Andrew Thomas SWAc
Andrew Thomas is a professional sculptor based in the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, with a career spanning 37 years. A full member of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts, he has exhibited at the Royal Academies and other prestigious institutions across the UK, alongside both the Great Masters of art and contemporary visionaries. His innovative artistic expression reflects extensive research across a wide range of subjects, distinguished by exceptional technical mastery. With numerous top international awards, his work is celebrated for its originality and is held in private collections worldwide.
"In my early 20's, I discovered a natural talent for sculpture, working across a diverse range of subjects from real-life studies to abstract forms. This exploration honed my technical skills, deepened my understanding of design, and allowed me to develop my own unique style. My earliest inspirations were rooted in the aesthetics of Art Deco and Cubism, drawing influence from artists such as Picasso, Archipenko, Lipchitz, and Brancusi.
Nearly four decades later, my work has evolved to focus on the deeper mysteries of life and existence. Inspired by Eastern philosophies and thinkers like Alan Watts and Aldous Huxley, I seek to explore profound insights that reflect on the nature of being and the transformation of consciousness. Central to this exploration is my Transformation Series, which delves into the journey of spiritual awakening and self-realisation. Through this series, I explore the movement of consciousness from fragmentation toward unity, engaging with themes of meditation, liberation, and transcendence.
I primarily work with wood, employing the deconstruction process of hand carving to uncover the infinite possibilities of form within the material. My sculptures are then cast in bronze, offering permanence that allows these pieces to be cherished for generations."
Exhibitions
Awards
Curatorial Projects
Authorship
Tutelage
"At the core of Pure-Art lies an enigmatic essence—the soul, the life force, the innermost being or nature—imbued within its very fabric by the artist's conscious intention. It embodies a purpose beyond mere ornamentation, transcending the superficial to evoke deeper emotions and provoke profound thought. Pure-Art thrives on the allure of the mysterious, inviting viewers into a realm where the tangible and intangible merge seamlessly. It serves as a conduit for conveying profound ideas, emotions, and messages, reaching beyond the ordinary to touch the soul and enrich the human experience. With each brushstroke or sculpted form, Pure-Art captivates with its mysterious allure, leaving an indelible mark on those who encounter its transcendent beauty."
