Art Opening

Palm Springs artist Gary Peterson's work takes its inspiration from needlework as it pays homage to famous artists.

By Richard Schultz

Stitch Strokes

Needlework inspired painter's collection that celebrates famous artists

Gary Peterson

A Palm Springs artist says his mother's needlepoint inspired him to create geometric paintings that pay homage to famous artists and their works.

Gary Peterson's exhibit, It Ain't Necessarily Sewn, will open Oct. 7 during First Friday at the Willo North Gallery in Phoenix.

From the brush strokes of Monet to the paint splashes of Pollack to the dots of Seurat, Paterson interprets each artist's style through intricate geometric patterns.

Paterson's new work also examines random patterns created by water, as seen through the structure of textile-derived images.

Previously, Paterson painted landscapes in a more traditional style. But in 2002, a conversation with his mother about her needlework and embroidery provided him with a revelation.

"All the parts came together for me," he said. "I found a style and a voice."

Getting Close: Acrylic on canvas, 2006

He said he experienced a burst of new energy and a flow of ideas. "That's what motivated my decision to leave my job, sell my worldly goods and move to Palm Springs," Paterson said. "Everyone believes that you are supposed to have a great revelation in your 20s and discover your life's direction and path. Well, mine happened in my 50s. And it feels terrific."

Paterson said he starts by studying each artist's work and life. He consults quilting and embroidery books to study the classic, geometric nature of the stitches and patterns.

"The geometric patterns across the canvas' surface all derive from needlepoint, stitch or quilting patterns," Peterson said.

Although his experience with needlework and embroidery is limited, Peterson said he comes from "a long line of sewers and knitters."

The works' titles reflect Peterson's sense of humor: "Show Me the Monet," "For Piet's Sake," "Escher — That's My Baby" and "R.E.M.Brandt."

The titles and paintings are slightly irrelevant, but pay homage to well-respected masterpieces. "Laughter and humor are a large part of life," Peterson said. "They're everywhere and they make things better."

Peterson, who said he's been painting for 40 years, studied at Northwestern University, then pursued a career in San Francisco with Macy's advertising department while painting on weekends and evenings.

Wet: Acrylic on canvas, 2011

Eventually, Peterson met his partner, Lou, who resides in Palm Springs. In 2003, Peterson relocated there and accepted a position with the Palm Springs Art Museum, where he coordinates events and workshops.

Peterson said he paints as often as possible, including as part of his morning regime and during his lunch hour when he dashes home from the museum.

He has exhibited nationwide and in solo and group exhibitions in northern and southern California. His work is in collections in the U.S. and France. The Phoenix show will be his first in Arizona, and the show will also feature textile-themed artwork by local artists Christy Puetz and Linda McCurry.

Robrt Pela, curator at Willo North Gallery, said he discovered Peterson's paintings at a show about five years ago in San Francisco. "They're done with a very deep sense of humor and reverence — a very hard combination to pull off," Pela said. -E

VITAL STATISTICS
It Ain't Necessarily Sewn
Opening at 6 p.m. Oct. 7 (First Friday)
Willo North Gallery
2811 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
Exhibit runs through Nov. 23; gallery open by appointment
602-320-8445; www.willonorth.com