04 Jul Meyer Najem Showcase: “The Flowers Around Us” by John Dierdorf
For John Dierdorf, art has always existed somewhere between observation and design. Trained in architecture at Ball State University, he credits his early foundation in sketching, drawing, and photography for shaping his artistic eye. His first forays into painting leaned toward bold, graphic compositions influenced by artists like Robert Indiana. But it wasn’t until years later, after raising a family and building a successful professional career, that he returned to painting with renewed purpose.
That turning point came in the mid-2000s when John became involved in the founding of what is now Noblesville Creates. As a board member, he helped guide the organization through its early days and quickly became re-energized by the creative community it fostered. “Engaging Noblesville, Fishers, and Hamilton County in the importance of art to enhance their communities has been wonderful to watch,” he reflects.
John’s newest exhibit, The Flowers Around Us, showcases his evolution as a painter while celebrating one of his longest-standing inspirations: nature. “I’ve always been drawn to gardens, to bold colors and textures,” he says. His work draws heavily from Impressionist artists like Monet and Pissarro, embracing loose brushstrokes and layered colors to evoke the movement and feeling of flowers, rather than just their form. Starting with small canvases and gradually expanding to larger formats, he has developed a style that’s both expressive and approachable. His work is an invitation to pause and notice the beauty in our everyday surroundings.
The exhibit features a diverse range of floral compositions, from intimate still lifes to a sweeping wall-sized canvas created specifically for this show. “That painting was a new challenge for me,” John admits. “It’s the largest I’ve ever done. I’m curious to see how people respond to it in the space.”
The Flowers Around Us offers more than a collection of florals, it reflects a sense of personal growth, community, and a continued passion for creative exploration. Each piece hums with the energy of color, season, and memory, grounded in the belief that art can make us look again and feel a little more deeply.
John Dierdorf’s work will be on display at the Meyer Najem 2nd Floor Gallery from July 4 to September 26, 2025. Join us for a special artist reception on Friday, August 8, from 5-7:30 p.m.