Artist Uses Photography, Toy Collection To Make Worlds And Art - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 1332746

Artist Uses Photography, Toy Collection To Make Worlds And Art

icon 36 Photos

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.  OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.  OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.  OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.  OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography.   OLIVER PETERSON

An example of Oliver Peterson's toy photography. OLIVER PETERSON

Photographer Oliver Peterson sets up a shot.  DANA SHAW

Photographer Oliver Peterson sets up a shot. DANA SHAW

author on Dec 15, 2017

What’s an artist to do with old talents in a new world? In a cultural climate conducive to immediacy—where anyone with a decent iPhone can purport to be an artist—the production of and appreciation for art is changing. The masters’ techniques of figure drawing and oil painting may feel bygone in an era that is decidedly in flux. Enter Oliver Peterson, a painter and mixed media artist (and a former reporter for The Southampton Press), who has developed a new approach to producing contemporary art.

Showcasing a toy collection that has taken a lifetime to accumulate—Mr. Peterson owns “thousands” of collectibles, everything from vintage World War II pieces to modern, multi-point articulation Star Wars figurines—he has developed a new form of art: photographing his toys in hand-constructed dioramas and natural settings.

“I started fooling around with taking pictures of them for fun,” Mr. Peterson said. “And then it just sort of evolved over time, and I got better at it. I take pictures of toys—sometimes outside. Sometimes I make setups inside: hand-built dioramas and props. I look at the world from a 6-inch standpoint and make it work.”

Mr. Peterson’s work began as a labor of love. The photographs of his toys gave the collectibles a new purpose. He was able to play with them again—and to revitalize his passion for art, which, after years of showing out east and in the city, had left him “burnt out.”

At the outset, he shot his photographs with a Samsung Galaxy cellphone, but his work, now endowed with a greater sense of gravitas, is currently shot with a Canon Eos Rebel T5i.

Oliver Peterson has enjoyed a circuitous career. His path began in New York City at the School of Visual Arts. From there, he moved on to another passion: writing. After graduating with a Master of Fine Arts in writing from Southampton College, he accepted a position at The Southampton Press.

From there, he went to East Hampton High School, where he taught English for a year before heading to Long Island Pulse, and, finally, to Dan’s Papers, where he has been the web editor since 2012.

The artist’s photographs are a labor of love and take varying amounts of time, depending on the components. He said he keeps a bag of toys with him at all times, in case opportunity strikes.

“It could be as simple as driving by somewhere and saying, ‘This is a cool spot,’” he said.

Or, it could be as involved as constructing an entire set for his characters. Using cardboard, found items, paper, cloth, carved Styrofoam, pre-made dollhouse parts, and other materials, he “scratch builds.” Shying away from Photoshop whenever possible, Mr. Peterson prefers practical effects. He uses Photoshop solely for effects that could not otherwise be achieved with environmental props, like simulating a flying spaceship, for instance, or the swipe of a light saber.

Environment plays a large role in Mr. Peterson’s shooting. He has a particular fascination with Tatooine, the desert planet from “Star Wars,” from which Luke Skywalker hails (and where Jabba the Hutt maintained his Hutt Clan palace). For shots taken on Tatooine, Mr. Peterson uses local beaches, like Southampton Village’s Fowler Beach and Water Mill’s Mecox Beach.

“I like everything that goes on on Tatooine,” Mr. Peterson said. “All the different aliens. So much going on. All the characters that you know nothing about. You can almost assign to them your own ideas about them. Let your imagination go about who they are and what they’re doing there.”

In a sense, he is creating a universe of his own within his art, a continuation of a narrative that began a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

Mr. Peterson mostly uses Instagram to showcase his work, under the handle @oliversees. With an accumulating online portfolio—nearly 2,600 posts, the majority of which are toy photography—he continues to add to his oeuvre weekly, cataloguing four to five new pieces of art a week.

He has shown his photographs as part of a group show at East Hampton’s Ashawagh Hall and hopes to continue to show them in the future.

And, while “Star Wars” may be particularly topical—and of particular interest to the artist, who describes the franchise as “an obsession of mine since I was a kid”—and is prominently featured in his work, the collection of photography is expansive, evoking cultural touchstones such as Rocky Balboa (“Rocky”), Ellen Ripley (“Alien”), and Jim Hopper (“Stranger Things”).

