Meet Peter Dorsey

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Peter Dorsey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Peter, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Sometimes, people ask me where I went to art school. I respond, “I’m self-taught.” Several years ago, I reflected on this response and asked myself, “If you claim to be self-taught, why don’t you focus more on teaching yourself techniques, color theory, and improving your craft beyond your natural ability?” So, I decided to double down on my efforts to teach myself. Through books, YouTube videos, and truly studying the works of the masters with an artist’s eye, I began to push myself. But most importantly, I honed my artistic gift through good old-fashioned practice, taking on more challenging pieces. You never know what you’re capable of until you try.

I see artists and paintings sometimes that blow me away. But hey, there’s always a bigger fish, and it gives me a new level to strive for. I can’t say I’ve completely overcome imposter syndrome as a self-taught, self-proclaimed artist. But I’m happy to keep some humbling aspects of feeling like an imposter. Keeping the drive to improve isn’t such a bad thing.

When I get into a flow state with a painting, working almost effortlessly and creating magic on the canvas, I feel like I’m exactly where I should be, doing exactly what I should be doing. At those times, I certainly don’t feel like an imposter. I’m proud of my work, each piece with its beautiful moments and imperfect mistakes. I’m proud to call myself an artist with my own strengths and weaknesses. I know I’m not an imposter, but I won’t let pride get in the way of learning and growing as an artist.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Peter Dorsey is a Louisiana artist born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. From an
early age his natural artistic ability and talent were noticed. During his school
days, he filled his notebooks with sketches and doodles, that spoke volumes
about his artistic gift and celebrated for their vivid colors and intricate details.
Never the perfect student, but clear about his destined path – that of an artist.
Funny thing, after high school Peter didn’t really produce much art. Working as a
screen printer in Baton Rouge through his 20s, maintaining a thread of creativity
while sustaining him in the practical world. Still drawing some but never making
anything substantial. Small projects here and there, and illustrations for a
children’s book. It took lock down during the pandemic to really spark the
artistic fire again. In early 2021 he started as a real estate agent. However, fate
had a unique twist in store. Through this experience it didn’t take long to
discover he was better at painting house portraits than selling houses. Always
encouraged by his family to continue his journey as an artist propelling him
forward, especially in moments of self doubt. He pursued art as a business even
further. Coming home from work, tired after a long day, but still finding energy,
peace, and solace in creating art. Ideas of how to bring this same joy to others
sparked motivation to learn more of what art therapy and mindfulness can do.
Obtaining an art therapy certification in 2023 and practicing the therapeutic skills
learned in his person life, Peter began to create a bases to teach others from.
Not in artistic technique but in skills in mindful meditative practices through art.
Peter’s artistic narrative embodies rediscovery and the pursuit of one’s true
passion. As he continues working as an artist, his goal is to capture the
complexities of beauty in the world around, invite the viewer into an interesting
portrayal of the human experience, to guide and embolden others in their
personal journey through art.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Researching before beginning a project allows your subconscious to work through the subject as you read and look at pictures related to it. It helps prepare you for the project in a more calculated way. Researching your materials and learning how to best use them, watching videos on how others use their brushes and paint, and exploring new tools and materials all contribute to your own ideas and work. Trying a new technique can help embolden your creative nature.

Conversely, sometimes just diving headfirst into the project without preconceived notions of what it should look like can be beneficial for overcoming creative anxiety and getting started.

Music plays a significant role in my process, and selecting the right music helps set the tone for a piece. Always stay open to inspiration, and make sure to write down those ideas. I believe that art and culture build off one another. I’m often inspired by various types of art and artists, and I hope my work can inspire others in the same way.

Go see art. Viewing pictures on a screen sometimes doesn’t do the work justice. Being able to see delicate brushstrokes and rich colors in person makes me reflect on my own technique and color choices. I love having the opportunity to talk with artists about their work, as it can add a deeper dimension to the art that I truly appreciate.

Love art for art’s sake. I love creativity for the thoughts and emotions it can evoke in us.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rich Rubin. The author is a music producer, but the ideas and concepts are very easily applied to visual art. The book has really shown me a way of seeing and interpreting life through a more creative lens. As cliche as that sounds. But honestly it was a great book and I continue to think about it through my process.

“In terms of priority, inspiration comes first. You come next. The audience comes last.”
― Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

“Art is choosing to do something skilfully,
caring about the details,
bringing all of yourself
to make the finest work you can.
It is beyond ego, vanity, self-glorfification,
and need for approval.”
― Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

“One of the greatest rewards of making art is our ability to share it. Even if there is no audience to receive it, we build the muscle of making something and putting it out into the world. Finishing our work is a good habit to develop. It boosts confidence. Despite our insecurities, the more times we can bring ourselves to release our work, the less weight insecurity has.”
― Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

Contact Info:

• Website: https://peterdorseyart.com
• Instagram: @Petey_fresh
• Facebook: Peter Dorsey
• Youtube: @peterdorsey891