Peter Beard’s work has been loosely inspired by flat textured surfaces in stone, both man-made and natural, and is a continuation of his exploration of form and colour. Integrating more complex patterns to his usually wax resist techniques, Peter will also be going in a slightly new direction in the forms and techniques of his ground work.
Wax resist technique is layering glaze and painting patterns in wax between the layers to create pattern and texture with the wax burning away in the kiln. Peter builds to 1cm thickness and glazes his pieces up to three times before grinding away at the surface to reveal the colours and patterns formed within the structure, starting coarse and going finer until the surface is silky smooth. This process means that the works can take up to six months to make.
“I hope people will get pleasure from my work over many years and continually see new areas of beauty within the surface. To have a timeless quality.”
Throughout his long career Peter has always sought pathways to the development of new ideas. Often this is a slow process, but sometimes a particular event speeds things along.
Partaking of two residencies in China recently, where Peter worked in porcelain at high temperatures, led him to develop a new body of work, made alongside his existing practice to which Peter is still deeply committed.
This new exhibition represents the outcome of Peter’s working practice.
'This exhibition explores objects that express a quiet equilibrium: fragile, shifting forms that exist in a state of delicate imbalance. Their stillness is easily disturbed, as if the act of holding too tightly might cause something essential to disappear. The works reflect an interest in forms that resist perfection, remaining slightly unresolved, unsettled, and quietly alive.' Akiko Hirai