Peter Hayes

“The main aim in my work is not to compete with nature, but for the work to evolve within the environment.”
Inspired by years of travelling through Africa, India, Nepal, Japan and New Mexico, Peter developed a deep appreciation for traditional ceramics and the remarkable skill of local potters working with simple tools and limited technology. These experiences continue to influence his work today.
Working primarily with large-scale ceramic forms, Peter combines layers of textured clay with burnished and polished surfaces to create a balance between rough and smooth. His sculptures are often placed within the landscape, where time, weather and erosion become part of the creative process.
By introducing minerals such as iron and copper into the Raku surface, each piece develops its own unique character over time. Peter’s work reflects an instinctive and experimental approach, shaped as much by the material itself as by the maker.