Cole Thomas / I Am

At the heart of my practice lies a persistent search for meaning, expression, and connection through the medium of photography. My body of work is an attempt to establish a cohesive visual language using my emotions as a connection from artist to viewer. My first loves, 35mm B&W film and the darkroom, continue to seduce me. I believe in the processes of old, of chemicals and quiet under dim, warm light. The darkroom has become my sanctuary, a place where the mystique of photography truly unfolds. Patience, a virtue honed in the darkroom, has taught me that slowness begets quality in every step of the process. In the spirit of conceptual art, I do not like to make clean, straight-forward art. I want my art to be challenging; I do not want to comply with the restraints of a predetermined dogma, for as expansive and challenging the photographic medium can be, restrictions and standards are not something that aid my process. Portraiture was an intimidating genre of photography for me. To break into the field, I turned the camera back towards myself. Throughout my artistic journey, I have struggled with my identity. Am I an artist? Am I contributing to my future effectively? My work draws from this vulnerability, this desperation of knowing—of connection. Text and photography are two forms that speak to me, but—for me—creating art is not about the result, but for the chase, the study, and the belief that every piece moves me forward as an artist. What I am taking away from this process is my need for constant exploration, of never-ending learning and growth; the best art comes from trying to solve problems that can never be solved. Through each image, each moment in the darkroom, and each internal dialogue, I am learning to trust the process, to remain open, and to let vulnerability guide me.

colethomas1206@gmail.com

@1colet