Q&A
Peter is a conceptual photographic artist based in London. This, his most recent body of work, deals with ideas of memory and nostalgia. His domestic interiors explore a very personal sense of loss through the passing of time.
Could you explain a little about this body of work? What was your intention and thoughts behind it?
The idea came to me over a year ago, however it was only this past summer’09 that I had the opportunity to travel back and capture the images. The interior that you see is of my paternal-grandparents house in Ireland, which has lay vacant since 2007.
I have always been drawn to the idea of a space’s essence evolving, be that through physical changes or through the passing of time.
I also wanted to recapture in stills the memories I have of this emporium of wonder from my childhood. The ornaments, patterned carpets and old time atmosphere fascinated me, I cherished every visit.
The images hold a very still and calm quality, is this something that is integral to the meaning?
I agree that there is a stillness in the work. I am glad you noticed this as stillness is all I felt in the space. I did not stage or alter any of what you see. I believe this is translated thought the images not due to my own doing but more due to the fact that the space now lends itself to stillness. Time passes, this vacant space no longer has a living occupant.
Clearly these images have deep personal attachments to them, would you say the work is therapeutic for you in any way?
Yes I do believe the work is somewhat therapeutic. I am very glad to have had the opportunity to revisit this space before it changes and evolves into something new.
Is this a project that you think you will expand on in any way?
I see this as two different projects combined. The first being a space’s ‘essence” changing, which I will continue as an ongoing exploratory body of work. The second and more personal project, my grandparents house, I do not see these images being added to a larger body of work. But things do change.
Who are your main influences with relation to your photographic work?
In relation to this body of work, Jessica Backhaus and Emily Andersen have had a significant impact on my image making. The stillness that Jessica Backhaus captures in her work is both beautiful and poetic, which lingers with me long after seeing her images. Many others influence my work and process, but they are less relevant to this body of work.
Where do you hope to be in five years time?
Producing insightful and thought provoking photographic work for exhibition and publication.
And finally; perm or mullet?
Mullet, becuase I'm a bit country!