Peter M. Eller – Artist’s Statement and Vita
PELL52@earthlink.net; www.petereller.net , www.beyondthepointgallery.com
My art consists of abstract iconography. Technically, the traditional oil painting technique is transformed to one that is more expressionistic and vibrant. Harmonized tones are developed by the value of their proportional intensity in gamma or in contrast. Employed are under-layers of gold or silver leaf, smooth and heavy brush works and palette knife textures. Conceptually, I attempt to mystify the world in my work rather than clarify it, going beyond the casual perception of space. My artwork is a passage from one intellectual state to another, where the spectator begins to experience the vast realm of ideas establishing a dialogue with the art.
I was born in Bulgaria, where I received a degree in Fine Arts and began my artistic career. A few years later, after my initial training in classical painting and sculpture, my artistic practices expanded into a wide range of monuments and mosaic panels as well as participation in group and solo exhibitions of paintings, drawings and sculptures. With these experiences, I was accepted as a member of the Bulgarian National Union of Masters of Decorative and Monumental Art. Under the influences of Turner and Monet, I established my formal style of Abstract Impressionistic Oil Painting. Soon after relocating to Germany, the abstract work of Kandinski and German Expressionism made a dramatic impact on my work, which then evolved into Figurative Abstract Expressionism. From this point on, I exhibited in many solo and group shows in Munich and other European cities. Since 1991, the United States has been my home. In San Francisco, I earned my Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts degrees from the San Francisco Art Institute. My artistic style has become more and more free--a fusion of my previous styles, breaking the boundaries of tradition and exploring the deeper meanings of the “melting pot” of American culture. De Kooning, Jasper Johns and Marcel Duchamp have been particularly inspirational in this quest.
My professional interests include painting, sculpting, working on commissioned projects, exhibiting in solo and group shows, and teaching art classes. My work is in galleries, corporations and private collections throughout the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Israel, Bulgaria, Australia, Japan, Norway, Finland and New Zealand.
Technical conditions and maintenance of oil paintings by Peter Eller.
My oil paintings are based on oil painting technique, which employs the use of oil, in which pigments are embedded in the oil cells. The oil cells stabilize the color in those pigments, which do not fade or deteriorate even in direct light. They are finished with several protective coats of varnish and UV protection. Because of the nature of oils and saps used during the process of creating layer after layer on the paintings, the canvas becomes a live membrane, which responds to any atmospheric change in temperature, humidity and moisture without cracking and peeling of the paint layers. It is normal if the canvas is sometimes very tight or sometimes a little loose. It self controls for the changes in conditions.
The backs of the paintings are left open for breathing purposes. It is recommended that once every year or two, the backside of the paintings are vacuumed with a soft brush without pushing against the surface.
The paintings do not need cleaning for many years, because the process of aging is a chemical reaction, and the cells are alive. The aging brings deeper tones to the paintings as well as natural patinas. If somehow the front of the paintings need to be cleaned, please contact the Gallery or the artist for advice. ONLY OIL PAINTING CLEANER ON A SOFT COTTON PAD SHOULD BE USED. WORK GENTLY ON THE SURFACE IN SMALL AREAS USING CIRCULAR MOTIONS. DO NOT PUSH HARD AGAINST THE CANVAS—BE VERY GENTLE.
Kindly regards,