Adam Thomas Art

A Protection

Mixed media, 96”x28”x24”.

This piece symbolizes the coat of skins made for Adam and Eve before being expelled into the dark and dreary world. Depictions often show them in something like deerskin tunics. However, if an animal was to be sacrificed to physically and spiritually protect Adam and Eve, the Type and Shadow would be a male sheep without blemish. A single robe is hung on a harness. Often a symbol of labor and sin but also a token of who and what we attach ourselves to and labor toward. The totem and harness become a cruciform and the fleece a representation of the Lamb of God.

First Supper

Limestone, Travertine, Pine, Olivewood, Wheat, Grapes and Olives.

This work suggests a simple meal gathered from food immediately available following the expulsion. They are foods both physically sustaining and spiritually symbolic: wheat, grapes and olives. Wheat becomes bread then represents body, Grapes become wine then represents blood, Olives become oil and represents spirit. Standing as both a dining table and an altar, it addresses both the physical and spiritual sustenance we require in a fallen world.

Blood Brothers

Mixed media, 78”x38x36”.

Abel as a Shepherd sacrificed first-lings of the flock. Cain as a farmer sacrificed the first fruits of the season. It is at the altar in which their motivations for obedience are revealed. One sacrifice is accepted, another rejected. An alter with representations of each: Cain as a scythe and Abel as a staff with a ram’s horn.

From Dust

Mixed media, 32”x84”x24”.

Dirt and variations on the idea of dust have been gathered in which to create the form of Adam. The red sand of southern Utah, the brown loam of my parent’s garden, along with sawdust from a variety of projects and wood types over the years are among the types of dust gathered. Elevated from the common ground, 6 ingredients in each creative period are found in small vials as the Master Gardener prepares to supplement the soil for the garden’s new tenant. An empty mortar and pestle symbolize a day of rest.

Higher Education

Mixed media, 160”x42”x42”.

As one learns, a certain point of view is perceived. Continuing and enlarging upon knowledge gives one a differing perspective often accompanied with a paradigm shift and altered point-of-view. Using the objects of a child’s wooden desk and constructed ladder allude to the expanded understanding I seek both intellectually and spiritually. I am learning to ‘be nice’ and ‘share’ in a different way as an adult than I did as a child.

Maiden Voyage

Oak, Sinew, Tea, 18”x102”x24”.

Eve was created from a rib. So too are large ships and small boats formed by ribs and are often given a female persona. Each a vessel carrying precious cargo leaving a wake, one in the water to diminish and the other a genealogy. This work was initiated using shadow drawings of my wife with her hands over her head, as if gliding through the water. They became the patterns to make this piece. It is essentially Eve, to my Adam, the mother of my children.

All Eternity

Little Cottonwood Canyon Granite, Wood, Gold leaf, 24”x54”x22”.

An interpretation of the marriage altar and covenant Adam & Eve made with each other and God. A circle within a square is a common motif of Heaven & Earth, Male & Female, Spirit & Body. This motif has been modified to represent clasped hands in gold leaf.

Planting the Promises

Mixed media, 160”x42”x42”.

Covenants and connections throughout the generations are made in the Temples of the Lord and must be done on earth in the flesh or by proxy. The title is a specific reference to words used only by an angel named Moroni while visiting the young Joseph Smith regarding to the coming of Elijah.

Multiplied Conception

Mixed media, 40”x24”x24”.

Symbolic of an infant in a crib, a small bundle of seed lays in a grain bin. It's an indication of the all the children of Eve. In her choice to have seed, her conception is multiplied along with her sorrows. This work prefigures a singular child laid in a feed trough that will remove the sin and sorrows from all of Eve’s seed.

Faith of our Fathers

Mixed media, 78”x48”x20”.

This work is a division of two spaces, the public temporal and the private spiritual. Spiritual commitments drive and make sacred common daily efforts which catalyzes faith into works with hope of the promised harvest.

Clean & Pure

Mixed media, 6”x12”x12”.

Symbolic labor and service as gloves make an offering.

The Price & the Cost

Mixed media. 15”x12”x12”

This work is an interpretation of The Fall and the Redemption. Each element is gold leafed. The fruit is cast in both sweet and bitter chocolate revealed by the bites and the cup is empty down to the dregs

to Know...

