Exclusive Interview with Thom Priemon-Artist
Thom Priemon b. 1947 New Jersey, United States . The artist studied at The Philadelphia College of Art from 1974 thru 1976. He then studied with his mentor, Francis Cortland Tucker, whom was a student of Charles Birchfield. Thom studied methods and materials with Tucker from 1978 thru 1980 and remained close friends until Francis’s death. This is where the artist developed his expertise in the ancient medium of en caustics. Thom has worked in en caustics for some 40 years. Also during the period of the 80’s the artist worked on stone lithography at Geo. Miller and Son in N.Y.C. and with Tamarind master printer Tim Sheesley as well as working in en-caustics. Drexel University held a book expo and the artist won a gold medal for his hand printed book of lithographs among major participants from the NYC publishing houses. During the 90’s The Wood mere Art Museum did a one man exhibition Thom’s en caustic works as well as The Philadelphia Museum of Art Gallery exhibited his en caustic still lifes throughout the 90’s. His works are in many corporate collections through out the United States such as Smith Kline, Bank of America and prestigious collections like the Defense Department. He exhibited in the Philadelphia Postal Service and Suzanne Brown Gallery of Arizona. Recently during 2014 and 15 his work was exhibited on the NASDAQ board in Times Square along with a 200 floor building facade on Times Square. The year 2016 was a landmark year for the artist as he was voted to exhibit in the digital exhibit Focus at The Louvre Art Museum in Paris France. Later that year at the age of 69 he was in an exhibit in Chicago for Poets and Artist and was given the Award of Excellence by John Seed for his self portrait ” Painting
NY Glam: Tell us a little about yourself and your career beginnings.
I studied at the Phiadelphia College of Art with Francis Tucker in Philadelphia. My dream was to be a painter and thats what Francis Tucker made me. He was a student of Charles Burchfield and i believe his training with BurchField carried over to his teaching with me. i
feel like a second generation student of Burchfield.
NY Glam: What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on the paintings of the “Homeless in America”.
NY Glam: What art do you most identify with?
Mostly my own.
NY Glam: What themes do you pursue?
Homelessness and the people in my life
NY Glam: What’s your favorite art work?
The Hero!
NY Glam: Tells us about some of your recent exhibitions. What memorable responses have you had to your work?
My work recently has been in numerous art competitions which
they were accepted in every one and at times received cash awards and recognitions.
NY Glam: Tell us about one of your projects which you are very proud of?The Homeless in America series shows the other side of humanity and how we handle this situation.
NY Glam: What does “being creative” mean to you?
Being creative is the same as taking a breath it is my life.
NY Glam: What are you trying to communicate with your art?
The side of humanity that most look away from.
NY Glam: What role does the Artist have in Society?
I work in encaustic a 2000 year old painting medium used by the Romans, Greeks and the Fayum Egyptian portrait artist. I want my work to travel 2000 years to show that civilization who we are…where are we
from and where are we going.
NY Glam: What are your thoughts on being an artist in today’s world?
In today’s world i am trying to peel back the layers of what being an artist is.
NY Glam: How has painting influenced your life?
Every breath I take is about my creative being.
NY Glam: What art movement or artist would you say influences your work most?
I have absorbed art thru the ages and they all pass thru me but i am my own artist, I paint what flows thru me.
NY Glam: What can we expect from you this year?
This 71 styear of my life sees paintings of people close to me . i want to carry these images thru thousands of years so they may see what I see.
NY Glam: Can you share with us three favorite things about your city/culture?
I was born in Philadelphia and the city has always been a inspiration to me thrumy art and Woodbury Heights NJ gives me the feeling of a french country side and the land that i have grown to
love.
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