These folk art figures grow out of my fascination with various forms of antique folk art where the figure plays a central role. Whether they be whirligigs, figureheads, advertising pieces, weather vanes, lumberjacks, or primitive sculpture, I'm interested in the variety of materials, handling, and expression I find. In addition, I am interested in self-taught, primitive, raw, and outsider art and though my formal training precludes my designation as such, I do try to access that part of my creative being to bring my figures to life. They are constructed from a variety of materials, including: simply carved and constructed wood, fabrics, found objects, paper ephemera, metal leaf, and paint applied, then finished with different stains and varnishes to create the patina of age. Both gesture and articulation are also important considerations. The bases are an integral part of the work rather than mere supports for the piece. Harvey Peterson spent his early years painting. While assisting in building a cabin on a family property in Maine, he discovered his love for working with wood. His fascination with folk art and art of the "untrained" inspired him to incorporate his newfound interest in woodworking with his admiration for folk art. The result is a fine art/folk art hybrid of pieces that look old but simultaneously possess a contemporary sensibility. That connection is reminiscent of the similarity between the simplicity of primitive art and the minimalistic quality of modern art - though vastly different in origin, the idea of depicting people in action, sometimes humorously, living their lives is there. The craftsmanship in Harvey’s work is skillful and impressive, and many of his pieces are articulated. The fabric is carefully chosen, and individual pieces are placed on the work to create interesting patterning. The heads on his figures are made by fabricating a block with layers of wood and sculpting it with tools. The facial detail is then created in resin and painted with multiple layers of paint and finished with a crackle varnish medium. Harvey Peterson was born in Seattle, Washington and received a BFA and MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He spent over two decades teaching and educating in the Baltimore area at the Bryn Mawr and Gilman Schools before moving to Northport, Maine in 1997, where he currently resides. Harvey’s work is widely collected. He has gained the respect and admiration of his peers and has been reviewed several times. His paintings and sculptures have been exhibited in many solo shows and he has been represented in established galleries on both the east and west coasts.