Peter Lawson lives and works on the Isle of Wight. He studied painting at Epsom and Ewell School of Art from 1965 to 1967, and at Winchester School of Art from 1967 to 1970. After leaving art school, he applied himself to a career in landscape design and construction for a period of 25 years until persistent and disabling spinal problems made this no longer possible.
For the past 10 years, originally for therapeutic reasons, Peter has implemented his experience of composition, scale and texture to the creation of sculptures described by an authority on contemporary art as "striking and original". Peter’s work has also been described as having social, moral, metaphysical, spiritual and sacred origins, all providing him with an inexhaustible source of inspiration. He is particularly interested in ancient Chinese bronzes and early primitive sculpture from the Greek Cycladic islands.
The methods and techniques he uses are constantly changing as the work evolves. The finishing procedures are developed to suit the mood of each piece. Among the many structural materials used are various plasters, wood, fibreglass, resin, brick, glass, slate, steel and laminated paper. Patination is achieved using a combination of different techniques incorporating the use of the finest flake metal powders, graphite, metal oxides, oil paints and tinted waxes, varnishes and resins.
Peter does not use found objects in the making of his work. All components are either carved, cast or engraved. No machine tools are used. All work is finally polished with pure beeswax.
Solo exhibitions of the artist’s work have been shown at the cathedrals of Winchester and Portsmouth, and at Northwood House, Cowes, Isle of Wight.
