Christopher Peter: Layered Explorations of Experience Boston-based painter Christopher Peter's artistic journey began in Phoenix, Arizona, where he honed his craft before receiving a formal art education at Arizona State University. After establishing himself in the Southwest's art and design scene, his work found a national audience through galleries across the US. A highlight of his career came in 2017 with his first international exhibition at the prestigious Art Basel in Miami. Peter's artistic approach is characterized by a unique blend of traditional and unconventional. While figures and landscapes are central themes, he masterfully blurs the lines between them, creating a personal narrative that invites viewers into a deeper exploration of their own connection to the world around them. This is further emphasized by his use of a diverse material palette. In addition to acrylic and oil paints, Peter incorporates handmade papers, vintage roadmaps, and repurposed book pages, imbuing his work with a rich textuality and a sense of history. Today, Peter draws inspiration from his vibrant life in Boston's historic South End. His studio resides within the in the Sowa Arts District, placing him at the heart of the city's creative energy. Finding Inspiration in the Everyday Peter's artistic process is a continuous evolution, characterized by constant refinement and a willingness to embrace new possibilities. "My process is always in flux, always refining, and always in a state of becoming," he says. A key aspect of this evolution is his growing trust in the materials themselves. "I think my practice is 'alive' in that sense; and I've learned to listen to the materials," he explains. This year, Peter finds himself enthralled by his personal garden plot, a recent acquisition in his neighborhood filled with Victorian brownstones. "I'm currently drawing a lot of inspiration from my garden!" he exclaims. The abundance of nature, particularly his prized 20-year-old grapevines and a sprawling rose bush, provide a constant source of color and wonder. Scaling New Heights 2024 has also seen Peter push the boundaries of scale in his work. He recently completed his largest piece ever, an 18-foot-long commission featuring life-sized figures. The positive response to this monumental work highlights the power of art that resonates on a human scale, "I've been fortunate to be able to really push scale this year," Peter reflects. A City Steeped in History The rich history and life that permeate his South End neighborhood serve as a constant source of inspiration for Peter. He feels a deep connection to the community and takes joy in contributing to its ongoing story. "I live in the historic South End of Boston, and I love my city," he says. The seasonal blooms throughout the neighborhood provide a dazzling floral display that he witnesses daily on his bike rides to the studio. "You could set your watch by the types of flowers blooming in the neighborhood throughout the year; it's a whirlwind of color," he describes. A Perfect Day and Artistic Inspiration Reflecting on personal milestones, Peter describes his wedding day as his perfect day. Celebrating his first wedding anniversary with his wife, he finds inspiration in the pressed flowers from her bouquet, which he plans to incorporate into future paintings. "My perfect day was my wedding day! My wife and I got married last summer... and I pressed some flowers from my wife's bouquet and I'm about to take them out and use them as references for paintings," he says. Layered Harmony: A Signature Technique Peter's "Silhouette" paintings exemplify his layered approach. Each work begins with a meticulously treated surface, followed by the addition of collage elements or abstract backgrounds created using chemical pouring techniques. The final figure is then meticulously built upon these layers, resulting in a harmonious blend of abstraction and figuration. This layering technique extends beyond materials and reflects Peter's overall artistic philosophy. He strives to create a personal narrative for the viewer, one that encourages a deeper reflection on our connection to the world and the experiences that shape us. Select Exhibitions One Night Gala, Omni Boston Seaport, 2024. Boston, MABoston Design Week (solo exhibition), Ferrell Mittman, 2024. Boston, MAFall Market (solo exhibition), Boston Design Center, 2023. Boston, MAEfflorescence, Slate Gray Gallery, 2022. Telluride, COWalker/Peter/VanLandingham, Glave Kocen Gallery, 2020. Richmond, VAConvergence (solo exhibition), Slate Gray Gallery, 2019. Telluride, COFall Market (solo exhibition), Boston Design Center, 2019. Boston, MAConfiguration, Glave Kocen Gallery, 2019. Richmond, VATogether We Shine Promise Ball Gala, JDRF, 2018. Scottsdale, AZSummer in the City, Glave Kocen Gallery, 2018. Richmond, VAA Life Creative, Slate Gray Gallery, 2018. Austin, TXChristopher Peter/Rob Browning, Glave Kocen Gallery, 2018. Richmond, VAArt Basel, AQUA, 2017. Miami Beach, FLColorado Colorways, Slate Gray Gallery, 2017. Telluride, CO Publications and Interviews Modern Luxury Interiors, Boston, MAID Boston Magazine, Boston, MAStudio Visit Magazine, Boston, MADesignSkim, design-skim.comNAKEDBUTSAFE Biannual Print Review, nakedbutsafe.comKOTO-FM Radio, Telluride, COLuxury Lifestyle Magazine, Phoenix, AZASID Desert Design, Phoenix, AZABC News KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZPhoenix Home and Garden, Phoenix, AZ