Peter MacWhirter, Andora Gallery & Studios

195 Main Street, P.O. Box 279, Liverpool, NS Phone: (902) 350-0827 Email: andoragallery@gmail.com

The ceramic fishes are a continuation of my printmaking, drawing and painting efforts. They are part of a thematic narrative that uses visual metaphors to explore our marine and aquatic habitats, and are meant to be a form of linear and non- linear storytelling. I have been doing this since 1982, when I first began work as a natural history illustrator at the Huntsman Marine Science Center in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. This two dimensional work led to the sculpting and mould making of fishes for museum exhibit design, and was later used to make ceramic art.

I received my diploma from The Ontario College of Art and Design (88’), BA (Honours) from The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art (89’), and MFA from West Virginia University in 1993. Upon graduation I returned to Nova Scotia where I worked as a Key Model maker, SFX technician and Special Make-up artist. This work continued until I was engaged as producer of the award winning animation series entitled, “NetiBee”, in South Korea (KBS 2003). This work led to my appointment as Assistant Professor within the Design department at Hongik University, South Korea. I recently left this position to pursue full-time art making in Liverpool, NS.

The fishes appear in greater and lesser defined artistic sensibility. Stylistic change usually happens after a period of working in one or the other style. Moving through artistic sensibilities has long been part of my artistic practice. I use stoneware for durability, where the clay is laid into two part moulds. Once removed the details are added, using my understanding of fish anatomy I make modified and hybrid versions. This process is no more crude than the creation of at least one actual living modified fish… I once saw the ‘Charmon’ ® created in a bucket. At the ideal temperature just add eggs, milt, and stir very lightly for a few minutes! 

By invitation, I was a resident artist at the Guanlan Original Print Base, in Shenzhen, China, and have lectured at The Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA, Beijing), Guangzhou Academy of Arts (GAFA), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, NSCAD University and OCAD University. I have been invited as resident artist in Argentina, Australia, Equador, Paraguay and New Zealand. I have received support from The Canada Council for the Arts, Nova Scotia Arts Council, Korean Arts Council and Canadian embassies in Japan, China, South Korea and the USA. 

GALLERIES

My current work can be found at Secord Gallery, in Halifax, and Andora Gallery in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. My work appears in public and private collections throughout North America, East Asia, UK and the USA. 

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