Peter F. Aymonin, Racine
2022–23 RAM Artist Fellowship Award Recipient
Peter F. Aymonin is originally from Miami, Florida; presently he lives in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. He received his BFA in 1991 from the Rhode Island School of Design. Much of Aymonin’s professional career was spent in journalism where he worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune in Illinois and the Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His articles covered topics such as art, culture, and law. Ultimately, Aymonin advanced to serve as a junior level editor.
Exhibiting throughout Wisconsin and Florida, Aymonin was recently honored in 2022 with a First Prize award from a national juried exhibition in Coral Gables, Florida. He also received an honorable mention in 2022 for a piece included in University of Wisconsin–Parkside’s exhibition, Together Again. Aymonin’s work is included in Marquette University Neuro Recovery Clinic’s collection as well as several private collections.
Artist Statement
I have always worked with a variety of media. In early pieces, I addressed political, personal, and technical themes. A stroke in 2018 changed my life, leaving an imprint on my artwork. Now, with the use of one hand, I create miniature organic ceramic towers that reference coral reefs, flowers, and mountainous landscapes. My work is, ultimately, about process, healing, and hope.
Through an additive process of layering multiple pinches of clay on top of one another, I challenge the concept of “complete.” A single tower is its own form. Yet, I always wonder if it is truly only complete when joined with partner towers. When assembled together, a dreamlike landscape emerges. I imagine creatures—some real and some fictitious—navigating their way through these mountains.
I, too, am navigating the aesthetic and the meaning of these towers. I am determined to make them beautiful, compelling, and complex as I grow in hope through my new life.
Peter F. Aymonin, Racine
2022–23 RAM Artist Fellowship Award Recipient
Photography: Camela Langendorf, Varitay Studios
Peter F. Aymonin is originally from Miami, Florida; presently he lives in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. He received his BFA in 1991 from the Rhode Island School of Design. Much of Aymonin’s professional career was spent in journalism where he worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune in Illinois and the Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His articles covered topics such as art, culture, and law. Ultimately, Aymonin advanced to serve as a junior level editor.
Exhibiting throughout Wisconsin and Florida, Aymonin was recently honored in 2022 with a First Prize award from a national juried exhibition in Coral Gables, Florida. He also received an honorable mention in 2022 for a piece included in University of Wisconsin–Parkside’s exhibition, Together Again. Aymonin’s work is included in Marquette University Neuro Recovery Clinic’s collection as well as several private collections.
Artist Statement
I have always worked with a variety of media. In early pieces, I addressed political, personal, and technical themes. A stroke in 2018 changed my life, leaving an imprint on my artwork. Now, with the use of one hand, I create miniature organic ceramic towers that reference coral reefs, flowers, and mountainous landscapes. My work is, ultimately, about process, healing, and hope.
Through an additive process of layering multiple pinches of clay on top of one another, I challenge the concept of “complete.” A single tower is its own form. Yet, I always wonder if it is truly only complete when joined with partner towers. When assembled together, a dreamlike landscape emerges. I imagine creatures—some real and some fictitious—navigating their way through these mountains.
I, too, am navigating the aesthetic and the meaning of these towers. I am determined to make them beautiful, compelling, and complex as I grow in hope through my new life.
Interview with the Artist, January 2023
Share the basics of your art career thus far. How long have you been a part of the Racine/Kenosha community?
I am originally from Miami, Florida, but have been living in Sturtevant for over a decade. I spent much of my professional career in journalism, a different way to express my creative side than ceramic as I do now. A stroke in 2018 changed my life, leaving an imprint on my artwork. Since living in Wisconsin I have held a RAM membership and have continually come to the museum to see the new exhibitions.
Please describe your work—what materials you use and what subject matters you explore?
I have always worked with a variety of media. In early pieces, I addressed political, personal, and technical themes. I used both hands to form sculptures. But after the stroke, my focus turned towards my health. I knew that my love of creating art would help me heal. So I continued my work in clay, but moved to using a pinching technique using just one hand. Since, my creations have become reminiscent of coral reefs, ocean life, and flowers.
How often are you in your studio? Do you work outside of your studio?
I work about 15 hours a week between my personal art studio and at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. My mind is always thinking and collecting experiences wherever I go, such as at museums, libraries, botanic gardens, zoos, and the outdoors. I enjoy being close to nature and speaking to the birds, plants, and trees. I try to balance my life with working on my art and on my health through my physical therapy.
What inspires you most these days? But also what do you go to bed thinking?
I am inspired by my family, Marquette University Neuro Recovery Clinic’s physical and occupational therapists, my fellow colleagues at UW–Parkside, and my acquaintances. I often go to bed thinking of an idea for a sculpture in my mind. The next day I will sketch it and create it. If I am satisfied with the piece, I will fire it in the kiln, glaze it, and fire again for the sculpture’s final form.
What does it mean to you to get recognition as a RAM Fellowship Artist?
It is an honor for me to receive this award. By the fact that it is based upon artwork since a life changing stroke, I am inspired to carry on with my art career. It is reassuring to me that I did not lose my creativity or my vision for art. I hope that my art brings happiness to others as it does to me. I am honored to share my work through RAM Artist Fellowship and Emerging Artist Exhibition 2023.
Sample of Work
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