Peter Horrocks
Artwork for Peter Horrocks
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
Dry pigment is rubbed into the surface of an acid free board. Any structural lines are incised into the surface with scribers and knives. The line becomes a physical part of the work and holds pigment within the grooves created. More recent works use the earth pigments mixed with water and various binders. Layers of gesso, plaster, pigment, clay etc. are applied to plywood panels, canvas and handmade paper. Surfaces are layered, revealing colours beneath the surface by scraping, rubbing and sanding. The square format of the works and the inclusion of square shapes act as a metaphor for the essence of stability. This contrasts with what Peter Lanyon describes as, “the organic life of the surface”.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
It is a natural part of my day and reflects my interests and obsessions.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
As an artist I always feel drawn to the abstract qualities of fragments in the landscape and in the geometry of geological structures. I explore the use of natural earth pigments, clays, graphite, slate and charcoal dust etc. in my practice. Drawing is a regular part of my practice and is used as an act of discovery as well as a preparatory process towards finished pieces. The works themselves are marks I leave behind in the creative process.
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
I work in the studio most days. I respond to a strict structure of working. For example, apart from my normal practice, I create a separate piece of work each week in special books. Started in 2016 the total of works now exceeds 500. I welcome visitors to the studio and have been apart of h.Art since its inception, apart from just two years
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
I studied Fine Art at Leicester College of Art, Chelsea School of Art and a Post Graduate Teaching Cert. at London University. I moved to Herefordshire in 1971. After retiring from my teaching career I have developed my studio practice and have also been actively involved in many community arts projects and festivals.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
Ludlow Assembly Rooms, June 2025 along with photographer Matthew Evans. Marches Makers Festival, May 2024, Kington A Ripple of Land, July 2024, Chapel Gallery Bromyard Open Studio, Sept 2024 h.Art Week Order and Freedom, May 2023, Made in the Marches Gallery, Church Street Kington