Thom Wright has combined his passions for art and engineering, and his two practices benefited from each other. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he joined the U. S. Navy after high school and then returned home to go to college. After graduating in 1970 with a BA and MA in mathematics from UCLA and CSULA, he began a successful, 32 year career in aerospace. While working in advanced space systems and technologies development, he began taking art and art history courses at night at local community colleges. He began selling art and successfully entering competitive art shows in 1978.
His interest initially centered in abstract landscape and figurative painting, influenced both by 20th century European modernists and American expressionists. Beginning in 1986, his subject matter moved toward contemporary issues, including technology, geopolitics, and the global environment. His abstract painting style also migrated towards inclusion of industrial materials, found objects and mixed media, which reflect influences of his technical background. These issues and processes continue in his art work.
Desiring to improve his skills, theory and knowledge in art, he took early retirement from the Boeing Corp. in 1999 and entered art school full time. In May, 2006, he completed the MFA program in Drawing and Painting at California State University, Long Beach.
E-mail: thomwrightart@verizon.net
Website: thomwrightart.com
I think of my artwork as a record of ideas. I am curious about many things in the world and I get a pleasure from trying to authentically and sincerely depict all that I learn. I am an engineer by trade and have received Black Belts in seven different Martial Art disciplines, but art has always just been there—a part of me, no matter what else is going on.
My work always includes strong subjects and themes, and uses the object to express the ideas, I’ve nothing against non-objective work; it is just that my soul expresses itself by portraying a scene, or an object, or an image – then modifying it to express my needs and passion. There must be a connection between the subject matter of a painting I’m creating and my feelings and attitudes about that subject. In general, I strive to be more expressive and thoughtful about my work.
Formal Education
California State University Long Beach BFA, Drawing and Painting, Printmaking
Mesa College, San Diego, Fine Art
Instituto Allende, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico , Special Studies in Landscape
Bellas Artes, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico , Special Studies in Figure
Representing Galleries
A Loft Art Gallery, Mike Henigman
926 Santa Ana Blvd
Santa Ana, Ca. 92701
Tele: (714) 209-7321
R.A. Gallery, Liza and Alex Grigrolopolos
1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60622,
Tele: (773) 775-8410 Fax: (773) 862-8641
One Person Shows
1985: Jung Gallery - Theme: "A foundation in landscapes"
1986: San Diego Art Institute - Theme" "From present to past"
1987: Lyceum Gallery, Horton Plaza
2002: Thunder Center Arts
Exhibitions and Competitions
1984: Galeria Pargola - San Miguel de Allende
Art in All Media - Southern California Exposition
Oceanside 34th Annual Art Show - Carlsbad, Jurors:Frank Tauriero and Marilyn Zapp
SDAI 30th Annual Art Show; Juror: Richard Koshalek, Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles
Combined Organization to the Visual Arts Auction to benefit San Diego Artist
1985: San Diego Art Institute 31th Annual Art Show
1986: Small Image XI, San Diego; Juror: Susan Durrant
Art in All Media - Southern California Exposition: 1st Place
Mid-Summer Award Show SDAI
1987: Small Image XII; San Diego, Jurors: Stuart Burton and Allen Murrow
Mid-Summer Award Show - SDAI, Juror: Robert McDonald
Annual Award Show - La Jolla Art Association, Juror: Robert Hiram Meltzer
City Fest San Diego - Best of Show
Artist Masked Ball
1988: Rogue Gallery - San Diego, an art exhibit to benefit the San Diego Center for the blind
1993: Mid-Winter Award Show - SDAI
Pratt Gallery - San Diego Artwalk
Art in All Media - Southern California Exposition: Honorable Mention
1999: Huntington Beach Art Center - Call for Artist
2001: Huntington Beach Art Center - Call for Artist
Pastels on High International Exhibition - Placerville, California; Juror: Richard McDaniel; High Sierra Award
Orange County Fair - 1st place/Professional Painting in Pastels
1st place/Professional Painting in Oils
2005: San Diego Art Institute 48th Annual International
2nd City Council's Member's Exhibition, Long Beach
Rock Harbour Artist Loft, Costa Mesa
Curators & Galleries
1987: Larry Urrutia Arts Consultant, San Diego
1993: Tarbox Gallery, San Diego
1995: Crown Art, Huntington Beach
2002: Peirside Gallery Huntington Beach
E-mail: ronaldreekers@gmail.com
Website: www.reekersart.com
Fine art landscape photography
E-mail: ralph@ralphnordstromphotography.com
Website: RalphNordstromPhotography.com