SAXTONS RIVER — Art work by Matthew J. Peake will be on display at Main Street Arts through Aug. 14.
Peake's pastels feature an aerial perspective of people in abstract ways - by gestural shape - on a geometric background in a form he calls “Overlooks.” The subjects include a view of diners at a table, women sharing a purchase, men chatting, and people and the shadows they create in passing.
The artist began his career as a family physician in rural Vermont but left his practice after nearly 25 years to pursue a full-time career in art, both in the visual arts and dance.
In this series, he said he is exploring how the effects of the unconscious are seen in a piece.
“Of the many ways, two come immediately to mind: one is to look at the painting sideways or upside down, especially if turning a painting was part of its creation, and second is to invite a fresh set of eyes to respond to what has been painted, especially if said viewer is allowed to turn the painting him or herself,” he said.
“My paintings have been turned in the making, resulting in finished pieces that can be viewed with interest from any direction,” he added.