PETER SWIFT

About the Artist

Peter Swift’s work combines two distinct elements: classical realistic still-life painting and symmetrical design. He has coined the phrase “Symmetrical Realism” to describe this type of work. Most of his art features circles because he believes that the human brain has a deep psychological connection to them. The circle is a fundamental symbol in many of the world’s religions because it represents harmony, unity, tranquility, completion, and wholeness.

He hopes that when viewers look at one of his paintings, they feel that they are entering this circle, and thus being why he tends to paint on such a large scale. Harmony and symmetry work together to produce a sense of intense quiet where sound is absorbed. However, tension is an integral part of harmony.

 Peter conveys the sensation of tactile touching within his artwork, which can only be accomplished by a skillful rendering of the texture of the presented objects. Painting in acrylic allows me to do so, as well as shift the objects around more easily than with oils. Acrylic tends to create a textured, even blotchy appearance, which I use when a rough exterior is desired.

Peter left his career as a corporate lawyer in 2015 to pursue artmaking and has found inspiration in artists such as Josef Albers and Frank Stella, both of whose work share similar values and concepts in symmetry to his own. Peter believes symmetry is a fundamental, underlying principle in art. His work combines symmetry and realistic rendering. It combines imagination and meticulous craftsmanship.

To see more of his work visit www.peterswiftartstudio.com