About Thom
I was born in Midtown Kansas City, Missouri, where I spend most of my life. I am the youngest of nine siblings, and grew up in a family dynamic where nieces and nephews felt more like brothers and sisters. This complex family life would later play a part my artistic voice.
My educational journey was as diverse as my interests. After earning a GED, I earnd an Associate of Occupational Studies in personal training and obtained certifications as a medication technician and a Certified Nursing Assistant. Also in my early life, I earned a cosmetology license and operating a salon in Midtown Kansas City. Despite my professional commitments, my passion for art remained, as I explored painting techniques through high school classes and self-study in oil, watercolor, and acrylics, underscoring my commitment to artistic development.
My partner of 17 years, passed away due to HIV-induced dementia. Of course this period, along with my role as a caregiver, profoundly influenced my emotional and artistic expression. Now legally married to a man I love very, very much and and we live in the peaceful small townof Deepwater, MO (population just under 400). I find inspiration in simplicity, which fuels my creativity.
For me, art draws from everyday life. Sources of inspiration include the world around me. This might be a sound, an image, a particular lighting situation, a color or a scene in nature.
I was featured in “Vantage KC,” a publication featuring area entrepreneurs. My art resonates with viewers and is celebrated for its beauty and vibrant colors. Now retired, I dedicate my time entirely to my art, complemented by hobbies like bonsai and aquarium keeping. For me, art is a personal journey—a living canvas reflecting my values and growth, with the ultimate goal of remaining true to my essence. I view art as a societal tool, encouraging reflection and fostering deeper connections with the human experience.