“When I make art – whether that’s painting, performance art, writing – it liberates me from all the mental weight.”

Pete only started painting after arriving at Chilli Studios. He was brought to Chilli by a friend and really enjoyed it, but then didn't come back for a year as he didn't have the time. It's only now that Pete feels it has become the right time.

Pete works in a variety of mediums - Japanese painting, poetry, performance, photography. Rather than looking at other artists' work, Pete prefers the process of making it himself. “It’s not just about putting a brush on paper, you have to be in a calm frame of mind. Your brush needs to flow. It sounds a bit hippy-ish but you have to be at one with the tools. You need to put yourself in the right place to get what’s in your head out. It's a shelter from the storm.”

 

“I've recently started working in still life watercolours using oriental brushes. Western brushes feel too harsh. The oriental brush is teardrop shaped and feels comfortable in the hand. I gravitate towards what is comfortable because I've not had tutoring.”

Attending Chilli studios exposes him to the creative energy there, which has slowly allowed him to open himself up to other people. Through the support and encouragement of the other artists at the studio, like an extended family, Pete has realised he's good at art.

“If you’re given the positive label of being an 'artist', it goes a slight way to counteract the negative labels you may have given yourself over the years. It’s important to make space to allow yourself to do things that you’re good at. Especially if you’ve spent your life thinking you’re worthless.”