Surf Coast Arts Trail: Peter Day, sculptures from the heart
Published on 17 July 2024
Moggs Creek sculptor Peter Day finds many of the components for his ‘artivist’ work where Surf Coast land meets the sea.
That’s where debris from natural and man-made worlds washes up to provide inspiration and tactile elements for his statement sculptures, which reflect on the relationship between the two worlds.
Myriad pieces of plastic debris collected from the shoreline might intricately come together into the symbolic shape of the sea turtle they debilitate or choke.
Colourful masses of marine rope might be woven into the 3D shapes of the fish they threaten.
Bull kelp and flotsam might be assembled together on the beach in the shape of the barracouta which once flourished off the shore.
Art and activism come together with powerful purpose.
“My work uses sculpture as a medium to inform viewers of the human impact on ecology and environment and the loss of wildlife habitat,” Peter says.
“It is about inspiring positive change.”
Peter works under the title ‘Adrift’ and has lived on, and found endless inspiration on, Victoria’s southern coast for decades.
This year he will share his work in sculpture, assemblage and painting as part of the Surf Coast Arts Trail for the first time, opening his Moggs Creek studio for visitors.
The trail, on 3 and 4 August, will feature hundreds of artists ranging from hobbyists to professionals, exhibiting and demonstrating skills in mediums ranging from painting, sculpture and textiles to jewellery, ceramics, glassware and performance.
Venues will range from private studios to community spaces and arts hubs, engaging thousands of visitors.
“I’m looking forward to it, it’s always interesting meeting people and talking about creative processes,” Peter says.
“My experience is that a lot of people like the story behind the work, so that is good to share.
“I plan to be working away on a bit of stuff across the weekend, and of course I’m looking forward to selling some works!”
View some of Peter Day’s work on Instagram: @peter_day_adrift or via surfcoast.vic.gov.au
Councillor Gary Allen said the 2024 Arts Trail was shaping as another extraordinary weekend with strong artist registrations promising immense diversity of work for people to admire and enjoy.
“We have hundreds of artists ready to share their inspiration and talents, from the hinterland to the coast, truly enhancing the Surf Coast Shire’s reputation as one of Australia’s most creative regions,” Cr Allen said.
“Less than one month out from the trail it is an exciting time as patrons can now download the program from our website, see what will be on offer and start planning their trail days.”
For more information, to preview the work of artists involved in this year’s trail and to download the program visit surfcoastartstrail.com.au
Patrons on this year’s trail can be in the running to win one of three $250 EFTPOS gift cards by scanning QR codes displayed at venues. The more check-ins people register, the more chance they will have to win.