Art by Escapism paintings by Tommy Knudson
Art and creativity are an escape for contemporary artist TommyKnudson. The artist explains, “Since my early days in kindergarten, I have always found it challenging to communicate with others. However, through art, I discovered a profound escape where I could lose myself and forget the world around me.” Indeed, the artist’s intricately detailed, richly layered artworks can be viewed as self-contained worlds within which both the artist and the viewer can escape.
Known primarily for working in the medium of collage, Knudson builds his work using myriad and eclectic imagery. This painstaking process involves sourcing, selecting, cutting, and arranging elements. He elaborates, “I primarily identify as a collage artist, though I often incorporate oil paint into my work. Collage excites me because it unlocks creative possibilities I might not explore if I were solely focused on painting. Each step in the process reveals a new formation, creating a spiritual journey and a personal escape.”
Knudson’s practice is shaped by a range of influences from pop and gothic art to the work of the Renaissance masters. Works such as Bright Star Circus, Nightlight Lantern and Playset have a surreal narrative quality reminiscent of the fantastical imagery of Hieronymus Bosch. The artist utilises colour to unify his compositions, explaining, “Colour plays a crucial role in my artwork. It must flow harmoniously from one side to the other, establishing a relationship throughout the entire piece. The concept and main subject of the work guide my colour choices, ensuring a cohesive visual experience.”
The artist’s process is a deeply personal intuitive one, with each piece evolving organically from a central idea, “I begin my artistic journey with a simple idea, which I then expand upon as I create. Each layer I add introduces new concepts, enriching the initial thought. By the end of the process, the work unfolds in a way that brings immense satisfaction to my mind,” states Knudson. This process enables the artist to build dynamic theatrical images occupied by an array of characters and forms. The result is the creation of dramatic and mysterious worlds that mystify and enthral. Knudson summarises, “My art serves as an escape, offering a unique viewpoint of expression.”
