Peter Gilliland was born in 1983, in the small country town of Won Wron in Victoria.
Inspired by his upbringing in country Victoria, Peter was deeply influenced by iconic Australian artists such as Brett Whitely, Peter Booth and John Brack. His exposure to these wonderful expanses of bush land and massive open sky has created an eclectic approach to his art. A passionate advocate for the welfare of animals, Peter harnesses his love of native wildlife and the environment, using his art as a vehicle to initiate dialogue and increase social awareness of endangered and vulnerable species.
Native birds in particular, have been a constant source of inspiration. Peter’s appreciation for the birds stunning colour palette, textures, coupled with the play of the powerful Australian light, is seen again and again in these works.
During the course of his artistic journey, Peter has undertaken exhaustive experimentation and explorative processes in order to create a unique style, evoking both a sense of nostalgia and a celebration of both the natural and manmade world.
Peter creates compositions which are at times light hearted, ironic and humorous, but can sometimes also convey a sense of brooding on things ominous, that produces a sense of foreboding.
Powerful portraits of artists and animals capture the very essence of life in all its forms.
Peter has processed a myriad of seemingly conflicting sources of inspiration. His risk taking and experimental approach to subject matter and technique however, effortlessly forms a cohesive and informed narrative.
Peter’s ability to effortlessly slip between varied genres is a testament to his innate ability to embrace all his personal definitions and meanings of “artforms”.
Q & A
Were either of your parents artists?
No but my mum is an amazing gardener.
Around what age did you decide you wanted to be an artist?
I have been painting professionally since 2009.
How would you describe your style of art?
My style of art would be obscure, expressionism.
Any Australian or International artists who you admire and have influenced your style/technique?
Artists I admire and who have influenced my style are Australian artists Brett Whiteley, Peter Booth and John Brack. International artists include American painter Jed Leiknes and Swedish artist Alexander Fjelnseth.
