As part of a new series on Benitolink, the San Benito County Arts Council will feature different artists every week in an effort to highlight some of the local talent participating in this year's Open Studios Art Tour on April 25-26 throughout San Benito County. The first featured artist, Clay Peer, shares his thoughts below about his artistic process. Please visit his studio at 817 Industrial Dr., Suite C in Hollister during Open Studios weekend.
At this point in my artistic career; my work centers on exploring techniques and materials more than exploring my own thoughts or my reasons for creating. While working, I often try to become more of a spectator and watch myself work. When I come to a point where I need to make a more conscious decision I try to stay instinctual and go with my first thought or reaction rather than overthink it. Creating my car drawings requires a much different approach. My process requires many preliminary sketches and testing of color combinations. Some of these sketches are full size compared to the finished drawing. While my abstract work and car drawings share different approaches and states of mind; they both project my attention to detail and share what I call a “finished” look that I strive for in all of my projects. -Clay Peer
For more information about this year's tour or to download a map, please visit www.sanbenitoarts.org or contact the Arts Council at 831.636.2787