Artist of the Month August 2019

Peter Hazel

Reno, Nevada

Born and raised in California, Peter grew up loving the ocean and nature.  As a youth he spent his time exploring the undersea world diving, which would later provide inspiration for his art. His father was a professional fine art painter, so Peter was surrounded by art, although it was decades before Peter started exploring his own artistic talents.

In 2008 Peter visited Barcelona and was inspired to find his artistic voice. Since then Peter has been creating stunning permanent mosaic sculptures in ceramic, tile and glass. Primarily depicting the natural world, Peter is a master of form and scale and imbues his pieces with energy and vibrant color palettes that reflect his love of nature, simple lifestyle and playful spirit. 

Peter works on both very large pieces for public places and on smaller scales for quainter spaces.  He is extremely versatile as an artist and comfortable working in any setting be it large commercial developments or small private gardens.  Peter is also known for his functional art, such as the “Wave Bench” currently on loan to Flow Kana in Ukiah, CA.

Currently he has public art (purchased on a loan) in Nevada, California, Utah, Colorado, and more. He also just recently completed a permanent public art piece for Virginia Lake in Reno, NV. He has exhibited his sculptures at a variety of events, festivals, and openings.  Peter also has his art in a multitude of private residences and businesses throughout the United States. 

Peter lives in Reno, Nevada and works out of a 5,000 sq ft studio in Artech.

How and when did you start creating art?

“Growing up around my artist father, I was actually intimidated by his talent and purposely stayed away from artistic endeavors.  After visiting Barcelona in 2008, I was inspired and felt called to start creating art.  I was in new territory, honestly it was a step into the unknown.  I used my background in tile and stone to begin creating mosaics.  I discovered a talent and joy in creating these things of beauty and have just kept expanding my horizons.”

What media and genres do you work in?

“As noted above, my work started from my experience with tiles. I began with basic tile mosaic pieces but soon became intrigued with other media types.  I evolved into using glass, melting scrap bottles and making custom tiles and shapes for my designs.  I start each project with a hand sculpted and carved clay model.  From these the larger, final versions are created – some with just clay molds, some with large iron infrastructures."

Who or what are your influences?

“On a trip to Barcelona in 2008, I discovered the works of Antoni Gaudi. After seeing Gaudi's work, I couldn't wait to get home and start creating my own. As my first piece, I made a bird bath for a friend as a birthday gift.  The whole experience was not only profound and enjoyable, but the reaction was so positive that it really inspired me to take it further. When I embarked on the project I didn't know how it would turn out.  I was so inspired by what I had seen in Gaudi's work.”

What was your inspiration for Octavius?

“Octavius, or Phil as I call him, was created for Burning Man.  When I first attended Burning Man in 2013, I was taken by the expanse of the playa.  The alkaline desert evoked a beach to me; I saw giant sea creatures rising from it.  As a mosaic artist and diver, the fluidity of sea creatures appealed to me. The juxtaposition of that vast desert and water creatures; it attracted me.”

Describe your creative process?

“I guess I’m old school – I like to hand create everything.  Once I have an idea for a piece (and inspiration comes from everywhere), I sketch it.  I draw it in miniature from different perspectives.  I then sculpt it in clay, carving an intricate detailed model.  Next come the hand-crafted molds, which for some pieces such as the fruit and vegetable baskets, are the final step.  For some, the molds just create the individual tiles which get mortared onto a hand-built metal infrastructure.  No computers, no automation, just a lot of hands on effort.”

What are you working on currently?

“The largest project I am working on is Niloticus, aka Tim, a 41-foot-long, 10-foot-tall crocodile for Burning Man.  Niloticus is the fourth in my mosaic sea creature series for Burning Man.”

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

“I am getting ready to venture into new territory again . . . I am proposing a collaboration with a bronze artist where I sculpt the wax model for the mold.  I am excited to branch into another media and explore its new possibilities.  I just really want to grow and expand in my creativity.  Stay tuned for what comes next!”

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

“My art can be seen and purchased at peterhazel.com  in the Gallery. My newest smaller creations are my Jellyfish Pendant Lights that can be viewed and purchased through the website. Larger pieces can be commissioned directly with me at peter@peterhazel.com. A few of my Burning Man installations are available for purchase as well.”