ABOUT MY WORK
My fascination with light, dark and silhouettes originally came from a photograph I'd taken in Africa of long dark shadows in the Seventies. It fuelled my imagination and has ever since been a source of inspiration for my work.
This journey began in the late 1970’s with an evening class at the art local college. I made a couple of stained glass windows which are still serving to this day in my home. The inspiration of Louis Comfort Tiffany enabled me to produce much finer work in the form of lampshades, sun catchers and 3D work, using copper foil and solder instead of lead cane. Seeing them illuminated in a darkened room was just magical.
When I retired in 2007, I was able to devote more time to my art, this is when I made The Galleon. Each sail is kiln fired and shaped to give a 3D effect. It was also during that time that I became inspired by the art of Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely, in particular their black and white illusional work; art that gives the impression of depth and movement but is in fact flat. M.C. Escher is another whose work has always interested me, hence the piece called Evolution, Black and White Birds and Fish.
The play of texture and illusion fascinated me and led me to my next medium; mosaics. These occupied my thoughts for a while and I produced work for use both inside and out. Again the use of contrasting colours and finishes create wonderful reflections of light. I am particularly pleased with my set of stepping stones, designed to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics.
I went on to learn new craft skills such as fusion glass. The Lady in the Green Coat was my first attempt at fusing glass with multi layers, this technique can give stunning results. Another passion is pottery, My Black Owl and Large Glazed Pot covered in ceramic transfers from drawings by my grandchildren were particularly pleasing to make.
The work of Andy Goldsworthy is something I've admired for many years, particularly his use of natural materials. This set me on the path of using slate. To start with, my only source was local building sites, but I have since moved on to 5mm thick Welsh slate, which is far more robust, and when cut, leaves a very attractive uneven edge. Abstract art with the use of natural materials, such as slate and glass, has given me the chance to express myself. It feels like a natural progression, with a focus on material and light, whose simplicity returns me again to my starting point of light and dark.
The pieces shown on this site are a sample of my work, it’s been a fascinating journey so far and long may it continue.
For more information or news about upcoming exhibitions, email me at petermyers136@yahoo.co.uk
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