All my work is inspired from plants and tree life that is found in the swamps and marshes of the southern United States. I am specifically drawing from the visual inspiration in swamps and bayous in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Alabama, and various states which I have had the privilege of traveling through and living in during the formative years of my life.

Working in and being exposed to these many different environments and lifestyles has had a strong impact on my life and my work. I have found the various shapes and forms that once surrounded me now coming out from within me, weaving their way through my work. The trees and plants that grow in and around the water have definitely been the strongest influence in my work. Certain trees, particularly old cypress trees, expose more of their root structure due to the water that lies in the swamps. The complex roots that are exposed to the erosion of running water of rivers have inspired many ideas.

I find the forms in nature provide strong interesting and inspirational library of ideas to work from. I have interpreted these ideas into my own series of functional designs of jewelry and hollowware. I enjoy the variations of soft fluid shapes and the mysterious forms that surround these trunks creating formations such that no side or vantage point is the same.

Trees in the winter time with there barren branches exposing the fluid silhouette of shapes and forms are additional influential ideas. The evening shadows cast from the branches can create complex layers of shadows that are cast along the ground creating multiple visual sights.

From the plants which have influenced me, the Bromeliades have probably had the biggest effect on my work. I observe these plants in the everglades of Florida. I was struck by their graceful growth patterns as they attach themselves to the sides of the trees rather that growing independently from the ground. In some of my work I have tried to present the strong fibers of the plant and the movement they possess by using the rich colors of gold and silver tubing.

Again, I strive to recreate my interpretation of the plant in a metal structure. Taking what I see and being able to create my interpretation of this is very important to me.

I hope you find viewing this body of work as enjoyable as I've found creating it.

Peter's Resume