David E. Peterson - The Collections

For David E. Peterson, his latest exhibition titled The Collections is a multi-series spectrum of his current work. The Collections integrates pieces from multiple bodies of work, including Puzzles, Products, Surfspots, and Architecture. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1979, Peterson went on to earn his B.F.A. at the College for Creative Studies, in Detroit, Michigan.

Peterson’s work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of New Art in Detroit, as well as many other notable public and private art collections. He is represented by the Krause Gallery in Atlanta, Alejandra von Hartz Gallery in Miami, and DECORAZONgallery in Dallas, Texas.

David E. Peterson - collections and press (.pdf - 172k)
David E. Peterson - exhibition portfolio  (.pdf - 1.6MB)
David E. Peterson - curriculum vitae  (.pdf - 200k)
David E. Peterson - website

Puzzle series:
"Each piece is a new system that I create based on a visual or auditory observation of the physical world. During my process, I analyze the perceptual elements in the system and try to create a perfect order within each piece. I find this order by reducing the elements in the system that contrasts a state of entropy with a predetermined structural order that is based on the principles of design and architecture. The pieces are acrylic paint, MDF, and wood in layers of resin. The resin creates depth and enables the piece to be viewed on multiple levels. Your impression of the work can change depending on the light, atmosphere, and environment."

Architecture series:
"The architectural series is an abstraction of architectural elements from different buildings that I find appealing. I deconstruct the successful aesthetics of the structure and reveal the forms of the building . All of the pieces are white on white. The monochromatic white changes tones as it recedes into the layers of the resin, creating depth and shadows."

Surfspot series:
"The Surfspots Series is created from my love for Surfing. The only catch is that I am deathly afraid to go in the ocean over my head; I live vicariously through these works. The imagery is taken from online video and photographs of people surfing and the locations that they travel to. The Surfspots are not the reality of surfing, but the dream of surfing. The pieces reflect the golden era of surfing with a contemporary presentation. The work is made of MDF, acrylic, UV resin and cedar. Cedar is the only wood used in this series because it is one of the traditional woods used to make wooden surfboards."

Product series:
"The Product Pieces are abstractions of Products that I think are interesting. I take the successful aesthetics of the product and create a new composition of the original Product."