Peter Harris

Peter Harris (b. 1973) is an artist based in the Bay Area who has been creating work at NIAD Art Center since 1995. During this time, he's developed a robust multi-disciplinary practice that includes lustrous ceramic vessels, prints, paintings, and artist books. 

Peter was one of the first participants in NIAD's artist-led curatorial program. For his solo presentation, he staged a month-long, site-specific installation in the communal studio. He produced durational pieces and accordingly intended for the exhibition to be in flux: each day he added new prints and drawings, or rearranged existing work. Eventually every surface, including the sides of pedestals, showcased his distinctive whorled forms. Reflecting on the collection, Peter has shared: "I made all this. Pink, blue, green: it's art." 

Peter's work has been included in exhibitions at The Oakland Museum of California, The Chico Art Center, Richmond Art Center, San José City College, and Archival Gallery in Sacramento. NIAD’s garden and window sills also boast a rotating collection of Peter’s ceramics, which double as dazzling planters, year round. In 2024, one of his serigraph prints was acquired by the Graphic Arts Loan Collection for UC Berkeley.

The following text is an edited conversation conducted between Peter Harris and NIAD art facilitator Emma Spertus.

ES: What kind of art do you like to make at NIAD?

PH: I like painting, printmaking, clay, and dance.

ES: When you work with clay, how do you feel?

PH: Happy, my fingers are excited. In the end, I’m happy about what I made. I like to show my mom [my work].

ES: You have a great sense of color. What do you like about colors?

PH: Like the colors. All of them.

ES: What is your method, planning ahead or making it up?

PH: Make it up. I like making art at NIAD. When I am done, I like to show it to people.

ES: Do you like to try new things?

PH: Yes. I like my art. I like coming to NIAD.

ES: You have been at NIAD a long time. What do you think of NIAD?

PH: I like NIAD. Art. Art. I have learned art.

ES: Why do you like making art?

PH: I like art, I like seeing art.

ES: Is there something you want to make in the future?

PH: More art.