I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia and moved to the U.S. with my family at the age of 15. Early recognition in high school encouraged me to pursue the arts and pointed me in the direction of University of Florida’s, New World School of the Arts. Along the way, I have expressed my creativity in more than one form. However, my current focus and concentration is primarily ceramic sculptures.
What is your style and preferred medium?
It has been described as whimsical and surreal. Love working with mud!
Talk about your creative process.
I enjoy the process of creating. Sometimes there is more planning involved, due to a predefined set of parameters that need consideration such as size, gravity, weight, etc. However, my method of creating is very intuitive. Generally, each character feels like it wants to come forth instead of me forcing it into existence. The process is very fluid and requires communication with the work so it becomes a collaborative effort with the sculpture itself. I think of it in terms of a dance that feeds my artsy soul. My creative process is a very reflective and introspective time that makes me feel connected to a higher level of consciousness.
What project(s) are you working on now?
I’m working on a piece for “Dia De Los Muertos” Show at Florida CraftArt.
Are you working on a series? Tell us about it?
I’m in the midst of developing my next series. I’m looking to incorporate more bits of my Colombian heritage, but as the series evolves, the work may morph into something entirely different.
What inspires you to create?
My work is motivated by our interaction with our world, nature, and those around it. Life experiences and moments inspire the characters and the symbols that have meaning behind my figurative sculptures.
When/where can we see your art in January?
The Gallery at the Center for Creative Education. WITVA Exhibit ‘Artistic Dimensions until Jan 19th.
Continuum West Palm Beach Arts from Jan 18-27.
What are your plans for 2018?
Expand and grow artistically. I am attending at least two master artist workshops (Philippe Faraut and Sheryl Zacharia) that focus on sculpting the figure and creating large vessels in clay. I am also actively responding to Call for Artists and seeking gallery representation opportunities. I am also starting a new creative partnership with Backyard for the Arts to bring art classes and other creative events to service the western communities.
What did you achieve in 2017?
On the art front, I had more than 5 exhibitions, won some awards, created my first sculptural series, had some of my larger work purchased, and attended a sculpture workshop with master artist Cristina Cordoba. I also joined another local art group and expanded my Etsy store.
Do you teach? Where?
Yes, step by step project guided beginner ceramic classes for adults. At Backyard for the Arts.
As an artist what is your most essential tool? Why?
My creativity. It is my muse. Without it… what is there?
Can you recommend a spot – a place for art-goers to eat, or hangout after art fairs in West Palm Beach?
Relish is one of my favorite spots near Northwood. If near Continuum, then the coffee inside WPB Collective. So delicious!
Anything you’d like to add?
Thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to be featured. 🙂
Email: edrian@thomidis.com
Website: www.thomidis.com
Social Media:
facebook.com/edrianthomidis/
instagram.com/artsy.soul/