P I C T U R E P E T E.

#PEOPLEWITHPURPOSE A series celebrating wonderful people, doing wonderful things, something the Japanese call 'IKIAGI'.

1./ Hi! Please introduce yourself.

Hello! I’m Pete Shorney, an London-based artist. I moved here to be with my husband around seven years ago and absolutely love living here. I’m lucky enough to live very close to Greenwich so I have some incredible architecture and sights on my doorstep.

2./ What is your IKIAGI and how did you come to finding it, why you love it and how it makes you feel?

I’ve enjoyed drawing on and off for years, but a few years ago a close friend suggested I go to a life drawing class with him. I’d done a little life drawing before, which I’d enjoyed, so it made sense to go. That enthusiasm still stands, and has developed into my own art style.

What this gives me is a sense of purpose really. I’m in control of what I put on paper. It might work out, it might not, but it’s entirely down to me.

Essentially it cannot be ‘wrong’, but I know if there’s something that doesn’t work I can either fix it or scrap it. Either way, it’s on my terms.

Another part of it I like is forming friendships and getting to know models and artists. It’s fun to explore certain themes with models whohave helped me realise what I’m trying to create, or to see how artists approach subjects. I’m always learning.

3./ This sounds amazing and like something that was a hobby became a real passion for you! Tell us about what you used to do before your found this , how that made you feel and why you knew it was time to change. If you are working your IKIAGI as a side hussle tell us how you work that around your day job?

I’ve always craved creative outlets -I’ve played guitar in the past, but I was never a good musician - and sought to do something that felt more satisfying than a day job. I have enjoyed some of the professional roles i’ve had, but I’ve never felt that really fitted who I was. I realised, as I threw myself into drawing, occasionally creating more elaborate and larger pieces, it didn’t necessarily feel like hard work. It could be challenging and tricky to work out how to achieve certain things, but still doesn’t feel as much of a grind as a ‘real job’.

As I’ve gotten older, and have developed an appreciation of the onslaught of time, doing things more for myself has become moreimportant. This was made even more clear upon the death of a member of the family this year, who was only in his 30s. It was suddenly so much more important to turn my ability as an artist into something.

I’m not exactly selling artwork at thousands of pounds at a time, and definitely need the more substantial income of my day job, however I need to make my spare time work for me, to establish me as an artist to a wider circle of people. While I’m doing this, I’m still developing my art and try to draw every day. Time is valuable and this is how

I make the most of it.

4./ Tell us about your products/ services and what you offer.

My art is about the male form and sensual masculinity. The art itself is in soft pastel, which is chalk-based, and can lend an almost hazy, dreamlike effect. Subject matter can go from un-themed figure studies to concepts such as Greek mythology. My website, peteshorneyart.co.uk has a shop to purchase original artwork and limited edition prints. This includes gallery quality giclée prints, which give an excellent reproduction of the original artwork, and metallic editions that create an impactful, reflective effect.

5./ What sets your soul on fire & what is your dream for your business for the future?

Last year I entered a piece into the Erotic Art London exhibition. I loved being part of that and it’s something I really want to do again.

I find the idea of my art being seen on the wall of a gallery or exhibition space incredibly exciting.

A major achievement would be to have a solo exhibition, and for sales to take off more and help support my income.

6./ What is your website address/ social handles for people to find you?

My portfolio and shop link is at peteshorneyart.co.uk

Instagram: @peacockpete

Twitter: @peacockpeteart

If anyone wants to get in touch for enquiries, they can get hold of me at peteshorneyart@gmail.com

I was incredibly fortunate to have worked with Pete at an agency in Soho, London. Not only is Pete shit hot at music general knowledge (we were on the same pop quiz team at the Xmas party. Of course, we won!), but he is one of the most genuine, kind, caring and considerate people I have had the please to meet. And I say this only having worked half a year together. You know those people that just light up a room and make you feel really special? He is also VERY humble. I never knew of this amazing talent, only recently through instagram was I made aware and I was instantly blown away. I don't know if many of you have tried your hand at life drawing, but it is so difficult. The human body is complex and damn, I was always late so got the awkward angle.

Pete's ability to put pastel to paper is equisite - pastels are also not an easy medium to use. For me Pete's works are like a modern day renaissance; a lot of power, beauty and strength is portrayed through his art. It is very emotive.

Please do check out Pete's website and his instagram as there are so many incredible pieces you need to see.