JOHN PETERSON
“As a child I wanted to be a comic book illustrator and worked side jobs to pay for art lessons, I entered college looking for a degree to support that vision, but ultimately discovered painting and conceptual abstraction.”
- John Peterson
John Peterson, originally from Massachusetts and later migrating west to California in his late teens, is an artist who has long been captivated by the fascinating power of nature to claim dominion over man made creations. The process of decay and aging holds a peculiar beauty in his view, as he finds intrigue and inspiration in witnessing items rust and transform, while nature's alchemy orchestrates the reorganization and degradation of seemingly indestructible objects.
Nature effortlessly embraces the inevitability of change, with every element serving a purpose in accelerating the cycle of growth, transformation, and decay. In contrast, humans often resist, struggle, and strive to comprehend their dominion over both the natural world and the constructs they have built with their own hands.
As he himself ages and witnesses his own body succumbing to the natural process of ruin that befalls us all, he becomes increasingly aware of humanity's tendency to embrace mythology and notions of otherworldliness as a mental preparation for transition.
Peterson’s current body of work serves as a bridge between the realms of the tangible and the intangible, exploring the dichotomy between the present world and what lies beyond—often referred to as the "after-life." It also delves into his personal coping mechanisms in the face of the inevitable passage of time and mortality, allowing him to bear witness to the transient nature of existence.
This series of mixed media paintings revolves around three central themes. First, it delves into the natural state of decay prevalent in the world, celebrating the beauty found within this process. Second, it explores the communication between the tangible world and the ethereal "Other," delving into the realms of spirituality and metaphysical connection. This includes the presence of the deer and elk—agents of wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual communication in various indigenous cultures—serves as a profound symbol within his artwork.
In his current body of work, Peterson explores similar themes but directs his attention toward the impact of loss experienced throughout his lifetime, particularly the loss of family and friends. Embracing his Scandinavian heritage, he incorporates primitive iconography and belief systems into his artistic expression, using the deer and elk as conduits of communication, wisdom, and knowledge between the realms of the living and the departed.
Creating new "Visual Myths" is an essential aspect of Peterson’s artistic practice, as he believes that contemporary values often discourage the recognition of magic in the world we inhabit. He challenges the notion that such beliefs are incompatible with enlightenment or Western Christian values, advocating for a broader perspective that embraces the enchantment woven into our existence.
Above all, Peterson cherishes the precious time he has been granted to raise his adopted son, acknowledging the profound love and perspective that fatherhood has bestowed upon him. It is through his art and the exploration of mortality and transcendence that he seeks to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring viewers to contemplate the profound mysteries of life and the transformative power of decay and renewal.