Born on January 22, 1970 in Brisbane Australia. His love of nature was ignited at a young age through David Attenborough documentaries and National Geographic magazines.
Since 1995
however, Peter has lived on Fraser Island where he has worked as an Interpretive
Ranger for Eco-tourism leaders Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village. His
photography career began 6 years ago when he taught himself on an old
SLR given to him by his Brother-in-law. Up until then he had never taken
a photograph in his life!
He remembers hearing a passing comment from a person who said it is almost
a sin to come to Fraser Island and not take any photos. Not that he has
a problem with sinning, but this comment started him thinking about photography.
Peter began by going out exploring on his weekends in an old Landrover
Series III.
"There was so much of the island I hadn't seen so I just decided
that I would explore the place as much as possible and make sure I document
it along the way by taking the odd photo. From the beginning, there was
a natural tendency for me to try and look at a normal everyday object
or scene and try and bring out the magical quality that I felt it possessed.
I am always looking at patterns or shapes, Colours etc. Whenever I see
such things I have a sense of wonder and awe. Repetitive patterns or shapes
indicate a sense of order and mystery to the universe.The Jivaro Indians
said the real powers which control the universe are supernatural. I like
this idea. Physics, Chemistry all the other sciences are like supernatural
powers waiting to be discovered. It is interesting to note that when I
was at University forcing myself to study this stuff I hated it. Now I
just find it amazing."
According
to Meyer, everything has an adaptation, purpose or function that makes
it an important part of the working environment. In some way all life
is interconnected. This goes for plants, animals, insects, people or dingoes.
A common theme underlying his work is showing that the whole is only as
great as the sum of its parts. Quoting Freud, Meyer says 'Man's judgments
of value follow directly his wishes for happiness' By teaching people
of their environment Meyer hopes to encourage a value system which promotes
its preservation.
'An obligation to share understanding with others has developed ever since
I was fortunate enough to learn and study the natural processes of Fraser
Island. By encouraging an understanding and acceptance of nature, I hope
to inspire people to preserve it. Its possible that by allowing the lessons
found in nature to seep into the way we live our lives we may be able
to re-establish connections not just with our environment but also ourselves.'
This is one of the reasons why when exhibiting, he often puts quotes under
his photographs to suggest to the observer there is more than one way
of looking at the image.
Career up to now:
Chronology of The Living Gallery
Current: - Queensland Arts Council is currently travelling an Exhibition
of Peter's work to around Regional Queensland.
July 2002: - Winner in Queensland Memento Awards:- Best Graphic Design Theme Australia.
March 2002: - Worked as still photographer for BBC while on location filming 'Walking with Dinosaurs'
Feb 2002: - Spiegel TV films documentary ' Day in the life of Photographer Peter Meyer'
2001 Dec - Jan 2002: - Exhibition at Cinema Paridiso Gallery, Noosa Queensland.
2001: - Commission by Cairns Hilton to photograph a private collection of images from Northern Queensland.
2001: - Commission by Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village to supply a private collection of images of Fraser Island.
Feb 2001: - Exhibition at Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village
Nov 2000: - First Solo exhibition of works in the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Main Hall. Highest visitation on record for Regional Gallery.
1999: - Calender, Postcards and Posters of Fraser Island published.
1998: - First Calender of Fraser Island images published.