Abstract XLVI or “Tree of Knowledge” is just that a tree as seen in the dream state, a product of the subconscious. The red dot that is protected by the complement green hues is symbolic to the knowl- edge we all strive to achieve. I use the implied lines to force the eye into the red hue, and to hold the eye I use scintillation to create a slight vibration of the two complement hues.

This painting is a depiction of the beginning of a relationship. At the beginning of a new relationship, people tend to be guarded, reserved, and even cold at times. They may even seem to have locks on their feelings so they can’t get hurt. I used cool colors in the foreground to be symbolic of the coldness and standoffishness of an individual. As the relationship moves forward, the layers are peeled or torn back to reveal more layers - less cool, even warm layers. These warmer layers represent the individual opening up and being less scared to share. These hues are in the yellow/ochre family. As the relationship becomes deeper, there seem to be more locks – big walls of strong red hues that protect the sacred, meaning the heart or soul of the individual. The passion is to peel back the guarded layers to reveal the true self, or soul. In my opinion, this is what we all strive for – to find the true sacred or soul in an individual.

EXHIBITIONS

Upcoming: RAW GALLERY, Columbus, OH, March 2016
TY Fine Furniture, Columbus, OH, May 2015 Underground64 Studios group show RAW GALLERY, Columbus, OH, March 2015 Underground64 Studios group show CS Gallery, Columbus, Ohio, December 2014 solo show
Carnegie Gallery, Columbus, OH, December 2014 juried invitational
TY Fine Furniture, Columbus, OH, August 2014
CS Gallery, Columbus, OH, July 2014 Underground64 Studios group show
CS Gallery, Columbus, Ohio, November 2013 solo show
BoxHeart Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA, 2008
ALLGO SIGNS, Cleveland, OH, 2005
Cleveland Public Theater, Cleveland, OH, 2005
Ingenuity Festival, Cleveland, OH, 2005

ALLGO SIGNS, Cleveland, OH, 2004
Carl Solway Gallery, Cincinnati, OH, 2004
High Road Gallery, Columbus, OH, 2004
Gallery 754, Akron, OH, 2004
ALLGO SIGNS, Cleveland, OH, 2002
Roberts Triangle Gallery: Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH, 2002 Davenport Gallery, 2002
Art for Life, Columbus, OH, 2002
Lanning Gallery, Columbus, OH, 2002
ALLGO SIGNS, Cleveland, OH, 2001
Hypotenuse Gallery: Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH, 2001 Lanning Gallery, Columbus, OH, 2000
Ohio Art League, Columbus, OH, 2000
Lemon Grass, Columbus, OH, 2000
Lanning Gallery, Columbus, OH, 1999
Doo Wack Gallery, Columbus, OH, 1998
Doo Wack Gallery, Columbus, OH, 1996
Doo Wack Gallery, Columbus, OH, 1992

PRESS

Columbus Alive, March 2015

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0Q FjAAahUKEwieyre7vI3IAhUR8YAKHYuMC8I&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.columbusalive.com%2Fcontent% 2Fstories%2F2015%2F03%2F05%2Fexhibit-preview-paint-by-numbers-showcases-unique-and-rich- collaboration.html&usg=AFQjCNGa55e1vhS4Glf6RiddRJZZCrqRUQ&bvm=bv.103388427,d.eXY

CS Gallery Artist Round Table Interview Series, January 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShrjHxwn1vE

Now It’s Dark Magazine, August 2014

http://nidmag.com/spotlight-columbus-artist-j-t-thompson

Pittsburgh Tribune Review, January 2008

http://andradeart.com/Boxheart's%20'Art%20Inter- National'%20builds%20a%20strong%20reputation%20-%20Pittsburgh%20Tribune-Review12.htm

Columbus Dispatch, April 2000

http://jtoriginals.net/articles/Disptchrte%20up.png

PUBLICATIONS & AWARDS

Now It’s Dark Magazine, August 2015
Greater Columbus Arts Council ‘Artists in the Community’ grant, 2014 The Art Fix Cleveland Connection, 2005
Philadelphia Stories, 2004
Lost and Found (NavPress)

COMMISSIONS

After Dark Farms, 2007
Karl Seisnger, 2002
LH Studio Inc., 2001 Amerilingua, 2002
Michael Keleber, 2002 6rivers.org (12’x10’ mural), 1997 Zero Base, 1995

Salem Mall (15’x24’ mural), 1991 Dayton Joy Land (10’x12’ mural), 1991 WAZU Radio, 1991