ARTCRUSH. 5. Peter Shire
Our latest instalment of Artcrush is one of the founding members of the Memphis group, Peter Shire.
We have been honoured to work with Peter Shire these last few years through his Echo Park Pottery studio, based in California. We first made contact with peter back in 2009, when we released our first collection of home-wares in collaboration with Nathalie Du Pasquier. Nathalie and Peter were 2 of the founding members of the Memphis movement in the 1980's. They created beautiful, geometric and brightly patterned artworks, furniture and ceramics which quickly became one of the most influential art movements of that decade.
We currently carry the work of his Echo Park Studio pottery - it's easy to see his sculptural aesthetic in these pieces.
We shared a few moments with Peter and Donna, the husband and wife team from Echo Park California. They were kind enough to let us into their world and be a fly at the studio - albeit only by the waves of the internet.
Third Drawer Down: What song/album do you have on repeat at the moment?
Peter Shire: I place each album twice a day for a week. Rhapsodesia (ultra-lounge music); Young, gifted and Black, Aretha Franklin; Mardi-Gras, Queen Ida; Gli Anni d’oro, Raoul Casadei; Sound and color, Alabama Shakes.
Third Drawer Down: Could you take a photo of something and tell us a story about it?
Peter Shire: It’s a selfie, with a portrait of me as a teapot on scratch board done by my Father in 1970’s, that I took at my friend Larry’s house last night.
Third Drawer Down: If you had to describe your work in 5 words, what would they be?
Peter Shire: Form, color, serious fun, the equivalent of play.
Third Drawer Down: What is your favourite thing about your studio in Echo Park?
Peter Shire: My studio in Echo Park!! — The outside world is a mish-mash of mostly low values.
And, that stops at the door of my studio.
Third Drawer Down: What are your 5 favourite products from our store?
Peter Shire: I enjoy all of the things and events I have seen on Instagram, and I wish I could be in Australia to be there with you.
Third Drawer Down: We wish you could come visit us too. If you ever do come to Melbourne, we've got an extra bedroom ready for you.
Here's a lovely film of Peter Shire shot by Eric Minh Swenson documenting the creation and build up to his exhibition at the Lora Schlesinger Gallery in California. The exhibit is called “CUPS” and will showcase a selection of ceramic cups which have been made by Peter over 30 years, specifically between the years 1974 – 2012. It will brighten your day.
Top Image from: Peter Shire: Cups 1974 – 2012 by Eric Minh Swenson
buy Echo Park Pottery Here
