Thomas C. Jackson

Thomas Jackson’s art sways between capturing the images of lost America and the full force momentum of the 21st century. Jackson is a prolific and talented artist in painting, drawing, and most recently photography. His paintings explore the idea of iconic America, with realistic and energetic scenes that seem to be moments stopped in motion. The drawings and photography often juxtapose imagery in both obvious and less apparent constructions, allowing the viewer to create their own connections and meanings. Jackson stiches together slices of photography, either vertically or horizontally, using the portions of each photo to create a visual montage which then reads as a story that is formed by the viewer. Jackson obtained his B.A. in studio art from Western Illinois University and an M.F.A. from the University of Notre Dame. He taught studio art at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa after graduate school before moving into a career in advertising and marketing, but he always continued to create art throughout his career. In 2000 he chose to focus on art and became a full-time artist and has quickly attained great success. Jackson has exhibited his art extensively throughout the United States and his most recent photographic works of art have led to much acclaim. His art is also included in numerous corporate and museum collections throughout the Midwest. Jackson evokes a sense of nostalgia in his art, but also anxiety as to what is occurring in the 21st century. He creates art that allows the viewer a participatory role as they develop their own narratives and thus a sense of understanding that is confirmed by the success he is finding in the art world.