We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander Peters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Mozart was rumored to have said, “the silence between the notes are as important as the notes themselves.” It’s easy to understand this in relation to music. Similarly, it’s easy to apply this concept to movement based arts, whereas silence would likely equate to stillness within the choreography. However, how does an artist working in visual art mediums apply this idea? As an abstract painter, one could consider the word balance or symmetry, possibly even simplicity, but still these are not as exacting. Nonetheless, this notion, “the silence”, that is what I am attempting to find in my process amongst the chaos and cacophony of layering and building a painting.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artistic process is really all about the process. Of course, the final product is nice; often calming or meditative, but how I arrive at these destinations is quite the contrary. I respond a lot to color and texture and I’m inspired by the spaces around us. I layer various mediums of paint, often to simply strip away chunks and layers later on with a knife. Nothing is necessarily premeditated, but each action is very intentional. Finding my way through this process was tumultuous and time consuming, but I never let a canvas go to waste. Letting go of my innate perfectionism was the largest hurdle to overcome, but seeing the results of my fearlessness proves more rewarding and fruitful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami Beach is a confusing place to live. I often say that I am simply living on everyone else’s vacations. But my list would obviously include a day at the beach. The Rubell is a fantastic collection of contemporary art. The food scene is expensive, but has it all. I’d suggest a spa day at the Standard. And of course, go see the Miami City Ballet.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think it’s most important to acknowledge my family. My parents not only encouraged my adolescent self to explore the arts but allowed me the opportunities and support to immerse myself fully into various artistic mediums. My sister, forever an inspiration, instilled in me a sense perspective, patience and perseverance that she now continues to pass onto her children. And finally, my husband. He is simultaneously my harshest critic and biggest supporter. He grounds me and pushes me. Ultimately, without their support, getting to where I am today, just beyond the edge of my comfort zone, might have been insurmountable.

Website: https://alexanderpeterspainting.godaddysites.com

Instagram: A.peters.painting

Image Credits
Juliet Hay and Blake Pearson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.