Peter Cramond: Local Art Taonga

SummaryPeter Cramond is a painter and sculptor whose work can be found in private collections all over the world and, increasingly, in public spaces. It is this that gives me a sense of how far the Papamoa artist has come in an eventful art filled 56 years. Last edited by: Megan

Main BodyI saw wonderful examples of his intriguing and unique artistic vision in the public works on display at the new Pāpāmoa Library after time spent visiting his home/studio recently.Peter grew up in Te Puke and spent much of his youth at Pāpāmoa and Maketū Beaches catching waves and enjoying the outdoors. Trained in graphic design, he worked in the advertising industry before becoming a full time artist after an accident in 1982 that left him with a broken neck.

Since that time, Peter has exhibited throughout the world and has participated in many festivals including eight visits to the famous International Arts Festival in Edinburgh.Pāpāmoa has been Peter's home for many years and the nearby stretches of beach provide the meditative space that allow him to connect with his past life and formulate the creative thoughts that emerge in his highly personal paintings and sculpture.

Are We There Yet? 1210mm x 910mm acrylic on canvas (2009)

In his thought provoking painting, 'Are We There Yet?' are we to consider those times when we have to move on and make positive changes in our lives? The anonymous man carrying his history under one arm is on a platform ready to embark on a journey.

Does the suitcase in the other show us that we only need a few possessions and it is possible to jettison much of the physical and psychological clutter we accumulate in our lives? - stuff that may hold us back from moving forward to better things. Does the Peter Cramond leitmotif of the suit signify that even when we are searching for the new perhaps this search shouldn't be solely for success in a material sense? Questions that confront many of us during our lifetimes and perhaps we've sought answers to.

Female Form. Limestone and wood, height 289mm (2009).

The sculpture, 'Female Form' symbolises the quiet strength, determination and willingness to confront the challenges in life that women must face as the nurturers of the nation. The vertical wooden hair coming from the limestone symbolises the energy between the earth and the universe and the spiritual dimension of their role.Peter is a local art taonga and is recognised as such by those who know him and who experience his mahi both here and overseas. He welcomes enquiries about his work and can be contacted by email on petercramond@ihug.co.nz

by Pete Morris (2010).

Pete Morris is an occasional painter and an art lover. He is a freelance writer with a particular interest in promoting the visual arts in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.

This page archived at Perma CC in November of 2016: https://perma.cc/GWY8-AF8S

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