Peter Neel

My work explores the relationship between physical and spiritual worlds. I illustrate this by juxtaposing images of plants and animals to embody spiritual characters. This idea was conceived by my devotion towards ancestral artwork of Native American and Pacific Island tribes. Their artwork incorporates bold colors, spiritual icons, and heavy patterning.

Vivid colors are meant to manifest bold emotions for the setting of the piece. The plants and animals illustrate a spiritual character that defines its persona. The purpose behind the patterning is both used to bring focus to physical elements along with an invocation to the spirits. These elements have given me a continual storyline to transform and create throughout my art. Some art from native tribes is muddled in history. I hope to honor ancestral artwork and enlighten viewers.

Bachelors of Fine Arts in Art and Art History
University of Iowa