Peter Gurnz (b. April 3, 1979 in Mt. Kisco, New York) is an artist, painter, photographer, designer, and founder of BOXeight Productions, a multidimensional art/media/production company based in Downtown Los Angeles.
Biography
editGurnz attended the esteemed Rhode Island School of Design, and there began serving creative communities and managing artists. During that time, he developed many professional contacts, as well as a keen understanding and knowledge of the fashion/entertainment industry, drawn from extensive work in New York. Gurnz’s unique ceramics, paintings and photographs was discovered literally on the streets—prestigious Prince Street in New York City’s bohemian brotherhood Greenwich Village—and were consequently featured in ELLE Magazine. Shortly thereafter he began an intense and essential collaboration with visionary artist Peter Beard, crystallizing an already blossoming career.
After breaking New York, Peter swapped coasts and began BOXeight Productions, which, in an unprecedented three years, has already broken ground and raised the artistic bar for downtown Los Angeles. With over fifty members from an array of artistic mediums, BOXeight’s infectious potential seems endless. He found that L.A. in particular had a veritable wealth of talent, coupled with a need for the development of focus and community—something of an area of expertise to Gurnz.
Today in Los Angeles, Peter heads up yet another unique artistic community, and has taken BOXeight to new and unrivaled heights, putting together some of the most interesting and invigorating fashion productions of the season—including shows for Eduardo Lucero and Jared Gold. Offering everything from management services to inspiration and opportunities for exposure, he’s created an artist collective, producing several art shows and parties. Downtown Los Angeles lent a serious ear to his efforts, urging Peter to run for Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council as the Arts Culture and Education Director.
As a result, Peter himself entered into significant relationships with modeling agencies and other photographers, as well as The Gallery Row Association and The Downtown Artisans. Asked to exhibit in 944 Magazine events in collaboration with Elite Model Management, as well as Gen Art and various clubs in and around downtown. Peter has recently become instrumental in providing creative executive suites and studios for artists. Working with developer Gary Warfel, they built a business model for a branded artist community and event production company incorporating all areas of the arts. This model provides a platform for mediums to integrate with and inform each another, ultimately creating new forms of art.
With Peter’s guidance, BOXeight is IN THE HOUSE. “Fashion Week,” just one of several projects newly hatched as the result of this creative incubator, has now become almost legendary in Los Angeles, with BOXeight paving the runways. Known for its vivacious and perfectly executed style, Gurnz’s artistic direction and aesthetic have become synonymous with the overall vibe of BOXeight.
Currently pursuing his career as a photographer for the fashion industry, Peter Gurnz is something of an anomaly in America—a true artist who has managed to bridge the gap between commerce & art.
External links
editBOXeight
editBOXeight is a LA-based multidimensional art/media/production company,founded by artist/designer Peter Gurnz, dedicated to the rejuvenation of Downtown Los Angeles, and the organization of a Los Angeles arts community. This was the motivation behind BOXeight bringing Fashion Week back to Downtown Los Angeles in Spring 2007, which was a triumphant success, featuring exciting new designers, promising artists, and the best local music from Downtown Los Angeles. BOXeight Fashion Week has showcased multiple designers including Eduardo Lucero, Jared Gold, Kevin Johnn, and Jeffrey Sebelia.