Peter Beard Ceramics Artist

Because of the biomorphic nature of what he does the shapes evoke landscapes or objects in the landscape as well as some of the earliest art forms from the simplicity of axe heads to the powerful.

Peter beard ceramics artist. Last word from paradise was about the two places he loved the most montauk and kenya. A throwing wheel lurks beneath spatters of clay plastic tubs of soupy glaze are gathered together against one wall and ceramic vessels in various stages of completion sit higgledy piggledy wherever there s space. Richly glazed his forms can have an almost sentinel and totemic presence the shapes elemental the glazing iridescent and luminous. Peter beard makes one off pieces in ceramic and in bronze.

Taschen peter beard multilingual edition published in english french and german available march 31 2020 in europe and april 30 2020 for the united states and the rest of the world. In 2006 taschen first published the book that has come to define his oeuvre signed by the artist and published in two volumes. Peter beard makes confident forms with complex vibrant surfaces. It sold out instantly and became a highly sought after collector s item.

Known for his fashion photography and striking images of africa peter beard s photographs of sub saharan fauna and new york city nightlife in the 1970s and 80s represent a sustained engagement with a libidinal power. His ceramic work is vessel based and sculptural exhibited internationally in museums and private collections. Some artists studios are neater than a new pin but peter beard s warwickshire workshop is a jumble of objects and tools. In 1996 beard s retrospective exhibition at the centre national de la photographie in paris opened as the artist recovered from being trampled and speared in the leg by the tusk of an elephant.

Peter beard s work has been exhibited around the world and is represented in numerous museums public collections and private collections in the uk and overseas. Peter beard is a maker of vessels and sculptural pieces. Beard s interest in africa can be traced to his trips to the continent in the 1950s and 60s which he viewed as escapes from the high society into which he was born.