Following the devastating fire in 2010 during which all his paintings were destroyed along with his art gallery, he emerged with a heightened enjoyment of putting onto canvas that which he truly loves.
Fortunately he was able to put this stressful event behind him. "I think the fire allowed me to become more carefree in my approach to my work, I became less concerned about controlling everything. The fire made me realise that anything can happen, and if you are to survive your only choice is to pick up the pieces and move forward.
"Wallowing in misery will not change what has happened and by accepting this and focusing on the path ahead brings closure and a sense of liberation. Key to that transformation process was that I felt able to cast aside the safety of the 'known' and venture into the unknown with a boldness that encouraged a more experimental approach, and a willingness to go places that I would not have gone before."
New Techniques
In an interview he explained that despite the tragedy of losing so many artworks in the fire, his newfound freedom was liberating. "I no longer felt a need to paint the works that were familiar to my existing client base. I was determined to grow from the experience by exploring new subjects in a bold and almost audacious manner.
"This meant that I was able to find inspiration in new subjects, new styles and techniques and also in a vibrant approach to the use of colour, to convey meaning and emotion, whether in a black and white portrayal of a beach scene, a cheetah or a richly colourful portrait of a woman. Celebrating my freedom through paint also allowed me to realise that stepping outside of my comfort zone is not only necessary, but essential to my growth as an artist and an individual."
Passion
His passion for Africa will always compel him to experiment with new methods to convey the intensity of the African experience. "Africa speaks to me on a deeper level and I have travelled to many remote corners in search of inspiration and the earthy 'oneness' I feel for the land. I have found that, as an artist, it is vital to constantly challenge oneself - introducing elements in the form of texture, colour or subject that I have never done before, this keeps my works fresh and my approach new each time. Simply put, I love what I do and am honoured to share my African visions with the world."
Flying
Peter, who owns a Jabiru J430 aircraft and flies it himself, comes from a family of renowned pilots. His grandfather Victor Smith wrote the book 'Open Cockpit Over Africa' describing his pioneering days flying over Africa, and his father Hugh is a retired airline captain. Peter enjoys the freedom to fly over the areas which he loves painting most, such as Namibia and the vast open spaces of the Karoo. "Logistically the size of my canvasses makes it difficult to work 'in situ'.
"I prefer to visit remote places and immerse myself in the experience. I take many photographs and engage with the wildlife and people experiencing the cultural diversity, and bringing it back to my studio in Wilderness. The artworks that result are more a memory of that experience than just a representation of a specific photograph or scene. The flying, other than aiding me in my travels, frees my spirit and broadens my horizons (not only geographically but mentally too). Last year I travelled to Namibia and we are about to head off on a trip to Black Rhino Reserve in the Pilanesberg."
Karoo
Peter bought a small property in the Karoo and cherishes his trips there. "I enjoy escaping to remote and untouched landscapes with wide open spaces and solitude and the Karoo offers this in abundance. The Garden Route, and even Wilderness to a certain extent is growing and changing rapidly and I enjoy 'getting away from it all'. I have just returned from our farm having spent two weeks entirely alone without seeing another soul. I think it is essential to have a place that one can visit to escape the day-to-day routine of modern life. I call it 'rebooting the soul'."
Inspiration
He sees the Karoo as purely a place for relaxation, hiking in unexplored hills and valleys untouched by man. "The Karoo is a harsh and unforgiving environment with extreme weather conditions, only the really hardiest of creatures and plants can survive this primeval landscape. There are a myriad of treasures to discover in the patterns in the rocks, the amazing succulents and incredible bird life - the only farming I intend to do there is for inspiration.
Peter Pharoah has an art gallery in the Wilderness village.
Aerial perspectives like these inspire the paintings of Peter Pharoah who enjoys flying his own aircraft.
