Peter W. Stevenson
Artist Name:
My name is Peter W. Stevenson. I am currently living in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Short intro about what you do and what kind of artist are you?
Hello, I am Peter W Stevenson. I have always believed that I was born with a brush in one hand and colored pencil in the other. I have always been an artist. I am an artist. I will always be an artist. I love to explore materials. I work very intuitively and spontaneously. That is not to say that I do not utilize other forms of expression to capture a thought, concept, or contemplation. These forms can come from art history, contemporary culture, they may manifest themselves on canvas, paper, digitally, in wood, or even in combination. My work is driven by deep energies; some that have deep pure resonances. They defy and elude definition. They remind us of the Invisible World that lies just beneath our feet or on the other side of the door. My work is comprised of pure abstractions and figurative abstractions. The use of the figure allows me a point of triangulation, so that as I sail on the waves of creativity I do not sail too far off course. Even my pure abstractions have a point of reference. It could be the roots of a woodcut or the idea that fire and water can work together to form something harmonious. I believe that art resonates with us in an infinite number of ways and at different space/times. How we choose to honor these gifts helps shape who we are, what we choose to do now, and how we choose to act in the future. I hope that my work resonates with people, sparks growth, and that it leads to mindful conversations.
How and where did you learn your art form?
I have been doing art and studying art for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate that from an early age my parents noticed and fostered my interest in art and making, designing, and creating things: whether it was with pen, pencil, and paper; water color; construction paper; and or Legos and Constructs. When I was in middle school I was able to take summer art lessons from my favorite middle school art teacher, Linda Shaw-Elgin. While I was attending Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois I was able to take a number and variety of art and design classes. My mentor, Mr. Kerr, helped further direct me toward a career in art. I attended the Atlanta College of Art in Atlanta Georgia, (which has merged with the Savana College of Art & Design) where I studied graphic design, drawing, and printmaking and received a B.F.A. Later when I moved to Duluth, Minnesota I decide to attend the University of Wisconsin at Superior to work on my M.A. in art, where I focused on drawing, painting and printmaking. Right after graduating with my M.A. I attended the University of North Dakota and earned my M.F.A. in mixed media (drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture/woodworking). At the moment I continue to be a practicing artist exploring and re-exploring what it is that drives my passion for art, design, woodworking, making, and creating.
Why this medium?
I have to admit that unlike most artists/makers/creators, I do not use just one medium. I use many. It really comes down to how, where, why the energy to make/create originates and what it would like to do. It is a conversation, “a live encounter” as Parker J. Palmer would say.
Where do you create? What is your studio space?
At the moment, for the most part, I create in the living room of my apartment. In the past one of my favorite places to work was in my parents’ garage in Duluth, MN. My studio space contains an old drafting table I rebuilt, a computer desk my dad and I made, an easel I designed and built, and my great grandfather’s old desk. I am happy to say that my studio area is usually a very pleasant mess of paint, ink, paper, wood, brushes, pens, pencils, various gewgaws, and the occasional Lego set.
Describe a typical day in your studio.
I have something good to drink and eat. I may play some good music and then sit down and begin.
How long have you been working in this medium?
Mmmmm, with the aid of hindsight I might say all of my life.
What Inspires You?
All sorts of things: music, my friends (and their artwork), the environment and the world we inhabit (physical, mental, spiritual), thoughts, dreams, desires, wants, needs, and the various ruminations both interior and exterior.
What is your favorite art product or material?
As of late I have favored fountain pens, black ink, Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed-proof White (graphic designer’s white, very similar to white gouache), Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes, tracing paper (white and canary), Sennelier water colours, Rives/Arches BFK white paper, Yupo, bass wood, card stock alphanumeric stencils and various water-based adhesives.
What have you made that you are most proud of?
This is a tough question. I have a number of works I really gravitate toward, some of the which stand out at the present moment are: my easel, the various desks I have designed and created, some of my more elaborate mixed media works that used printmaking as a base, but I might say that the works that hold the most meaning for me are the ones that I did with my nieces, nephew and family.
Where can we see your work? Where do you sell?
At the moment you can see some of my work on my website: pwstevensonstudio.com I am working on a couple new series, “Tea Time at the O.K. Corral” and “Keystone Series 2” that will be ready in the near future.
What will we be seeing from you next?
I am working on a couple new series, “Tea Time at the O.K. Corral” and “Keystone Series 2” and some work inspired by my sketchbooks of the past.
Do you have any advice for other artists and creatives?
Keep at it! Listen to your intuition. Talk with others with whom you trust. Do your best. Relax, relax some more. Remember, when people gives you their opinion, it is just: that their opinion. And keep breathing. I am reminded of what a dear friend, Earl Bitoy, believed and said regularly: “Each person is uniquely gifted and talented. It is my job, as a teacher, to recognize each person’s gifts and talents and champion them.” Earl’s words resonate with me each time I write a syllabus, plan a lesson, step into a classroom or a gallery, and work on my own art.
What is your website or other online platforms people can use to see more work or contact you?
Contact: Pwstevenstudio.com/contact Website: www.pwetevensonstudio.com