Ultimately, Mr. Peterson hopes to expand his art to a reach beyond popular culture. “I want to keep moving,” he said. “I have ideas for some more grand spreads. I would love to do an interpretation of Dante—like, do a picture for each canto of Dante’s ‘Inferno.’ I also want to do interpretations of famous pieces of art.”

What may have started as a creative outlet for someone with an outsized collection has now become, in and of itself, art. Mr. Peterson is still actively adding to his collection, and keeps his hand-constructed dioramas for good measure.

On perfecting his specific craft, he was brief: “Like anything, you get better.”

You May Also Like:

Leigh Bardugo Comes to Sag Harbor Books for Book Signing, Meet and Greet

Growing up, best-selling author Leigh Bardugo always knew she wanted to be a writer, but ... 11 Jul 2025 by Hope Hamilton

Springs Artist Fitzhugh Karol Debuts Outdoor Sculpture Show at Duck Creek

The Arts Center at Duck Creek will present “Fitzhugh Karol: On the Grounds,” a site-specific ... 8 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer

La Goulue Sur Mer Arrives in Southampton, With a Dash of Chaos and a Side of Style

“Is it true?” said the anxious DM on my Instagram account. “Is La Goulue really ... by Steven Stolman

Art on a Line: Guild Hall’s Clothesline Sale Hangs Tough for 2025

Guild Hall’s beloved Clothesline Art Sale returns on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual event, a Hamptons tradition since 1946, transforms the museum’s lawn into a sea of original artwork — hung on clotheslines — and offers visitors the chance to purchase local art at accessible prices. Jackson Pollock once sold a painting at the sale for $250, and past participants have included Lee Krasner, Alfonso Ossorio, Elaine and Willem de Kooning and other art-world icons. The event continues to offer a rare opportunity for the public to view and purchase work by East End ... by Staff Writer

The Climate-Friendly Fitness Routine

“Live simply so that others might simply live” — Mahatma Gandhi The first time I ... by Jenny Noble

Joy Behar Gets the Last Laugh in ‘My First Ex-Husband' at Bay Street Theater, July 14-19

Emmy Award-winning comedian and co-host of “The View,” Joy Behar stars in “My First Ex-Husband,” a bold, funny and heartfelt new play based on true stories from her life. The limited engagement runs July 14 through 19, at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. With razor-sharp wit and no filters, “My First Ex-Husband” explores the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex and relationships. Adapted from Behar’s personal experiences, the show is both deeply personal and widely relatable. Behar will appear on stage on July 14, 18 and 19. Also appearing nightly, July 14 through 19, are Veanne Cox, a Tony-nominated ... by Staff Writer

Experience the Rhythms of Brazil With Nilson Matta’s Voyage Quartet

Grammy-nominated bassist Nilson Matta will lead his Brazilian Voyage Quartet at The Church on Friday, July 25, at 6 p.m. The concert is part of Hamptons JazzFest. The group features acclaimed guitarist Chico Pinheiro and offers a rich exploration of samba, bossa nova and modern Brazilian jazz. Matta, a founding member of the renowned Trio da Paz and longtime collaborator with Yo-Yo Ma on the Grammy-winning “Obrigado Brazil” project, is known for blending traditional Brazilian rhythms with contemporary jazz. His lyrical bass playing and deep rhythmic connection have earned him international acclaim. Guitarist Chico Pinheiro, recognized as a leading voice ... by Staff Writer

At the Galleries for July 10, 2025

Montauk The Depot Art Gallery, at the Montauk railroad station at the corner of Flamingo ... by Staff Writer

Round and About for July 10, 2025

Fireworks Shelter Island Fireworks The Shelter Island fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 12, ... by Staff Writer

Curtis Institute of Music Alumni and Faculty To Perform in East Hampton on July 22

Talented alumni and faculty from the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music will tour the East Coast this summer, with a concert scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of East Hampton. The event is presented by Music for Montauk. The program features beloved melodies ranging from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” to works by Brahms and de Falla. Performers include mezzo-soprano Katie Trigg, violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen, pianist Hanchien Lee, and Curtis Institute President and violist Roberto Díaz. The concert program includes: Manuel de Falla’s “Suite Populaire Espagnole,” performed by Díaz (viola) and Lee (piano); ... by Staff Writer