Without having ever met him, my grandfather is the person I believe has had the greatest influence on me becoming the artist I am. Without doubt my particular brain chemistry predisposed me to a creative career but my practice and expression is a tangible lineage of his eye and craft. This must be what they mean by legacy; to live a life that still reverberates after you are gone and significantly shape the minds of your future generations - ooft, what a thing.
Peter was the son of an immigrant, a carpenter, with a big personality and grrreat taste in design and art. The man was mid-century. He became successful. Lived a big life. He bought art. Great art. Predominantly, landscapes and sexy art. I grew up in a house with that art and with a dad who passed on his father’s confidence and understanding when it came to design. When I get a “that works - don’t touch it” from dad - that’s high praise; and irrefutable confirmation that painting is zinging.
I now live in the house my grandfather built. Completed in the early 60s, the home was designed by British architect, Ronald Dyer, who moved to Western Australia after the war. Many of the finishes, flooring and furniture were crafted by my grandfather - true mid-century in all its glory.
The house and my art fit together - the specificity of design meeting the aesthetic of my expression (shaped through osmosis by the guy crafted the house?).
It feels right to have this time and connection to him. And it is a joy to share it with you.
*Note: the Murano-sourced crystal chandelier is not an original feature. That one comes from my mum’s side of the family - one the several chandeliers that used to hang in my Nonna’s house. But it fits ,and it’s definitely me….
My inherited Italo-flair… that’s another legacy conversation for another time.
Rx