Mixed media, 18”x12”x12”.

The forbidden fruit was neither good nor evil, but the knowledge of it. It is an awareness, a consciousness of and the ability to understand the difference, and thus, to choose for one's self. The fruit is presented as a gift, both tempting and beguiling.

Rising Above

Wood construction, 74”x22”x34”.

In a kneeling posture a 10’ ladder has lowered itself. An object often associated with up has humbly come down. Thoughts ascend heaven-ward when on knees in supplication. The ladders exterior is scarred, battered and beaten; however, its inside is cleaner and the damaged is fading.

Giver

Mixed media, 12”x30”x50”.

Acting as both altar and headstone, one can ponder the physical cost, and spiritual gifts, offered by Christ. Token-making objects represent the physical price paid and a symbol of truth wrapped in fleece are depicted.

Light so Shine

Mixed media, 126”x20”x18”.

If one’s light shines, their basket can be filled to bless the lives of others as well as their own.

For Service Rendered...

Mixed Media, 58”x28”x15”.

Anvil as altar depicts the real ‘blood sweat and tears’ kind of work that forges a covenant couple together. Milk and Honey in a healer’s apothecary jars represents the true healing, rest and reward awaiting.

Daughters of Eve

Hydrocal, Metal leaf. Various 4” medallions

Each Medallion is a direct casting of a navel. It is a scar, a reminder of where we came from physically. As a direct casting it reflects an internal view . As long as women give birth to daughters there will be a physical connection throughout the generations. A distinctly matriarchal order. These medallions are hung at the height of the person from which the cast comes.

Celestial Navigation

Mixed media, 124”x56”x72”.

Eve's decision to partake of the fruit reveals a thoughtfulness and insight from a distinctly feminine point of view. She saw great purpose and cause in having seed. Using a telescope, she observes the Heavens which becomes the pattern from which she builds her earthly home.

Dreamer's Dream

Oak, 144”x36”x36”.

A 16’ tall ladder with a full twist is a representation of an easily identified double-helix commonly associated with DNA. Merging with the Old Testament tale of Jacob’s ladder, it becomes an indication of covenant in a patriarchal order. The 12 rungs depict the future tribes. A handrail provides stability, balance and guidance.

Lay of the Land

Mixed media, 84”x42”x56”.

Adam had to earn his bread by the sweat of his face. He had to come to know the newly fallen earth and learn how to toil, plant, nurture and harvest for both the short and long-term. It required both physical labor and faithful vision. Behind the transit stands a step ladder from which to gain a higher view of the lands which he is breaking and sowing. While behind him scattered seed of various sorts become an organized furrow.

Endowed

Coal, Onxy, Brass, 9”x11”x10”.

Def: A quality or ability possessed, inherited or bequeathed, upon which to build towards a greater perceived potential.

Coal is passive and dirty but in the form of a heart, light and dark metaphors emerge. Each are a buried source of power that generates heat and energy. Each are common until altered. Yet to be determined is the final product: ash or gem.

Straight & Narrow

Mixed media.

A scale, a plumb-bob and a mason’s ruler represent one’s progress along a straight and narrow path. A small brass tag and the means to measure in different way indicates that only One truly knows us.

Inspired by the hilarious and profound quote ‘I may not always walk the straight and narrow, but I sure in hell try to cross it as often as I can’. J. Golden Kimball

Key of the Kingdom

Mixed media, 96”x6”x16”.

The ability to tap into the powers of heaven can result in abundant harvests.

Access/Ability

Mixed media. Dimensions vary.

Keys provide access and extension cords expand our reach. Mixing the objects and metaphors makes doorknobs with outlets and plugs with keys. Masculine and feminine versions are intertwined..

A Sister's Assistance

Mixed media, Dimensions vary.

A braided rope ladder, simulating pigtails, rolls off the shoulders of someone who’s been a little further up the mountain. It seems a rather intimate and trusting thing for a woman to to braid another woman’s hair. This moment provides the perfect opportunity for grandmothers, mothers, sisters and friends to give encouragement, guidance and support.

Garden's Guardian

Mixed media. 110”x22”x22”.

This totem represents the Angelic protector and keeper of the Tree of Life. I Image additional duties might include keeping Adam and Eve from Eden, thus cutting them off from the presence of the Lord.