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Artist Statement:
I am currently a senior in two
degree programs at the
University of Oklahoma,
Painting and Biochemistry. I
live and work in Norman, Ok.
Born in Lawton, and raised in
Tulsa, I still find my life to
be a constant journey of
discovery.
I began painting in 1995, and
working towards a painting
degree in 1999. Contact with
artists such as Daniel Kiacz,
Louise Jones and George Hughes
in the Art department at OU,
have allowed my art to
flourish. Development of my
own style has been influenced
directly by their input, and
technical insights. My work
has been displayed in a
variety of shows, several
recently and forthcoming.
My art is primarily concerned
with the manipulation of
abstract figurative forms.
Many of these forms were
discovered through the study
of biochemistry. As my degree
in biochemistry advanced, I
became fascinated with spatial
interactions and studied them
more intently in relation to
my work. The tendency to force
interactions in
positive-negative fields, as
seen in "The Truth be Told",
allows my work to exist on
several planes at once. Pieces
like "Spring <7" often feature
as many as a dozen distinct
forms, interwoven to attain
visual movement and
distraction ...
Further Information
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Artist Exhibitions:
Fall 1999
- Foundations Design Showing -
Lightwell Gallery, Univ. of
Oklahoma
Spring 2000
- Annual Student Show -(2
Pieces) - FJJMA, Univ. of
Oklahoma
"Essence of a Female"(conte)
"Heaven, Hell, and In-between"
(plaster,wood, bailing wire -
tryptich)
Spring 2001
- First painting commision -
private collection
- Student Printmaking Show -
(2 pieces)- Lightwell Gallery,
...
Further Information
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Artist Galleries:
Coming Soon!
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Collections:
Coming Soon!
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Commissions:
Coming Soon!
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Reviews for Thomas Butler:
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by Tami Watson
pop editor
8/2/2002
An exhibit currently on display at ONE: An Eclectic Experience (323 White St., Campus Corner) visually expresses what every individual experiences in the relationships they encounter throughout life.
"For Seasons", a series of paintings by butter, a University of Oklahoma painting/biochemistry senior was created during the first half of this year.
"The pieces mark a new direction in my work," said butter. "A record of relationship experiences, they conceptually embody the visual ideal of various times in my past and present relationships."
Consisting of multiple layers and types of paint, the images are intended to incite reflection and reveal their individual character as time is spent with each one.
The Spring portion of series is the beginning of the cycle, presenting the viewer with multiple layers of information.
"When you first meet, you overload people with who you are," said butter. "It's not always exactly accurate, and this information is eventually pared away as Summer comes to fruition."
The Summer paintings mark a time when the inner workings of the relationship become apparent, noted butter.
"As these come into focus, it clarifies the nature of interpersonal dealings," he said. "Normally, the majority of a relationship is spent in these times."
From there, the relationship is marked by a change of coloration into Fall.
"As the metaphoric leaves begin to feel life withdrawn, an amazing array of colors emerge," said butter. "Not having been seen before, the effect can return energy to the relationship."
The Fall paintings are the first in the series to show two perspective, as shadows echo reality pared to 2-D simplicity, butter explained. The shadows are often contrary to this final portion of the series, he said.
"Winter finds one back at a time when not all is truly as it seems. You're dealing with yourself, which is never an easy thing to do," he continued. "All the free energy has returned, but with a move away from clarity in image. In my estimation, this is the time that the majority of introspection is accomplished."
The artist began painting in 1995 after he became dissatisfied with his future in medicine. He admits, however, that many of the abstract figurative forms in his artwork were discovered through the study of biochemistry.
"As my degree in biochemistry advanced, I became fascinated with spatial interactions and studied them more intently in relation to my work," butter said.
As viewers study his paintings, butter hopes they will spend time with the pieces to discover obscure figures not available to the casual observer.
"I only do half the work," said butter. "The rest is up to those who view the paintings."
ONE is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. To learn more about butter and his artwork, visit www.visstim.com. For more information about ONE, visit www.an-eclectic-experience.com
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contact artist
