Peter Osborn currently practices visual art at his studio on the Southern Darling Downs, Queensland, Australia, and through his doctoral research studies at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba.

His method of work incorporates field drawing and studio ceramics and is based on a strong immersion in nature. Through his work with found materials including soils and ash, he seeks to foster connection with nature and, through this relationship, identify humanity as intrinsically part of the natural world.

Peter has worked as a professional structural engineer both nationally and internationally and founded his independent practice in 1983. He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Engineers and holds a master’s degree in structural Engineering. Recently he has retired from engineering to concentrate on his art practice and visual arts research.

He has worked with clay as a sculptural material for over thirty years and values its responsive plasticity in form making and the many creative possibilities of the ceramic process. His current research centres around the making of glazes from local blacksoil. By researching the chemistry of the soil and many test trials he has developed glazes of rich expression.

At the heart of his work is a belief that humanity’s awareness of its interdependency on nature will lead to greater care and respect of the world we live in. The words of Sir David Attenborough at the conclusion of his recent film A Life on our Planet expressed this thinking in a simple poignant statement - ‘if we take care of nature, nature will take care of us …. it is time to move from being apart from nature to being part of nature once again.’ ¹

¹ Attenborough D, 2020, A Life on our Planet, Altitude Films, Netflix, Silverback Films, United Kingdom