“The Fields” painting announcement
I’m pleased to announce the completion of a new painting: The Fields. This is first in a series of contemporary Wyoming scenes. It is named for the dual income usage of the land for haying and pumping oil. I know, I know…it is already a buzz…why ruin the pretty hayfield with oil gear? Well, because that is what is there, today, on the edge of many hayfields. And, to some, the oil pump is scenic. I think of what I heard Kathy Karpan once say about mining in SE Wyoming when she was running for governor: “To those of us from SE Wyoming, open pit mining is scenic!” I think I was about ten, so I’m sure I don’t have the quote right, but that was the jist of it…and even at my young age, I got it.
As I sit writing this and staring out across a snowy white and tan prairie, the green hayfield scene reminds me of the magical transformation our land goes through each season. The color change is just astonishing! But here’s to winter- full of it’s own brand of beauty.
Original and prints are available. Contact me if interested.
The Fields; 12″ x 18″; sumi ink and watercolor; 2011; Meg Thompson.
NIC show and Open Shop
I just wanted to thank everyone who came to my fall shows– in Laramie my first annual Open Shop and in Casper, the Nicolaysen Art Museum’s Fall Art show and sale. Thanks for everyone who came out to our place for the Open Shop and endured the chili and company and weather. 
And thanks to my friends and family who came by the NIC to say hi and see all the great art. Both events went well.
Now I am trying to settle in for the winter and get to some custom projects that were on hold until after the shows. It has been wonderful coming back home and starting up my business here. I can never thank enough, all the folks who have supported me along the way and since we arrived here last May. Moving is overwhelming, but the welcome we have received makes it wonderful. Thank you!
Open Shop Highlight: My friend Amy showed up on her mule, Manny, in a snowstorm. And they both insisted on riding the 5 miles back as well, in the said snowstorm. I love Wyoming.
Wildflower’s View Painting announcment
Hello All-
I’m pleased to announce the completion of a new painting: “Wildflower’s View.” Long time friend Carol Brewer commissioned this piece and I am honored to be part of her fabulous art collection. Prints will be available. Please let me know if you are interested. Thanks!
Meg Thompson
"Wildflower's View"; rice paper, walnut ink, sumi ink, watercolor; 12" x 18"; 2011; Meg Thompson
Furniture Pieces in Phoenix Galllery in Centennial, WY
This summer Linda Taylor who owns the Phoenix Gallery in Centennial, WY invited me to put some furniture pieces in her wonderful gallery that showcases local artists. The gallery is a gem of a surprise, nestled in behind The Trading Post. Stop by and see her impressive collection of local art! I believe she has a holiday show as well and I will post that once I know more. I hope everyone had a great fall!
Pronghorn Fawn plant stand ; reclaimed barn wood; 10 1/2" x 9 1/2" x 26".
Skinny Buffalo Coffee Table; reclaimed barn wood; 47" x 21 1/2" x 16"; 2011; Meg Thompson.
Reclaimed Joists turned into bartop
Installed bartop
This bartop was made from reclaimed joists removed from an old factory building in Gowanus during a renovation. The couple I did the bar from live just a block from the building I rescued them from. The pictures show the joists before being planed down and cleaned up; cutting the joinery for the bow-tie joint that prevents further checking; and after many coats of finish was applied.
Scottish Highlander Bovine Buffet
This buffet was made for a couple in Brooklyn, NY. I get many designs features from the natural world and animals. I usually name my furniture pieces after the animals that inspired them. Recently I’ve been into Scottish Highland cows, as evident of the design of this piece: the legs of the buffet have hoof-like feet on them, the color of the oxidized parts of wood is ruddy red like the cows, and the curved top emulates a cow’s curved belly. The clients wanted to incorporate a modern industrial aesthetic to tie in with their other furnishings, so I used steel for the door panels and finished them with a dark patina. All joinery is mortise and tenon.
Custom Business Sign
A client in Jackson Hole commissioned me to make a business sign for his office. He requested a Western aesthetic, but with a modern touch. He also wanted some aspect to reflect the history and sense of place of the area. I chose a font that was used on the old National Park Service posters made through the WPA program as part of the New Deal. I hand lettered the font, as it is not available electronically.
This historical tie is especially relevant as Teton National Park was created in part because Rockefeller financed the Snake River Land Company as a cover organization to buy land from locals who didnt want to sell to Rockefeller for fear of the land being given over to the government (and thus families losing the option of working the land). And one of the ultimate factors that lead to the creation of Teton National park was that many families ended up having to sell their land in order to make it through the Great Depression. While most are glad Teton National Park was preserved and did not fall prey to modern day subdividing, it is still a history steeped in complicated social layers. This historical tie seemed applicable to the county’s public defender.
The wood is reclaimed barn wood (pine) and the frame is weld steel treated with a multi-colored patina to give the frame some tonal depth.
Atilla’s Trusty Steed
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- Atilla’s Trusty Steed
Atilla’s trusty Steed; 4′ x 2′ x 34″; 2010. This “workhorse” butcher block was made for a client in San Fransico. The butcherblock top is maple. The rest of the table is made from reclaimed pine and fir. The drawer handle and towel bar on the end are made from copper pipes. An enclosed knife sheath hangs at the back, engraved with the alchemical symbol for “compose.” The client requested a steam punk butcher block design that would create more usable space in his small kitchen. I have been told that the meals are coming out very well.
Snowglobe: Fenced In
"Fenced In"
My friend commissioned this piece as a wedding gift for her friends. I am told it sparked hours of conversation among the family. I’m pleased to hear it.