This painting is a portrait of an Indigenous Elder from the Banjin and Warragamay peoples of the Hinchinbrook Island region. As I was creating this piece, I was struck by the unique perspective and way of seeing that this Elder possessed. I was inspired to use bold and vibrant colours to reflect his vision of the world, and to capture the richness and complexity of his experiences. The oversaturated skin tones and bold brushstrokes convey a sense of luminosity and vitality, as if the colours are dripping down his face, reflecting the depth and intensity of his gaze.

Through this painting, I aim to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the human experience, and to encourage the viewer to see the world through a different lens. By emphasizing the importance of color as a means of expression, I invite the viewer to engage with their own experiences and emotions, and to appreciate the unique perspectives of others. Ultimately, this painting is a celebration of the power of art to connect us to the world and to each other.

In "The Crimson Streams That Inward Shine," I aimed to capture the essence of my friend Joel McKerrow's spirit and creativity through the use of vivid and swirling colors. As a poet, Joel has a unique way of seeing the world and expressing his thoughts and emotions through words. I wanted to convey this energy and vibrancy through the painting. The title is taken from a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, "A Vision of the Mermaids," which speaks to the beauty and mystery of the natural world. In this artwork, I see Joel as a vessel through which the beauty and mystery of creativity flows. The use of bold brushstrokes and saturated colors is intended to represent the energy and passion that Joel brings to his craft, while the luminosity of his face represents the inward shine of his spirit.

Through this painting, I invite the viewer to contemplate the role of creativity in our lives and the ways in which we can tap into our own inner streams of inspiration and passion. The swirling colors and luminosity of the subject's face are meant to evoke a sense of wonder and awe, encouraging the viewer to explore their own creativity and connect with the beauty and mystery of the world around us. Ultimately, "The Crimson Streams That Inward Shine" is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of creativity to inspire and uplift us.

Artwork by Thomas Gibbs

As an artist, I often reflect on my personal story and identity. "What in God's eye he is" is a self-portrait that captures the essence of my childhood through the lens of innocence and purity. The painting depicts me as a young boy, dressed in a Superman costume, radiating a cheeky and confident smile. Through the use of vibrant colors and a bright green background, I aim to convey a sense of youthful energy and playfulness.

The title of the painting alludes to the idea that a child's purity and innocence are precious and valuable. As such, it serves as a celebration of the beauty and wonder of childhood. It invites the viewer to reconnect with their own inner child and to embrace the simple pleasures and joys of life.

Through this painting, I aim to inspire a sense of hope and optimism, encouraging viewers to appreciate the beauty and value of their own experiences and memories.

The artwork "Let's Play Chess" is a vibrant portrait of a man named Ray, whom I met while working in a drop-in center for homeless individuals. Ray had a passion for playing chess, and his enthusiasm for the game was infectious. Through this portrait, I aimed to capture his exuberant spirit. The bright yellow background represents the warmth and joy that Ray brought to his interactions with others. Overall, this painting celebrates the power of human connection and the joy that can be found in simple pleasures.

Looking on the Waters is an early self-portrait created in 2009. In this artwork, I am depicted sitting on a rock and gazing into the distance. The soft wash of blue drips used in the painting conveys a sense of tranquility and peace that I experienced while hiking. As the title suggests, the artwork alludes to a line from Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem "A Vision of the Mermaids," which speaks to the idea of contemplating the mysteries of the natural world.

Through this artwork, I invite the viewer to join me in reflecting on the beauty and serenity of nature. By depicting myself in the painting, I hoped to create a sense of intimacy between the viewer and the artwork. Looking on the Waters captures a fleeting moment of peace and invites the viewer to connect with their own experiences of serenity in the natural world.

As the artist, I present "And rivers run where all was dry," a painting that showcases the transformative power of nature. The subject matter depicts a man lying on his back, surrounded by a river of colors that flow upon him from above. The vibrant hues and fluid strokes convey a sense of movement and energy, evoking the feeling of water rushing over a parched landscape.

The painting's title, taken from Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem "He hath abolished the old drouth," reinforces the idea of rejuvenation and renewal. The artwork invites the viewer to contemplate the transformative power of nature and its ability to bring new life to even the most barren of landscapes. Through this painting, I seek to capture the beauty and vitality of the natural world and inspire others to appreciate its majesty.