Tom Pettis (b. 1996) is an emerging artist and writer from the New Forest, England, who has recently graduated from Arts University Bournemouth, with a degree in Fine Art. Working primarily as a painter, most commonly with egg tempera, his passion for art is accompanied by a keen interest in a number of other subjects, including history, literature and philosophy; many of which find their way into his artwork where possible. Pettis enjoys exploring the themes of time, the human condition, belonging, and mythology. In his free time, Tom is an avid reader, often with one-too-many books on the go at any one time. Sport, mostly football, is another keen interest in his life, which he enjoys immersing himself in alongside his family. Pettis also has a passion for travel, going off on adventures as often as his schedule and wallet allow.
Artist Statement
As of late, my artistic practice has been quite conceptually saturated, taking much direction from my reading into different philosophical and historic texts, with existentialism, phenomenology and utopianism being of particular interest. From this starting point, the work I create naturally falls into the theme of ‘the human condition’, in an attempt to explore our overall position within the flow of time, and come to terms with such notions of being and existence. The works aim to explore the various outlooks and positions of the human condition, whether it be the personal and domestic, or the more mythological elements that build a larger picture of belonging. There is an endless need within the human condition, to conquer a sense of understanding, and find a conclusive idea of where we have come from and where we are going; a need to make sense of the chaos of the world; to calm ourselves. With this call for calm in mind, the works I create aim to ponder such questions and increase the lack of answers, while bringing forth feelings of gentle nostalgia, and a slight hint of pensive optimism that the current world often lacks. While focusing on these themes through the imagery, the paintings also become small meditations, playing with the melancholic, soothing, and occasionally satirical. Physically, my work is brought about through painting and writing. I enjoy using oils, but more than anything, have been drawn to egg tempera. Tempera is a beautiful but underrated form, that seems to have been left in the past, and I enjoy giving it a voice in the contemporary environment. Through the slow and steady layering of the tempera, the paintings become ‘stitched together’ over time, giving each piece a journey and narrative as it is built. Within the imagery, I also enjoy hiding elements of text; whether in reference to concept, or poetic snippets that come to mind during the creative process.