Opening Exhibit: March 10th, 2017 at Gallery OVO, South Orange, NJ
By Patricia Rogers | Posted Tuesday, March 7, 2017
First off, this was a particularly memorable interview because Peter was a delight to talk to, and he is the first artist I have profiled from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. So far, it has been all about artists in Essex County, and of course my hometown, New York City.
I was able to have an insightful conversation with him, and it reminded me of why I love what I do. And why providing this platform for artists, is so important.
Art is an outlet, a release. It is a way for a person to express themselves through various mediums. But at the same time, there is the provided spotlight into society at that moment. Attitudes, concerns and culture at that time. Buildings are a way to see into history. I cannot help but also think about iconic buildings and architecture that does the same thing.
Peter is an architect and visual artist based in Philly, but this weekend he is exhibiting his work at South Orange, New Jersey’s Gallery OVO. Peter says, “I always was into the drawing side, figuratively and architecturally, design facilities nationally, artwork, and integrated it into the design of a building […] it is graphics, drawing, even poetry, and fashion design has often led the way prior to architecture. I was always fascinated with what was going on in the causal as well as buildings being built.”
We continued to talk about structures in that magnitude like the rise of Bell House in Germany. Painting, and all aspects of design, go hand in hand almost seamlessly. Architecture has brought Peter to the West coast, and since settling in Philly, he has dived back into the arts.
“I always have a sketchbook with me, method as a way to present ideas to clients. We have done a lot of work for the broadcast industry,” says Peter. Talk about being on the pulse.
The more we spoke, I realized that his upcoming show is going to be a turning point in his arts career. I also live in an arts district. We had a lot in common in that sense. Being in the heart of the activity of an arts scene serves as a major inspiration. There are now peers, and people, that you can talk about the arts with, as well as meeting new people and being exposed to new things. I hope to introduce him to our scene, and I can maybe go to Philly.
Friday, March 10, 7-10 p.m. join us as Gallery OVO presents the opening of “Abstract Narratives, the Works of Peter Bloomfield.” Gallery OVO is a fairly new gallery, and a special one I might add. Peter met the curator and owner, Caro Marr, through his wife who worked with Caro in the music industry.
I attended the MetalurJ jewelry show (Dec. 2016), with pieces designed by Jill H. It was a sisters-only event and a lot of fun. I was sent by marketing extraordinaire Gregory Burrus. This is when I saw that Gallery OVO is like no other and goes back to the fundamental reasons why it is special to be a gallery curator.
Caro Marr took a look at Peter Bloomfield’s work and loved it. “She took a look at it and said, ‘this is interesting.’” Peter continued, “She enjoyed the subject matter, color balance, and connection to my background. She saw my interests and understood that. She then came to my studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and looked through a bunch of pieces.” The pieces are large scale. I cannot wait to see how Gallery OVO is transformed by the colors of Peter Bloomfield’s pieces
“Abstract Narratives, Works by Peter Bloomfield” opens Friday, March 10. It runs through March 26 at Gallery OVO, located in 26 South Orange Ave, South Orange, New Jersey.
About the Writer
Patricia Rogers, #ValleyGirlNJ, lives in New Jersey's Valley Arts District. The native New Yorker works as a writer, blogger and community activist. Starting Masconsumption Media in 2012, she has been passionate about capturing the stories of the vibrant up and coming Valley Arts District neighborhood through her blog, zine, events and more. She blogs for Jersey Indie, Luna Stage, and Hat City Kitchen and offers many creative media services. Visit her blog www.masconsumption.com and keep up with your favorite Valley Girl on social media at @valleygirl_nj (Twitter / Instagram).