2012 Artists Series Featuring an Interview with Larry Thomas

Larry Thomas is an artist whose works draw you in; not a mere passing glance, as you stop & want to look deeper to find other mesmerizing details to explore.

I do hope you enjoy the following interview!

When and how did you first realize that you wanted to paint and create art?
I think I was about 7 years old when I really started having a lot of fun drawing and painting.  I always drew a lot, and still do.  Most children begin to turn their interests to other things by the time they are 8 or 9, but I continued to have a keen interest in art all through elementary, junior high, high school, and college.  And of course that continues today.

 Where did you study?
Missouri State University – BFA – Drawing/Printmaking
University of Iowa – MA – Printmaking/Drawing
University of Iowa – MFA – Printmaking/Drawing

Larry, you have become extremely well known for your particular genre in the field of art; how did that evolve? What are some of the materials you like to use in your paintings?That is very flattering, but I’m not sure I’m really all that well known. 

My work is fairly abstract, but it contains representational elements.  The interest in combining the abstract with the realistic goes back to undergraduate school.  I think it is a very tricky thing to do, but feel our world is a combination of the two, so have pursued that ever since.

I became interested in computers about 30 years ago.  At first I didn’t think they had much to do with what I was wanting to do.  The hardware and software were fairly crude by today’s standards, and the materials were very fugitive.  The printers, paper, and ink weren’t initially made to be archival.  I don’t think many manufacturers thought about fine artists using digital technology back then.  However, in the last 15 years or so, there have been dramatic changes and advances in all things digital.  

So, around 15 years ago I became very interested in what digital imaging could do.  It allowed me to make images that I couldn’t create before.  I don’t particularly like the way an image prints straight on to paper.  It seems to have a poster quality to it that I don’t like.  So I usually incorporate paint, collaged paper, and real objects into the painting.  Hopefully, those elements peak the viewers interest, and they notice and are made aware of their own perceptions about what they are looking at.  That is, in part, what my work is all about...perception and questioning what we perceive.

Where do you derive much of your inspiration; Nature, photography, thoughts or images?  Tell us what past or current artists inspire or have been mentors…. 

My work primarily derives from my own life experiences combined with research and reading.

I suppose the first artist that comes to mind is Willem de Kooning.  I have always admired his work.  I’ve had a lot of teachers along the way and each one has given me ideas and inspiration in some way.  I have great respect for the professors I teach with and many of the young artists in Kansas City are very inspiring.  They are taking chances in uncharted territory and reshaping what we think of as art.

When did the desire to teach become a passion?
I would probably say I have a passion for art, and hope that passion carries over into my teaching.  I come from a family of teachers, so it seemed like a natural direction for me to go.

I think the real passion for art came around the time I was a junior in college.  I was always interested in art up until then, but I made some work that year that I felt was really starting to be mine and not just derivative of other artists

Your position at Johnson County Community College is Chair of the Arts Department. The effect that you have on students is incredible…why would you say that is?  How do you inspire them as artists to open their minds to creativity?

 Again, that is very flattering, but I’m not sure how true that is.  

Of course, I would like to think that I have a very positive effect on students.  I try to help students delve into themselves and express who they are and what they believe in.  I try to be very honest and fair.  I attempt to challenge  students and show them they have more capabilities than they realize or think they have.  I think the most important thing a teacher can do is show students how to learn on their own.  

Larry what artist’s organizations and establishments are you involved in? 

I’ve been a long time member of the Nelson-Atkins Museum, I have served on the board of the Kansas City Artists Coalition and been a member of that organization for over 20 years, I contribute regularly to the Charlotte Street Foundation, and have been fortunate enough to be a facilitator for the Artist Inc. Development Workshops sponsored by The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City, The Charlotte Street Foundation, The UMKC Innovation Center, and Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Centers.

I know that you are represented by the esteemed Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art Gallery…Where else are you currently showing your art and what exhibits are planned for the near future?
 I currently have an exhibit of paintings at Sherry Leedy entitled, Material Abstraction: Crypsis and Seductive Chaos which will be showing until August 18th, 2012.  I have 10 prints in the 2012 Kansas City Flatfile which will be up until September 29th, 2012, and I have two prints in a traveling exhibition that opened in New Delphi, India entitled Multiple Encounters Second Edition which will travel to a variety of venues through 2013. 

Finally Larry, what comments or words of wisdom do you have for an aspiring artist of any age?

I think that if you can do anything else you should.  I don’t think being an artist is for those that aren’t passionate, curious, and have an incredible work ethic.  You need to be ready to make lots of sacrifices and be prepared to be rejected often. 

Larry thank you so much for participating in The 2012 Artists Series! Larry can be reached at larry [@] larrythomasart.com 

His website is http://larrythomasart.com/Larry_Thomas_Art/Larry_Thomas_Home.html 

Enjoy the brief video below for more insight into Thomas' art and paintings!

Thank you to my Friends and Family. Your encouragement and  comments are very much appreciated!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena