Tom Cook has been in the periphery of my life for many, many years. In fact, I cannot remember a time when Tom, one of my older brother's best friends, has not been around! Tom has a classic spirit; timeless and energetic, he creates a rich and warm life with those whom he surrounds himself. When not painting, Tom builds, enjoys his friends, and generally finds adventure wherever he goes.
You can see more of Mr. Cook's art on his website, at selected exhibitions, or keep an eye out and about for his paintings, as featured in Converse and Nintendo commercials filmed in Portland.
1. Have you lived and/or traveled to many places? What is your favorite place to be?
-I am not well traveled, but the memories of the places I have visited are some of my fondest memories. I don't have a favorite place. It changes all the time. One of my favorite places is my aunt Shirley's house in San Jose, CA.
2. How long have you been in your current location? What do you love most about being there?
-I've lived in my house off and on for the last 38 years. It is my family home, inherited from my father. I love that there are lots of cozy places throughout the house to read, nap, or entertain.
3. What is your design/craft aesthetic & philosophy?
-Good question. I've never really thought about this. I was trained by instructors from the Abstract Expressionist school, and that influenced my work for sure. I think most of my paintings are, at their base, about energy, rhythms and relationships between elements I use as subject matter.
4. What tools & products in your studio could you not live without? Do you have a favorite?
-That is a toss up between my squirt bottle, and compressed charcoal. Both have gotten me out of many jams in the studio, one softens a painting and the other hardens it. Current favorite item is clear gel medium. It changes all the time though.
5. What trends/experiences do you see in your life as it relates to your craft?
-Every work is in a way a self portrait of some aspect of my personally or what is currently going on in my world. I wouldn't say that I do this on purpose, but it is definitely a factor.
6. Complete this sentence: "When I'm in my studio/workspace/creative space, I feel (or think) ___aware____________________."
7. When you're stuck or facing a tough decision, what creative inspiration do you look to? How do you combat "creative block?"
-I often look to other artists for inspiration. It always seems like someone else is creating some really amazing things and that inspires my work. I battle the block by painting. It doesn't matter what it is or even if it looks good. If I keep working I know I'll get there. The only time I feel blocked is when I don't paint.
8. If there was a soundtrack to the movie "A Day in the Life of YOU" what would it include?
-Equal parts sappy R&B and energetic Hip Hop.
9. If you could visit the studio of any craftsperson/artist/designer (present day or historical) who would it be and why?
-My instructor from University of Washington, Michael Dailey. He passed away last year and I never got to see him paint in person. His works are so obsessive and beautiful. I would love to have been a fly on the wall and watch one take shape. His daughter, Susanne Kelly is one of my favorite artists in the world and I hope I can watch her work some time.
10. If you could have been born in any other time period, what period would you choose, and why (or how do you think it most suits your sensibilities and personality)?
- I think I am perfectly suited to live in this time. I never long for any other time period or location. I feel very lucky to be alive right now.
You can reach Tom through his website - THOMAS MALCOM COOK - or track him down at his next art show... "Like" his facebook page at Thomas Malcom Cook Studios on Facebook to stay in the loop!
