Thomas Nichols

A FEW THINGS ABOUT THE ARTIST

1. What do you do when you’re not making art? (Day job etc...).

I am a corporate security professional for a multinational company.

2. Why do you make art?

I make art to understand my true self and those around me. My artwork is autobiographical and represents my journey of self discovery and trying to become a better person.

3. What inspires you?

I find inspiration when thinking about emotions from a past experience or current mood. My inspiration starts with asking the question: 'What am I feeling right now, and how can I represent that on canvas so that others become engaged and might continue their process of reflecting upon themselves and the world around them?'

4. What/who are your influences?

I am influenced by the great network of artists and collectors around me in the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club, which meets weekly to share, discuss and advance art. I want to surround myself with the creative people within this group.

5. If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?

I would want to meet Willem de Kooning and ask him how he persevered through the criticism he received when painting his abstracted women on canvas. Also, Winston Churchill because I enjoy history and would want to hear his thoughts about leading a country through war and learn more about his own journey as an artist.