Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Dodd.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I came to visual art later in life (in my early 40s). Before that I was a harpist and songwriter for the Celtic/Gothic musical group Trio Nocturna. We had some underground success (in the 1990s), putting out albums and touring (as well as doing what most bands fail to do – acquiring a fan base).
After we broke up, I started doing studio sessions and building a home recording studio. It was when I decided to design my own CD cover (for a demo project) that I became acquainted with Photoshop. The transformative powers of that software intrigued me and I quickly became obsessed with it. I then went out and bought a camera so I could create all the digital imagery from scratch (this was in 2005).
From the very beginning of my image-making journey, I have sought to make my photos look “painterly”; It is a style that I have since become known for, and in recent years I have had gallery shows all over the world (in
places as diverse as Paris, Frankfort, Tokyo as well as in most major US cities).
My work has also been featured in many books (and on book covers) and magazines and I also give lectures and workshops on my creative process for many organizations – including PPA (Professional Photographers of America) the largest photography association in the world.
Please tell us about your art.
I create Painterly photographic artwork which often pays homage to the Old Master art traditions while at the same time often makes subtle social and modern commentary with a surrealistic bent.
Women are the focus of my artwork for many reasons: Being raised Irish Catholic, I was infused with a sense of the divine feminine (through the reverence of Mary) and later in life, I rediscovered this Goddess principle when I studied the archetypes of Jungian psychology and the common themes found in mythology as cataloged by the writings of Joseph Campbell and Robert Graves.
Above all, I strive to create beautiful images that are aesthetically pleasing and harmonious.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I once wrote a list called “10 Things I have Learned as an Artist”
1) If you choose to compete with the locals, then you will stay local. If you choose to work together with your peers to better each other and then set your sights on competing with the national talent, you will rise above the drama that aspiring artists often find themselves embroiled in. and you may just create a burgeoning “Scene” in the process!
2) Believe it or not, your work doesn’t speak for itself. Perception may not be everything but it is a HUGE part of what we do. The way you speak, write, look and present your work will either elevate it in people’s eyes or take it down several pegs.
3) If you are chasing a certain trend because it is currently popular then you have already lost the game, because whatever is currently popular is by definition on its way out. Failed artists chase trends, opportunists anticipate trends, true artists ignore and/or create them.
4) If you gauge your self-worth from a stranger’s opinions, you are doomed. On the other hand, if you don’t occasionally get honest critiques from insiders/gatekeepers in your field that you respect you are doomed too.
5) You will hear the word “no” way more often than you hear the word “yes”, but once you hear the word “yes” from an industry Gatekeeper, most of the people who earlier said “no” to you will now say “yes” as well. In short, this is a lifelong journey and all setbacks are only milestones on the road.
6) Never talk badly about anyone else – word travels quickly and talking smack about others ends up making YOU look bad, not the person you are talking about!
7) Never rest on your laurels – always be planning the next step.
8) Stop worrying about being commercial. Worry more about becoming the best artist you can be. If you have to support your craft by getting a job unrelated to it, then do so and develop your art without the immediate concern of making a living from it. If you start making compromises and decisions based solely on making money, you will no longer be an artist and you will eventually end up despising what you do.
9) Learn how to graciously accept a compliment and graciously accept a criticism (even a rude and hostile one; responding in kind will make you look just as bad as the one doing the insulting)
10) Whenever you are in a slump or feeling uninspired, that means it is time to promote the work you have already created. Conversely, when you are feeling creative; then work like hell and leave the promotion to others (or wait to start doing it again during your next inevitable slump).
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can find out about all my latest shows and workshops by visiting the “News” section of my website:
http://www.thomasdodd.com/news/
or by following me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ThomasDoddPhotography
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.thomasdodd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomas_dodd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThomasDoddPhotography
Image Credit:
All images © by Thomas Dodd
in order (top to bottom) “Woodshedding”,”Dream into Memory”, “the Lover”,” Maya””Spellbound” “Nocturne” “Vermont Landscape in November” “Night Flight”
Photo of Thomas Dodd by J Thomas Kay
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
