About
Pete Myers is a fine art photographer known for his compelling studies of the American West. His photos explore how nature has shaped the lives of the people who came to live in the West, living with the land, not on it. Myers’ work transcends the norm in its use of complex abstraction in its composition, which underscores the majestic grandeur within these lands, settlements, and ruins as a vision of art, not just literal objects.
Exposure to the unique ruins of the West shaped Pete Myers’ eyes at a young age, when as a child he visited the gold mine where his grandfather was once foreman. Located near the border of Canada, in Washington state, the mine took young Myers high up into the mountains, where he saw the juxtaposition of mining elements against the extreme cascade of glacial waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. It was there he first discovered his inner eye for—and the meaning of— “abstract elements.” To him, the ruins from the mine and the natural world around it fit together like a complex jigsaw puzzle and became as one.
Myers learned analog photography and the basics of film development and printing during summer camp, soon after visiting the mine. It wasn’t long until he had taken over the bathroom of the family home, converting it into his darkroom and rotting out the sink with its many chemicals. His childhood work in photography was very dear to him, but it took decades for him to realize it as his profession.
Myers suffered an extended illness in his early thirties, and found his way back to photography during those trying years. This time around, however, his work would center on the power of the emerging digital photographic era. His blending of analog photography and digital post-production opened up powerful new pathways in the art form. One of his first photos was shown at the Ansel Adams Center for Photography in San Francisco, and from there a career erupted.
In 2000, Myers was named artist-in-residence at Crater Lake National Park, and he created unique works to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the park.
Today, after three decades of fine art photographer as his profession, Myers is known for his vivid abstractions, often set within the decaying ruins of the American West. Myers’ work isn’t just about seeing an object; it’s about feeling through the lens, and creating a unique contemplation of his subject for the viewer.
Exposure to the unique ruins of the West shaped Pete Myers’ eyes at a young age, when as a child he visited the gold mine where his grandfather was once foreman. Located near the border of Canada, in Washington state, the mine took young Myers high up into the mountains, where he saw the juxtaposition of mining elements against the extreme cascade of glacial waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. It was there he first discovered his inner eye for—and the meaning of— “abstract elements.” To him, the ruins from the mine and the natural world around it fit together like a complex jigsaw puzzle and became as one.
Myers learned analog photography and the basics of film development and printing during summer camp, soon after visiting the mine. It wasn’t long until he had taken over the bathroom of the family home, converting it into his darkroom and rotting out the sink with its many chemicals. His childhood work in photography was very dear to him, but it took decades for him to realize it as his profession.
Myers suffered an extended illness in his early thirties, and found his way back to photography during those trying years. This time around, however, his work would center on the power of the emerging digital photographic era. His blending of analog photography and digital post-production opened up powerful new pathways in the art form. One of his first photos was shown at the Ansel Adams Center for Photography in San Francisco, and from there a career erupted.
In 2000, Myers was named artist-in-residence at Crater Lake National Park, and he created unique works to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the park.
Today, after three decades of fine art photographer as his profession, Myers is known for his vivid abstractions, often set within the decaying ruins of the American West. Myers’ work isn’t just about seeing an object; it’s about feeling through the lens, and creating a unique contemplation of his subject for the viewer.
