We spoke to Nick Thomm (@nickthomm ) – the Australian, LA-based artist known for his large-scale ‘spectral paintings’ – for an inside look at his beginnings, his process, and what’s in store for Basic.Space NY.
ON HOW IT STARTED
I’ve been making things since I was a kid. In high school I was selling T-shirts out of the back of my car and making my own skateboard graphics; I studied graphic design, published a fashion magazine with a friend and focused on music for awhile. Art was always the one constant. Being in the studio and watching an idea come to life is so powerful – I just didn’t take it seriously until I realized it was that pure process of making whatever I wanted that I loved.
ON PROCESS & MATERIAL
When I’m working on something new, I usually get a clear visual and let it simmer until the timing feels right to make. If it’s something familiar, I just start and let intuition take over. It becomes more about expression and responding to the moment; I might have one hero color in mind that sets then mood, and then I push that palette as far as I can. When a piece is finished, it usually feels like it has become an entirely new color.
Resin has always been central to my paintings, but lately I’ve been applying it to sculptural works. There’s a lot of science behind getting it right, so taking that into three dimensions is a challenge, but also adds new depth to the work. I’m developing my light works further, too – they use a completely different set of technical elements, so it’s nice to move between mediums and let them influence each other.
ON BASIC.SPACE NY
This collection brings the atmosphere of my large-scale installations into a more intimate setting. There’s something dreamy about the way this series fills the space and holds your attention…I guess you’ll have to come and see them in person.
Nick Thomm, coming soon to Basic.Space NY.
‘THE STEEPLES’ and some recent installs.
These pieces were inspired by traditional lancet windows. Originally I imagined them as freestanding light sculptures, but they also work as wall-based portals that can be arranged alone, in pairs or in stepped formations. Architectural Form x Colour = Atmosphere.
Now open! @basic.space LA at the Pacific Design Center. New paintings on view, alongside a special limited edition set of XL giclée prints, exclusively available at Basic.Space. See the last slide!
I’ve been cookin up a bunch of these super tall ‘SKYSCRAPER’ pieces in the studio. Stretched out, bleeding colour to take your living room into the next dimension.
AVAILABLE NOW → XL Size (Limited Edition of 25) and Standard Size (24 Hours Only). Each buyer will receive a special sample issue of a newsprint zine I’ve been working on. See the end slide for a teaser! 🏁 Comment below, and I’ll pick 13 people from the comments to also get a copy. It won’t be available anywhere else. Print link in my bio.
PRINT UPDATE → I’ve selected two of my favourite pieces from the past few months in the studio for a Limited Edition Print release this THURSDAY at 2PM PDT. One is in my signature portal style, and the other features a full bleed neon outline. I’ll also be including something special with every order! Join the mailing list in my bio to get all of the details.
