“I’ve lived in Chapel Hill since 1967. Until I retired, I taught American history at the University of North Carolina. Now I enjoy volunteering for Meals on Wheels, teaching at Duke Lifelong Learning, conversing with my children and four grandchildren, and being a member of FRANK Gallery Chapel Hill.
“Having grown up in New York City, I’ve always had an urban sensibility. No surprise, then, most of my photographs come from New York, Chicago, Boston, and Paris. I’m working on several different series.
““Twice-told Tales”: During the past 20 years, I have been shooting double exposures in the camera (not in Photoshop or in the darkroom). After taking one picture, I cock the shutter again without advancing the film. Then I search for an image that will harmonize with it. It’s a risky process, playing intention against chance.
“I have also developed three series using straight photography:
“Picture, Picture on the Wall.” As I prowl with my camera through museums or along city streets, I frame people interacting with paintings or sculptures. We see frame within frame, body mimicking marble, art about art.
“Peeling posters: Partly buried faces, words, and patches of color break through the surface, creating ready-made collages. I find these posters primarily in Paris. (For some reason, American posters don’t peel).
““Slices of Love”: At first glance, these images of couples kissing, hugging or whispering, provide the guilty pleasure of peeking into people’s intimate lives. But if we’re voyeurs, they were exhibitionists. They chose to display themselves in parks, subways or museums in Paris and New York. ”
Peter has generously donated a framed photograph to The ArtsCenter’s Silent Auction, on display throughout the month of June in the Nicholson Gallery. To place a bid for this artwork, visit our box office or call us at (919) 929-2787. Bids starting at $140 will be accepted until 5PM on June 28th.
