Louise Emily Thomas

1986, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

'Thomas's current artistic concerns lie within the field of Islamic art with special prominence given to an exploration of the nature of the camel, something that has become a central tenet of her practice.
This thread can be seen to have begun when Thomas received a travel grant enabling her to travel to Turkey where she undertook a residency based in a cave dwelling in Cappadocia, Central Anatolia. This experience combined with further travels in Morocco and academic research in anthropology left Thomas with a fascination with both Islamic architecture and the wider nomadic culture.
This has led to the more recent introduction of trigonometry, notably in the way surfaces are constructed within her work; equally they could also reference triangulation points, and in turn how and why space is mapped from 3D into 2D.
Dromedary (2013) for instance is made from triangular pieces of mild steel and was inspired by the ancient Inka chant "Inti qori paran, killa qolqe paran" (The Sun rains gold, the moon rains silver). Fitting in seamlessly with the theme of nomadism this relative of the camel might also refer as much to religious architecture and temporary dwellings as to a restlessness within the...

2011-2013 Heatherley’s School of Fine Art, Figurative Sculpture Diploma, Special Commendation

2006-2009 University of Leeds, BA (Hons) Fine Art, First class

Residencies and Awards

2014 Ian Tyson RA Studio, 3 week Sculpture Residency, France
2013 The Heatherley’s Sculpture Prize
2011 Heatherley’s School of Fine Art, Sculpture Diploma Bursary
2010 Babyan Culture House, Cappadocia, Turkey, 4 week Art Residency 2010 European Cultural Foundation, Step Beyond Travel Grant
2009 University of Leeds, Alan Mohun Memorial Prize

2014
Kent Sculpture Garden, Fareham Art Trail, Fareham
Open Studio, Durham Wharf, London
2013
The Artic Star, Durham Wharf, London
Second Year Show, Heatherley’s School of Fine Art
2012
First Year Show, Heatherley’s School of Fine Art
Step Beyond Exhibition, Princess Margriet Award Ceremony, Brussels