Episode 267 - Peter Stevens: Song Between The Trees

In this episode of Artwank, we talk with Australian artist Peter Stevens about his practice, career, and connection to landscape. Stevens has worked as a professional artist for more than 30 years, building a body of work that spans painting, printmaking, and mixed media. His work is represented by Defiance Gallery in Sydney and is held in both public and private collections. Peter studied at Sydney College of the Arts, completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts before undertaking postgraduate studies in printmaking. Over his career he has been a finalist in major Australian art prizes including the Paddington Art Prize and the Mosman Art Prize, and has been selected multiple times for the Salon des Refusés. His work is held by institutions including Artbank, Western Sydney University, Sydney University, and James Cook University in Townsville. The conversation explores the development of his visual language and the role of sustained studio practice. Peter discusses how his approach has evolved over time while remaining grounded in close observation of the natural environment. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining a long term creative career and the importance of continuing to experiment with materials, colour, and composition. We also discuss Yuraygir, his exhibition with Defiance Gallery, inspired by time spent in Wooli and the surrounding landscapes of Yuraygir National Park on the New South Wales coast. Peter talks about the influence of rivers, estuaries, birds, trees, tides, and changing weather on his work and why Australian places continue to provide a strong foundation for his practice. This episode offers an insight into the working life of an established Australian artist and the ongoing relationship between landscape, observation, and painting. Peter shares. His exhibition opens 29th August 2026 at Defiance Gallery, Sydney.