Ian M A Thomson Mrss

The ideas that I give form to are expressions of peace, change and aspiration; they convey my own optimism for the future and acceptance of the present.

My objective is to express this by sculpture in a way that is ethereal yet grounded in reality. The dynamic forms are free flowing yet precise, subtle yet powerful and have a monumental character whatever their size.

Essential to the evolution of my practice is a complete involvement in all the stages of creation, from sourcing marble, to drawing, to modelling and casting maquettes, to carving and to finishing.

Use of the durable, translucent, pure white or sometimes delicately veined marbles of Carrara which are formed by countless tiny animals over millennia, correlates well with my vision of the fragility of individuals, the power of life and the permanence of love.

Biography:
2023 Studio time, “Noumenon”. Contemporary theme based upon Jungian Archetypes.
2022 Royal Society of Sculptors membership. (MRSS)
2022 Mariani Bronze Foundry, Pietrasanta, Italy. Experimental work and processes.
2022 Teaching art groups at Chawton C of E Primary School and Creative Café, Hook.
2021 Portrait bust commission, Lord David Wolfson (“Next” Shops).
2020 Portrait bust commission, Christopher Foyle (Foyle’s Bookshop).
2019 to 2020 Studio time, Tuscany, working in the studios of Pietrasanta and Seravezza.
2018 Sculpture commission, Jackson Hole, USA: “Surrender”, Marble.
2018 Saatchi Art, saatchiart.com (Representation by. Continuing).
2018 Portrait bust commission, “Marley”.
2017 Foundry Work, Arch Bronze, Winthorpe Rd, London. Portraiture.
2017 Cold Casting Bronze: Scenic Sets, North End Rd, London, Petersfield Av, Slough.
2016 Karry Gallery, Rive Gauche, Paris. (Representation by).
2015 Portrait bust commission, “Siobhan”.
2014 Combustus Magazine, New York, U.S.A. (featured artist).
2013 to 2014 Public commission: marble war memorial, Slough High St, Berks “Freedom”
2012 Studio time and commission, “Nike”, marble.
2010 to 2011 MA in Human Values and C...

Solo Exhibitions
“Walk This Way, A Path to Peace.” Quarr Abbey, Isle Of Wight (2002).
“Ian Thomson has spent six months living with the monks, sharing their daily prayer, and carving six works in a monastic outbuilding. The stone sculptures have evolved from the artist’s reflections in the light of September 11. They have a monumental character with an expressive strength deriving in part from their firm grounding in a recognisable tradition.” - Fr. Alexander Tingay.

“Walk This Way, A Path to Peace.” Liverpool Cathedral (2003).
Three-week exhibition in the “lofty and restful space of the Chapter House in Britain’s largest Cathedral”. A series of six sculptures, with concept sketches, anatomical drawings and photographs of work in progress.