and materials. He begins with initial marks made from both conte and paint, then works to develop a visual rhythm by layering shape, line, color, and texture. According to Dicey, “with the marks, I assess, pursue, guide, control, and manipulate,” continuously refining the composition, ensuring that every part contributes to the whole.
Dicey’s approach allows the painting to evolve naturally, as he interacts with and responds to the emerging composition. His aim is for viewers to engage with the creative process itself, observing the layered history within the painting. His abstract shapes and color choices reflect his daily observations rather than a pre-existing plan or narrative. A dedicated drawer, Dicey always carries his sketchbooks, which serve as a foundation for his paintings.
Born in 1959, Dicey graduated from Alberta College of Art in 1983. For over three decades, he has been a vital part of Calgary’s arts community, exhibiting widely across the region in cities like Calgary, Banff, Lethbridge, and Edmonton. A notable exhibition in 2018 at the Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary, showcased his recent works, along with a selection of his sketches and works on paper. His works are held in several prestigious collections, including the Canadian Embassy in Belgium, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, City of Calgary, Nickle Galleries, Royal Bank of Canada, and Scotiabank.
