Thomas Skaggs
Artist/Craftsman
Artist Statement
I am a devoted celebrant of the beauty of wood. Each piece I design and make is intended to honor the unique and diverse qualities of this medium. In each work, I see an opportunity for trees to live on and maintain their beauty in this world.
Bio
Born in St. Louis, I have lived most of my life in the Midwest. I obtained an Associate of Art and Design degree from Parkland College. I studied art at University of Iowa and University of Illinois. I later obtained a BLA from University of Illinois with Masters studies in Urban Planning. As a Campus Planner for the University of Illinois the work was often challenging but it did not fill my need for a creative outlet.
In 1993 I took up woodworking as a hobby and immediately connected with it. I am self taught and initially pursued traditional furniture forms, joinery and techniques in order to better understand wood and how to properly work with it.
I had a long time yearning to return to my artistic roots and realized that wood could be a great medium for art. I departed from traditional forms and sought develop my own voice and expressions with my work.
My first art gallery show was in 2004. Since then, I have done many shows. I was fortunate to win NICHE Awards for my work in 2007 and 2011. I have created special works for clients all over America and as far as New Zealand and Australia.
The best way to describe my work is that I am a constant explorer with a wanderlust for new avenues of design and use of media. Each new project offers excitement for the possibilities.