Photograph by Motoko Inoue Painting Bound Egg
PETER DELLERT BOUND EGG, 2016. Dyed concrete on steel and wire mesh armature, paint, rope. 46” x 46” x 66” As photographed at Sculpture Now at the Mount 2016. Now in private collection.
As an artist what I do is immaterial most of the time. Only in a gallery do people see what I do. And as a culture, in the United States, art does not garner very much attention. But the three truths still hold, they are absolutes. I like that. I know the universe is impossible to comprehend, but that does not keep me from trying to understand it. That is what keeps me going. That is why I make art. Titles are just that, titles. Sometimes only the artist knows the connection, and sometimes knowing that connection furthers your understanding of the art. Is there a difference for you in your smaller 2-D works of art like Labyrinth III, as opposed to big creations that are human scale or larger sculptures that can be seen on great, green lawns and/ or indoors? Is there a time frame, prefer32 • JULY 2019 THE ARTFUL MIND
ence, that you choose to create one or the other? Peter: There is of course the differences in scale and materials although sometimes there are material overlaps. I tend to make sculptures for outdoor summer shows so early in the year that is my focus. Winter is a good time to be inside working on the collages and smaller works. This can change if I have a show coming up, or a commission. I have worked for forty years as first a builder and then a
cabinetmaker, then a woodworker/ furniture maker so the sculpture fills the need to work large and to construct objects. The collage came later, when I was in my fifties but it has evolved into something very dear to me and has the ability to speak for my inner voices. I think it is also a more uniquely personal art. I do not know of any other artists cutting up and reassembling leaves. Who would be crazy enough? You’re very sensitive to our natural world. “Bound Egg” is one of my favorite outdoor sculptures of yours. The size of this Blue egg and the rope around it, binding it. I find sentimental value in this piece, as well as a feeling of time. Tell us a little about it please. Peter: Bound Egg was made as a response to an ar-
