ARTIST & DESIGNER
ANITA THOMAS
Artist
About
My Story
I am a lifelong, multi-disciplinary artist working in encaustics, acrylics, cold wax with oils, and photography. My specialty, encaustics, was practiced by the ancient Greeks as far back as the 5th century B.C. Older than any oil painting, it is a highly archival medium made with natural beeswax, damar resin crystals (a sap from trees found in Indonesia and Malaysia), and raw pigments. Each layer is fused to the previous with the heat of a blowtorch and is typically worked on wooden panels.
Originally from Toronto and now living in Hamilton, I am grateful to have recieved multiple awards for my work over the years. Available through specialty stores and online, I also participate in arts festivals, fundraising events, and juried group and solo exhibitions including at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, McMaster Innovation Park, and the Louvre in Paris, France.
My work hangs in private collections and professional offices throughout Canada, the United States, France, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
“Being an artist means forever healing your own wounds, and at the same time, endlessly exposing them.”
– Unknown
Work
My Recent Work
Ethereal Return
Encaustic on birch cradled panel, 2022
Lagertha
Encaustic with mixed media on wood panel, 2022
Deafening Silence
Encaustic on birch cradled panel, 2022
Lothbrok
Encaustic on cradled panel
Work
Gallery
A peek at the gallery of rooms.
Artist Statement
My work covers a range of mediums and styles but my favourite is encaustics. This ancient practice of painting with molten beeswax, tree resin, and raw pigments allows me to mix contrasting textures and techniques as I paint with the fire of my blowtorch.
I have enjoyed working in encaustic since 2013. Every aspect of it, from the process of making my own encaustic medium and paint to the many techniques that can be applied, is highly addictive. The alchemy of it all draws me in and satisfies in so many ways. The possibilities are endless as you react to what happens within your control and also to that which is gifted to you serendipitously.
My art is an expression from within, a record of my journey as I move through my life. It is at times random as my attention flits from this to that, but other times I delve deeper, lingering in a period of that which comforts me. My inspiration draws upon everything around me. What I see, what I feel, interactions with others… I take it all in and focus falls upon whatever lights me up inside while working with whichever medium that calls to me.
My Journal
It’s been pretty busy lately with a couple of big, exciting projects on the go. We’re now on Exhibition No. 3 for Art at Seven Innovation at the Hamilton Technology Centre which runs from February 8 to June 5, 2024. The opening reception is March 7 from 7 PM to 9 PM, all are welcome. Also, make sure you’re signed up for the speaker series at Carnegie Gallery. I’ll be part of a panel for the talk in May on Marketing Art in the Digital Age.
Art and Found Day
This year I am participating in the 4th Annual International Art and Found Day on March 12, 2024! It is a day when thousands of artworks from artists all over the world will be placed within their local communities for neighbouring residents to find. So much fun! Stay tuned for updates, progress shots, and as we get closer to March 12, I will be leaving clues for where to find it. More information on this world-wide event and where to find participating artists, visit https://artandfoundday.com/
Little Black Frame Mystery Art Night
Once again I’m a participating artist in this fantastic fundraising event. Get your tickets before they’re gone! It’s a super fun evening and you’ll be going home with an original artwork! The art is all made by local artists who make the piece specifically for this event. We don’t sign the front so you won’t always be sure of whose work it is until your number is called for you to pick one off the wall, it’s in your hands, and you turn it over. It’s a fantastic evening of live music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and beautiful art – a fundraiser helping to support the wonderful art programs found at this school.
Pictured here are just a few of the over 160 art pieces available – get your tickets today! The Little Black Frame Mystery Art Night is Fall’s most creative (and exciting!) art party. Join in on the fun Saturday, November 18. Tickets now 70% sold – don’t wait, or they’ll be gone… Details and tickets at https://dvsa.ca/black-frame
Honourable Mention Award at the 127th Annual Juried Exhibition of the Womens Art Association of Hamilton
I’m thrilled to have had one of my encaustic paintings, “Deafening Silence”, receive an Honourable Mention Award at the 127th Annual Juried Exhibition of the Women’s Art Association of Hamilton, held at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Thank you to the jurors, Laurie Kilgour-Walsh of the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Programs and Education Department; Jeannie Kim, Artist, Educator, Cultural Worker, and Centre 3 Board of Directors; and Robert Daniel’s, Earl Court Gallery, Founder and Owner since 1973; as well as the Women’s Art Association for this award.
The show is titled “Perception” and for my two pieces, the wind-swept fields are a representation of turbulent emotions, transience of life, the passing of time, and desolation. At a glance, some people see snowy fields, others see sandy beaches. Either could be right, but deeper than that, I don’t know if it’s somewhere I’d want people to go. It’s an uncomfortable feeling for me when a place that can be considered beautiful can also make me feel alone or hopeless. Almost like a trap to draw you in. Vast, unbounded expanse – alluring but with no way back.
Contact Me
Get In Touch
If you need more information about my work or are interested in having me create something special for you, let’s chat!