About Graham Thompson

Some 20 years ago whilst enhancing the naturally formed shape of a bird-like piece of driftwood, an artist friend very kindly commented that I appeared to have 'an eye for form'. That comment has stayed with me and my eye for form has definitely developed - albeit there is still much to learn. I still occasionally return to animal figures but the bulk of my time these days is dedicated to human portraits and features. Straight lines apart, it's all there in the human body; every line, curve, bump, crease, fold and texture known to science. I still prefer to work in wood which means it's a slow process but there is such an affinity between we humans and trees. Generally we have similar life-spans, we're warm to the touch, we're flawed by splits and distortions and we are all truly unique. I personally choose my portrait subjects or have them chosen for me by commission. Inspiration comes mostly from observation with help from Rodin, Michelangelo and Victorian marble sculptors such as Pietro Magni.