Runaway Walk

20" X 16"

Photography , Gelatin silver lith print

Edition of 20

2008

                         ** Additional Works Available, please contact the gallery

         and overlooked, igniting a passion for exploration of mundane yet beautiful creations in this everyday world.

Photography opened up a new world to me when I was in grade school. I always had a difficult time communicating in words what I was thinking or feeling. With photography, I was able to give people a visual insight to my world. Once I began this journey of learning, a whole new magical world opened up to me. I began acquiring a love for the full creative process. It gave me a feeling of accomplishment in a world I felt I could have never measured up to. The hunt for subject matter that is not the standard stimulates my creativity. I prefer to stay clear of producing clichéd imagery by not allowing the latest trends to influence my style of photography. I use my eye to transcend the perception of human consciousness by challenging my imagination to accept the surreal, in essence allowing myself to create unexpected and thought provoking work. This collection is meant to ignite a passion for exploration of beautiful things in a world that is often in despair. In the midst of every darkest hour there still lies hope.

Biography:

Growing up in Japan, Thomas discovered his passion for photography at the age of 8. His career began on a small Navy newspaper, the Seahawk, covering local sports and events. The Seahawk awarded him a letter of appreciation for 'Excellent Photography,' in 1992. Thomas then embarked on a journey to Seattle in 1994 to attend The Art Institute of Seattle, furthering his artistic and technical skills, receiving his degree in Commercial Photography. Thomas developed an innovative and conceptual style, photographing a wide range of subject matter from the abstract avant-garde, to haunting images of people and nature. His work instills a mood of introspection and self-reflection, and possesses a sense of wonder that often is lost after childhood. Thomas prefers to use the medium of film, both color and B&W. He enjoys perfecting his craft in the darkroom. He says, 'In growing as a fine art photographer, I have embraced traditional darkroom techniques which I feel that one day may become a lost art in this world of digital technology. Time spent alone in the darkroom allows me to reflect and connect with my art.' Thomas is represented by La Familia Gallery in Seattle and continues to exhibit his work all over the city.

Education
1996 The Art Institute of Seattle, Associates of Applied Arts

Selected Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions
• April 2010 Ace Studio Gallery 619 Western Ave. Seattle, WA
• March 2010 La Familia Gallery "MAGNIFICENT/insignificance", Seattle, WA
• Dec 2009 - Feb 2010 Northwest Fine Woodworking, Seattle, WA
• July 2009 -Jan 2010 Dubs Inc. Post-production house, Seattle, WA
• July 2009 Ace Studio Gallery 619 Western Ave. Seattle, WA
• March 2008 Moka’s Cafe, Seattle, WA
• Feb - March 31, 2008 Portage French Restaurant, Seattle, WA
• Dec - Jan 31, 2008 Andrew L. Parker with RE/MAX Mutual Realty, Seattle, WA
• Oct 2007 Victrola Coffee Roasters, Seattle, WA
• July 2007 Fremont Coffee Company, Seattle, WA
• April - May 31, 2007 LC's Kitchen, Seattle, WA
• March 2007 Secret Garden Bookshop, Seattle, WA
• Feb 2007 8 Limbs Studio, Seattle, WA
• Jan 2007 Pioneer Square Saloon, Seattle, WA
• Sept 2006 Mighty O Bakery, Seattle, WA
• Nov 2000 "Dessert Extravaganza" - New Horizons Ministries, slide show exhibition Seattle, WA

Group Exhibitions
• April 20 - May 22, 2010 Gallery Golden Point, "Bad Latitude", Nummela, Finland
• March 10, 2010 Ethnic Arts Connection, presenters and juried artists showcase, Seattle, WA
• Feb 2010 Art Auction, Dancing on the Valentine at Hazlewood, benefit for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Seattle, WA
• Dec 2, 2009 - January 2, 2010, La Familia Gallery "5x5", Seattle, WA
• Dec 3 - 6, 2009, Aqua Art Miami contemporary art fair, (Represented by La Familia Gallery) Miami, FL
• Dec 5, 2008 Juried exhibition, Vermillion Gallery, Artreach Seattle "Six Degrees", Seattle, WA
• Aug 24th - Sept 21st, 2008 Juried exhibition, Arts West Gallery (www.artswest.com) “5x5”, Seattle, WA
• Feb 2007 Musée de l'Elysée - photography installation,"We Are All Photographers Now!", Lausanne, Switzerland
• Oct 2006 Julia's Gallery, contest (1st place winner) Seattle, WA
• May 2001 "One Old Geezer and 11 Newcomers" - Palmer/Kane Studios, Seattle, WA

Representation
• La Familia Gallery, Seattle, WA

Publications
• Photographer’s Forum Best of Photography Annual 2008 & 2009
• F-Stop Magazine (Issue #27 "Open Theme" Feb - Mar 2008)
• JPG Magazine (Issue #10 "Ghost Bike" June - July 2007)
• Premiere issue Phosphorescence Magazine
• Filemagazine.com contributor
• Pacific Stars and Stripes Newspaper
• Seahawk Newspaper (Yokosuka, Japan)

Awards
• 2008 & 2009 Photographer's Forum, Best of Photography, Finalist
• 2006 1st place winner photography contest, Julia’s Gallery Seattle, WA
• 1992 Letter of appreciation for excellent photography, Seahawk Newspaper Yokosuka, Japan