Thomas is a visual artist and photographer based out of Atlanta, Georgia who has developed a style that he calls "painterly photo montage" - a method he employs in editing software in which he crafts elaborately textured pieces that have a very organic, non-digital look to them. Although his artwork resembles paintings, his pieces are entirely photographic in nature, fusing many images into a cohesive whole.
Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/thomasdoddreturns
In this episode, Thomas discusses:
-Why he started doing animated photos.
-His recent year-long creative block and what caused it.
-How he got out of his creative block by trying something completely new and unexpected.
-The danger that many successful artists encounter in which they become a “one-trick pony.”
-How to know when it is actually time to move on to something else as opposed to self-doubt.
-The importance of choosing to fill your time with positive messages rather than getting involved in negative, time-consuming arguments on social media.
-His decision to make the relationships between people the theme of his new work.
-The inspiration that you can get by going back to your previous work and realizing what stones you haven’t unturned yet.
-Some insights behind The Inquisitor.
-The lessons that he has learned from working with people with disabilities.
-The profound joy that comes when you can get into a flow state and how to put yourself in the best position to achieve it.
-Addictive personalities and how that relates to a creative endeavor.
-The idea of writing an addendum or an explanation to a piece.
-Facebook and the differences between his personal page and his professional page.
-The importance of bringing your fan base with you off of social media sites.
-The power and deeper value that can be gained by artists when they begin to concentrate on concepts and philosophies.
-How Joseph Campbell was a consultant to George Lucas for the original Star Wars trilogy.
-Understanding critics, trolls, and people who just want to see the world burn.
-Snarky criticism he once received that had merit.
-How to find the positivity in negative people or negative comments.
Thomas's Final Push will inspire you to ENJOY your creative passion!
Quotes:
“I found that I was stuck. I was looking at my work and being hyper-critical of it and not feeling like I could continue in that direction. Like I needed to blow it up and try something new.”
“You have much more power as an artist than the average person does because images transcend words. They transcend propaganda.”
“We’re more than our physical condition. We’re more than our body. We are our spirit. We are what we create.”
“I don’t know where it all comes from, but I know there is something magical about the creative process. There is something really deep about it.”
“As long as you’re still alive, there’s always a way of getting your message out there. Of getting who you are out there and creating, touching people’s lives, and making a difference in the world.”
“Being addicted to creating art is a very healthy addiction.”
“You should use everything. You should use all your talents.”
“Concepts. Ideas. These are most important things for artists.”
“Our role as artists is very important. We can really reach people and show them that this is something we all share. This is what it means to be human. This is what it means to be alive and to be on this planet. To make the world a better place, just one creation at a time.”
“Sometimes a snarky comment directed at your work might actually be something that you can learn from.”
“The most important thing that you should do as an artist is enjoy what you do. Every step of the journey. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing. Don’t do things for money. Do them because you love them, and then the money will come.”
Links mentioned:
Jordan Peterson - Reconciling Science and Religion [Youtube]
The Duncan Trussel Family Hour Podcast with Dr. Raymond Moody
Beautiful Dust Specks by Alex Hofeldt
Connect with Thomas:
Website / Facebook / Personal Facebook / Workshops