Meet Tom Burns

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Burns.

Hi Tom, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
Watching an artist’s work can often be enlightening, if not completely revelatory. Meeting up with abstract painter Tom Burns in his studio in Palm Springs recently, it is clear this is an artist who sees and interprets the world around him with a unique eye. The push and pull of paint on canvas is almost aggressive, but the resulting broad textured strokes produce a nuanced, layered, and emotional experience. “I am not an angry painter,” says Burns, “but I am aggressive. I have been known to beat the shit out of a canvas with paint. When I say I’m physical with my painting, I mean there is a release of emotions onto the canvas. There is a definite transfer of energy from me to the canvas.” Burns often paints over a canvas three to four times, always leaving some of the previous iteration. It’s as if there are layers of history built into each canvas, telling a story of the journey that brings it to the present. Much like the artist himself, the underpaintings – what came before – are central to the emotional power of the work today. That history carries a richness and stratification that defines the artist and energizes the work in a distinctive and highly personal way. 

“I have often said my life should be a movie. Whether it’s a tragedy or a comedy is yet to be determined,” says Burns with a laugh. Born and raised in a conservative suburb of Chicago, a young Tom was heavily influenced by his Irish/Italian Catholic upbringing. Given that, his early choices were perhaps understandable: corporate job, marriage, kids, and even a golden retriever, but at every turn, art, and creativity tugged and pulled until he could no longer deny what he knew in his heart he was meant to do. For Tom, painting was a way to amplify his creative voice and find peace for a restless soul. “Painting is emotional for me,” he explains. “There are days when I will sit in front of a blank canvas and do and say nothing. If I am not feeling anything, those are the days I just walk out of the studio. There are other times that I am so full of emotion I have to just get it out of my head or my heart, and I just force myself to start painting. It’s my outlet.” He also knew there was another aspect of his life he needed to confront and accept. “Until my late 40’s, I had no idea I was gay. Remember, I was brought up Irish Catholic, and my future was pretty much mapped out early on. I remember going to my first therapist years after my divorce from my wife and then a brutal breakup from a partner. The therapist was fascinated by my background. I was an anomaly to him. He kept asking, ‘Really, you had no idea you were gay?’ Of course, in hindsight, there were signs, but for years and years, I ignored the undercurrents.” Coming out to his family and friends was scary but also liberating. He needed to redefine his life, and he did that through his art. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Reestablishing myself in a new location has been a challenge, one that has stretched me in ways I could not have anticipated. In my previous city, I was well-known and acknowledged within the community; my identity was interwoven with the place and its people. There, familiarity bred a sense of belonging and respect that came from years of shared experiences and mutual support. Transitioning from being a recognized face to an anonymous figure in a bustling new environment where no one knew my name has been both humbling and enlightening. This shift forced me out of my comfort zone. 

The process of becoming part of this new community without the advantage of pre-established relationships or reputation underscored the value of resilience and adaptability. While it’s undeniably difficult to start afresh, particularly without the immediate recognition or acknowledgment previously enjoyed, this experience has taught me about human connection. It revealed opportunities for growth that only come when you are not resting on your laurels but actively striving to establish yourself anew. Establishing fresh connections based on who I am now—in this place at this time—rather than who I was known as before offers a unique chance to redefine myself not just professionally but personally as well. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an artist, the journey to maintaining authenticity in one’s work is fraught with challenges, particularly the pressure to conform to a singular style that may garner commercial success or critical acclaim. I take immense pride in my steadfast commitment to staying true to myself, resisting the temptation to be pigeonholed into a specific genre of art. This dedication stems from a deep-seated belief that creativity cannot be confined or categorized neatly; it must flow freely, driven by the currents of emotion and desire that fuel my artistic endeavors. Within the walls of my gallery, visitors are greeted by an eclectic array of styles, each piece a testament to this philosophy. My approach attracts varied reactions—some view it as groundbreaking, others as unconventional—but regardless of their opinions, my focus remains on expressing myself authentically through my work. 

Each idea or concept that takes root in my mind demands expression; ignoring these urges is not an option for me. The act of painting becomes almost cathartic—a necessary release allowing me peace only once I have translated these visions onto canvas. Recently, I have found myself ensnared by the allure of Greek mythology, its rich tapestry of gods, heroes, and monsters fueling a prolific period in my artistic output. These mythological themes have not only shaped the direction of my recent works but also allowed me to explore deeply resonant emotional landscapes within myself. It is this constant evolution and willingness to delve into new realms that keep both my art and spirit invigorated. 

What does success mean to you?
Lately, I’ve found myself engrossed in the question of success. How do we define success without anchoring it solely to financial achievements, especially in the fluid and often unpredictable realm of art? As an artist, it’s easy to get caught up in the notion that your worth is directly tied to how well your work sells. Yet, there’s something inherently misleading about this perspective. The joy and validation I feel when someone chooses to invest in my art are undeniable — sales not only bring financial relief but also serve as tangible evidence that what I create resonates with others. However, reducing the value of my work or defining my success solely through its commercial viability feels perilously reductive. 

Being described as an “Artist’s artist” has been one of the most affirming recognitions I’ve received so far. It’s a testament not just to the appeal of my visual expressions but also acknowledges the depth and sincerity embedded within them, qualities often best understood by fellow creators and gallerists who are intimately familiar with art’s nuances. This recognition from peers – individuals who themselves navigate the delicate balance between artistic integrity and market demands – underscores a broader definition of success that transcends transactions. LOL. If that makes sense… 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tomburnsart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artoftb/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.burns.71/