Peter Hayes has always been fascinated by the history of ceramics, particularly the reasons behind and the methods by which objects are made from clay. This deep curiosity expanded during his years of travel across Africa, where he worked with various tribal and village potters. He was captivated by their ability to create exquisite, beautifully textured surfaces using limited technology and the simplest of tools. He encountered similarly remarkable craftsmanship in India, Nepal, Japan, and New Mexico.
These experiences significantly influenced Peter’s artistic practice. He incorporates many of the ideas and techniques he observed during his travels into his own work. By layering textured clay and combining it with burnishing and polishing techniques, he explores the contrast between roughness and smoothness, seeking a balance of opposing qualities in his ceramic pieces.
During the colder months in Bath, England, where his studio is based, Peter finds inspiration in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This second creative home has introduced him to a diverse network of artists and craftsmen and opened up opportunities to work with a variety of materials including glass, marble, stone, and Damascus steel.
