Submitted by Whatcom Museum
Tom Sherwood—artist, philosopher, theologian, mentor, poet—is regularly described by his friends and colleagues as “a Renaissance man.” That his mastery of materials and techniques define Renaissance art—egg tempera and gold leaf on wood panel, perspective and anatomy—only reinforces their view of a “man that can do all things if he will.”
Sherwood’s mastery also, as Curator of Art Barbara Matilsky notes, “elevates his work to a spiritual dimension,” which in turn speaks to Sherwood’s lifelong study of philosophy, theology, art history, literature and mythology. Sherwood holds a BA in English literature from William Jewell College (1958), and an MA in Theological Literary Criticism from the University of Chicago (1961), with further master’s work in philosophical theology.
Based in Bellingham since 1970, when he became Assistant Professor of interdisciplinary arts at Fairhaven College (Western Washington University), Sherwood has traveled and taught art at colleges and universities in the United States and China. Tom Sherwood: A Golden Perspective explores one distinct body of the artist’s work since 1992, when he began focusing full time on his artistic productions.
“I found it remarkable that a single painting could take several years to complete,” said Executive Director, Patricia Leach.
And they are productions. “I first met Tom and his wife, Dorothy, in their home several years ago,” explains Executive Director Patricia Leach. “We spent the better part of an afternoon looking at Tom’s paintings and drawings. It was fascinating to hear Tom speak about their development and the thought process behind them; I found it remarkable that a single painting could take several years to complete.”
Tom Sherwood interprets the beauty of the human form and the natural environment in exquisite detail. (As a boy Sherwood met Thomas Hart Benton, who told him he needed to improve his drawing skills if he wanted to be a painter. He did.) In his paintings, drawings and woodblock prints, the artist integrates a rich variety of inspirations, including poetry, garden landscapes, architecture and mathematics.
Sherwood’s life and work has touched many prominent Washington artists, including Susan Bennerstrom, John Cole, Ann Morris, and Thomas Wood, among others. And yet, as Thomas Handley writes in the exhibition catalogue, much of Sherwood’s art “has never been given the audience it deserves.” Thanks in large part to the support of these artists, the Whatcom Museum show came to life, and with it the chance for many more people to experience the unique work of a master artist, who has made a significant contribution to the creativity in our community.
Tour the exhibition with Tom Sherwood and Thomas Wood during a lunch-hour program Thursday, May 14 (11:30 am coffee, noon tour).
The program is free, presented by the Whatcom Museum Advocates.
