We’re excited to introduce to one of our newest Embrace Creatives artist partner, Neal Peterson, a New Mexico and Minnesota-based photographer who joined me in 2025 after a chance meeting while on vacation. Neal creates intricate photo collages that explore our sense of place. Whether an iconic city or national park, his art highlights the beauty and interconnectedness of the world using both science and spirituality. His goal is to inspire viewers to see the wonder in their surroundings, no matter where they stand.
A LOOK INSIDE THE ARTIST’S STUDIO.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
Cold drinks, good music, and no distractions.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE ART?
The world’s beauty—its patterns, chaos, and hidden connections. I’m inspired by the chance to craft something totally unique, something that sparks joy or wonder in someone’s day. As humans, we have this incredible gift to create, and I feel a responsibility and obligation to do just that.
WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCES YOUR STYLE?
I’m in awe of the patterns of nature and the ingenuity of human civilization—cities shaped by the people who built them all working together as a whole. When I photograph a city, I see the collective effort of countless hands over innumerable years, and that humbles and inspires me.
Striving to capture the elusive through intersecting lines and continuous, chaotic exploration, I dedicate myself to the cMy art highlights the beauty and interconnectedness of the world using both science and spirituality. My goal is to inspire viewers to see the wonder in their surroundings, no matter where they stand.reative process, experimenting with new techniques and materials, not giving up, and pushing forward with excitement and a sense of peace in creating.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK EVOLVING AND WHAT NEW MEDIUMS OR THEMES DO YOU HOPE TO EXPLORE?
I never limit myself to one medium or theme—art thrives when boundaries blur. I’m always looking to weave new technologies into my work, just as the printing press or Photoshop once revolutionized the creative process.
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DO YOU CREATE SPONTANEOUSLY OR ARE YOU A PLANNER?
I’m a bit of both. I’ll spend time sketching out a concept, diving deep into the idea’s roots, but when it’s time to create, I let go and embrace the flow. The best work happens when intention meets spontaneity—too much control kills the magic.
LIST RECENT PUBLICATIONS YOU AND YOUR WORK HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN.
My mandalas were recently mentioned in a Wall Street Journal piece featuring a luxury Minneapolis property. Over the years, my art has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, Elle Decor, Vice, Minnesota Monthly, Aspire Metro, and Modern in Denver, among others.
PLEASE LIST COMMERCIAL OR HOSPITALITY BUILDINGS WHERE YOUR ARTWORK IS INSTALLED.
My work has found a home in places like the W Ibiza Hotel, Montefiore Einstein Medical Center, and the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. I’ve also had temporary installations at the Mall of America, City Center Minneapolis,
Mayo Clinic Square, and the Minneapolis Convention Center.
WHAT LIFE EXPERIENCES HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR ART THE MOST?
Travel has shaped my perspective more than anything. Solo trips, especially—navigating foreign cities, deciphering signs in new languages, and soaking in the architecture, food, and culture—reframe how I see my place in the world. Travel also requires a lot of patient waiting —waiting for the train to arrive or the flight to leave—these are the opportunities to observe,
people watch, and soak up the surroundings.
TELL US SOMETHING FUN ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m a music maker as much as a visual artist— writing, recording, and playing live shows. There’s a thrill in starting with silence and building a song, just like facing a blank canvas. Both are about finding harmony in the chaos, and I love how they feed each other.
IF SOMEONE CAME TO YOU WITH A DREAM PROJECT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’d love to design a theme park from the ground up—every ride, restaurant, and bit of branding.
WHAT FAMOUS PERSON WOULD YOU LIKE TO OWN YOUR ARTWORK?
I’d be honored if another artist or musician whose work I admire had one of my pieces. Knowing they connected with my art the way I connect with theirs would be amazing.
ANYTHING WE MISSED THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
Art isn’t just decor—it’s a force with purpose and power. I want my work to remind people that beauty and meaning are everywhere, waiting to be seen.
For more information on any artwork in this interview, this artist or to schedule a Meet & Greet, contact Andrea.
