Born: 1956
Hometown: Coldstream
Based in: British Columbia
Heidi Thompson was born in Vernon, B.C. Canada. After graduating high school she moved to Europe to study art. From 1975-1979 she attended the University of Art & Design in Zürich earning a Swiss Diploma for Professional Photography. After graduating, Thompson moved to Nürnberg and apprenticed with German painter Oskar Koller. Koller recommended that she continue her art education at the Akademie der Buildene Künste Nürnberg. Thompson was accepted and spent one year under the guidance of Professor Ernst Weil, However, seeking a more traditional art school, Thompson moved to Budapest to study painting with Professor Kokas Ignac at the Hungarian State University for Fine Art. In 1982, Thompson returned to Canada and worked as a freelance photographer, painter and book publisher. In 2001 she earned her BFA and Teaching Certificate from the University of Victoria. Since the early 1980's Thompson has worked as a photographer, publisher, teacher and painter. She is married to Edward Thompson and they have two children. Heidi Thompson currently paints full-time and exhibits her work in Europe, Canada and the USA.
"My aim is to capture beauty - not by painting a landscape as I know it with sunsets, flowers, mountains, clouds or vast horizons; rather by painting the essence of nature using her elements of light, color, patterns, movement and space. I strive to create images that have a peaceful and energizing effect while drawing the viewer in - to that mysterious light and space within ourselves."
What inspires you?
Knowing that there is something magnificent in us - it's just a matter of discovering it.
Describe your creative process.
My monochromes are created by layering thousands of flecks, lines and dots into a uniform, vibrating field of color. My multicolors are made with layers of fluid paint which I partially dry before washing off the surface. What remains is a natural patina.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Minimal - Light - Energy
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Mark Tobey for his meditative all over paintings. Mark Rothko for his quiet, retrospective minimal color fields. Van Gogh for his expression of the spiritual in nature..
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
A peaceful, focused and intuitive mind has always been the best tool to help me paint.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Look inside and see reality as it really is; not what you think it is or want it to be. This advice has taught me to feel my sensations; the moving particles of matter manifesting and changing within. I now understand that reality is a transient phenomenon; that I too, am a transient phenomenon. I try to express this Truth in my paintings.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I am inspired by beauty - in nature surrounding me and natue within me.
Education
University of Art and Design Zurich
Switzerland, 1979
Akademie der Bildene Kunste Nurnberg
Germany, 1981
Exhibitions
The Light Within You
2018
Aurora
2018
Bloom - Bill Lowe Gallery Atlanta
2008
Awards
VanCity Book Excellence Award
2005
Education
University of Art and Design Zurich
Switzerland, 1979
Akademie der Bildene Kunste Nurnberg
Germany, 1981
Exhibitions
The Light Within You
2018
Aurora
2018
Bloom - Bill Lowe Gallery Atlanta
2008
Awards
VanCity Book Excellence Award
2005