TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE
JULY/AUGUST 2003

FOR THIRTY YEARS, PETER MITCHEV PAINTED in his native Bulgaria and other countries around the world. Then, two and a half years ago , his wife Milena decided to attend school in the Tampa Bay Area to obtain a degree to help her advance to a higher level in her chosen field of design. For Peter, that that meant learning a new spoken language, while continuing to paint as he always had. He maintained his own unique label-defying style, which warms the soul as it infiltrates the mind. His art is passionate and strong with the sensitivity that can only be felt by those who reflect upon the past.

Hidden in his work are mysteries that cannot be solved, as the subjects are created from his own imagination and from his personal observations of the world. He is a master technician, who can evoke feeling through his use of color and form.

With little formal art training, it was obvious from early in his career that art was more than his profession; it was his reason for being. He was born an artist and has been driven every day to create and express his thoughts on life in the form he khows best - paint. He paints, and he paints. It is as essential to him as eating or breathing.The tone and texture of his work may remind you of other artists at first glance. However, the longer you look at the detail of his works of art, the more you sense that what you are seeing is an ancient memory that has traversed the ages to be captured by this man who wants to reveal what he sees, yet has no intention of explaining the spirit of the piece. He paints not to tell stories, but rather only to reflect a split second in time that has meaning for him.

As Peter Mitchev stated in 1999:

"During the past century there was too much aggression and hostility in art and life. Because of this, I have promised myself, I will to paint for love and unity. For unity between all people, races, religions, man and nature, and for the tolerance between rich and poor. For me this is not an abstract idea, but my deep feeling and belief.

As humans we need to remember some very simple things like joy, tears, happiness...that is why time in my painting is reflected by stillness. The history and memory of mankind are gathered in one place.

My painting is a message to all people who need love and beauty. What everyone will see in them, has already happened, is happening at the moment or will happen in the future. These images are inspired by the memory of mankind and the purest vibrations that people feel.

These paintings are like children to me and that is why I am thankful if they bring joy and satisfaction.

Painting, for me, is a kind of thinking. It is a way of living. It is a mission impossible to give up. Painting is a salvation for my wicked soul...

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Editor's note: The paintings of Peter Mitchev can be viewed on his website, www.mitchevart.com, or by contacting the Ikar Gallery at (813)453-2464.