Biography | Peter Corr

   I was born in Preston, UK, and spent many years living and working abroad, enjoying the experience of getting to know different people and cultures. I spent many years in Germany, Cyprus and most recently in the Middle East. All these places are present in my work and you don’t have to look far to see the evidence; the blue and turquoise of the Mediterranean, the warm ochres of the Persian Gulf, a preoccupation with design, structure and the tactile qualities of nature and land. 

​

  I currently live in Ely, Cambridgeshire and my recent work is inspired by the forests and natural landscape of the UK. A two-week residency in the New Forest provided a creative springboard for my large oil and cold wax based paintings. In my blog, you will discover how I use cold wax to generate exciting surface textures and impasto.

​

   Most of my work occupies that transitional space between realism and abstraction. The flat surface of the picture plane is something that I openly celebrate and seize the opportunity to explore new designs and compositions. At the same time, I use devices and techniques that contribute to a sense of space and depth. There is always a tension between the illusionistic perspective and the reality of the canvas as a flat 2-dimensional object. This explains why I rarely describe a particular place or geographical location. I am more interested in the role played by the experiences, emotions and textures that form the visual backdrop to our lives. 

​

   I try to achieve contrasting sensations and impressions, feelings of time passing, and timelessness.  In particular, I am very interested in concepts associated with tranquillity, serenity, and meditation. 
​​
I believe passionately in the power of art to transform both ourselves and the environment in which we live.