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"Untouched" (image courtesy of Pete Tillack) |
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october 2007
Pete Tillack could easily fill a map with flag tacks to indicate all of the places he has lived throughout his life.
The Australian native left his homeland in 1993 to fulfill his desires to see the world and surf new beaches. The voyage across the globe included stops in Costa Rica , South Africa , Hawaii and parts of Canada and Europe . The beaches of his hometown of Cronulla, just south of Sydney , weren't enough for this global traveler.
"I had no idea I was an artist back then," says Tillack, who worked odd jobs to support himself during his seven-year journey.
In 2000, Tillack settled in southern California and discovered his long-hidden talents as a painter. With his love of the water-and Mother Nature as a whole-Tillack combined his artistic skills into an emerging career of painting beautiful and tranquil scenery. Today, the 36-year-old artist resides in San Diego with his wife and baby daughter, Chilli.
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"I get very carried away in my pieces," says Tillack, who paints in an in-home studio. "I get drawn to the detail more than I should. I want the whole thing to capture you."
Tillack's artist statement expresses his philosophy: "To express myself and create with passion, while being able to positively touch and influence as many people as possible, is more than any job has ever given me, and it is the deep connection people have with my work that inspires me to push harder."
His newest works include "Untouched" and "Heart of Reasons," which are both shown at right. They are part of his new series, "Reasons."
"'The Heart of Reasons' is based on the place I call home in Australia-in love with the memories from the openness and quality of the land, embraced with the national park and ocean, it really is the seed that grew my affection for my natural coastal surroundings," Tillack says. "'Untouched' is referenced from my current environment and how it has been impacted by time and growth-as with all coastal communities."
Also, as part of his expanding presence in the art world, Tillack's poster line is available exclusively through Bruce McGaw Graphics. Company officials say the artist's focus on contrasts and frequent use of monochromatic colors create dramatic silhouettes, luring the viewer to take "their personal journey" into his artwork.
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"Heart of Reasons"
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Through his art, Tillack wants to expand the public's awareness of the environment and the perils it faces today. In fact, proceeds from some of his artwork go toward eco-organizations and related fund-raisers. For example, in 2006, Tillack created a series of paintings on surfboards for the Surf Industry Manufactures Association, which supports oceanic environmental efforts.
"My subject matter is mainly focused on the environment where I usually include a body of water to represent its importance in my life," Tillack says.
Looking ahead, Tillack plans to expand the depth of his work with an expanded color range and begin working with new brushes "to help give skies more depth." In the meantime, Tillack plans to continue painting the scenic imagery the earth provides him on a daily basis, whether in his home, the water or the places he has seen across the world.
"I have an endless supply of images," he says.
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