Self-taught SC: An Ethological & Artistic Survey: William Thomas Thompson

Sunday, January 23, 2011

William Thomas Thompson

If you lose the ability to use your hands and feet, your lifestyle consequently changes. For many folks, this development would result in a lifestyle with lessened activity. However, for William Thomas Thompson, this resulted into a painting career. In 1989, Thompson developed the neurological disorder Guillain–Barré syndrome that caused him to lose control of his motor system. Unable to continue in his original career in business, Thompson claimed to me and Nathan Thursday that painting was the only option.

Thompson in front of his mural About SC at SC State Museum (photo from http://www.arthompson.com/)

In his personal studio, Thompson gave me and Nathan a tour. He showed us his large collection that he began back in the late 1980s. As it is not customary for Thompson to sell his work, we were able to see visually the accomplishments Thompson has achieved in his painting career. I do not have an exact figure, but there are thousands of completed canvases in his studio.

Thompson identifies himself as a visionary artist. His subject matter is mostly Biblical including scenes from Creation and Revelations. A few pieces we saw were Jesus walking on water, the seven days of Creation, and political and pop-culture messages. One of my favorites is the painting of unconditional love.


Unconditional love (photo by Nathan Redding)

Jesus and Simon Peter on water (photo by Nathan Redding)

Creation Day 2 (photo by Nathan Redding)

What struck me most during our morning with William Thomas Thompson was his motivation and determination to carry out his work. Despite the additional obstacles Thompson has before him, a neurological disorder, lack of formal training and little to no appreciation for his work locally, he continues to paint. And paint he does. For Thompson, large canvases provide an even greater opportunity to carry out his work and the message he wishes to impart. In fact, he is known to paint 300 foot long canvases such as one that hangs in the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD.

I appreciate Thompson's determination to continue his passion despite the hurdles. To me, this characteristic shows a sign of a true artist. That is, one who is willing to create their work no matter the cost. For Thompson, these costs are most often rejection.

September 11th (photo by Nathan Redding)

Union of man and woman (photo by Nathan Redding)

If you wish to peruse Thompson's work and appreciate his truly incredible work, you can visit his website at (http://www.arthompson.com/) or ask him if he will arrange a gallery showing.

Until next time,

Krista

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Project description

During our January Interim semester at Wofford College, Nathan Redding and I will facilitate the documentation of self-taught artists across the state of South Carolina. Our goal in doing so is to improve our state's artistic representation as well as educate others about our cultural heritage. Throughout the month we will visit individual artists and their works. With each site explored we will provide valuable information concerning the artist, the work itself, materials used, and the inspiration/influence/motivation behind the piece. Our results will then be reviewed and compiled into a cohesive form where they can then be shared through our ongoing research blog that shall be maintained throughout the month.

Beyond our project, our work will also supply additional resources to the on-campus Self-taught Artist studio Interim, demonstrating to our peers both the presence and role of Self-taught art in South Carolina. In addition, we will share our findings with the Detour Art data-base (www.detourart.com) as an outreach tool.

What is Self-taught art?

Self-taught art, commonly referred to as Folk art, is a self-motivated artistic expression. This style of work expresses itself as a global phenomenon with each manifestation unique to its particular area. Unlike a fine artist who has been trained in various techniques, self-taught artists are not trained professionals. They rely solely upon the experiences in their own lives as well as cultural influences to create works. Thus, these untrained eyes create pieces that reflect themselves and their region in ways trained artists cannot. Supplies used are not those found in an art store, but are everyday materials that come together in a fantastic culmination that ends as a direct product and reflection of themselves, their livelihood, and how they view the world through the cultural lenses of their environment.