Peter Thomas, Class of 1992

2017 Alumni Art Prize Recipient - Artist Statement

Sculpture with clay, brass, copper and stone

‘To Live By The Light Of Christ’ to me means to be strong in your convictions but fluid and flexible enough to fold other people’s ideas, thoughts and experiences into your own heart, which then helps to become a better person.

Since completing high school and university, my art work has involved themes of exploration and discovery. These themes run in obvious parallel with my own personal journey of growth; transitioning from school student to adult, developing personal values that can then be applied into my own work.

As with any artist, the investigation of personal identity crosses over into my own work. The concept of Jesus as a fisher of persons, is one that has resonated with me since the time I was old enough to understand why I was given the name of Peter by my parents. As an apostle, Peter was called to serve Jesus as he performed miracles and spread the word of God.

Peter’s journey from fisherman to humble apostle characterises my understanding of how ‘to live by the Light of Christ’. Peter was willing to walk away from everything in his life to follow Jesus and become a better man. As an artist, and a human being I strive to explore how I can continue to evolve with humility and compassion for others.
In the artwork the rock is a deliberate reference to the disciple Peter. The archetypes of the fish and the boat relate to the journey of Peter as a fisherman, setting forth on his journey in Christ, being prepared to move forward in humility with a desire to help others. This, in essence, is what it means to me to live by the light of Christ – to follow his example.

Peter Thomas, 2017