Artist Statement
Ancient symbolism and sacred geometric sequences are often found in my work. Through close examination of the natural world and meditation, geometric shapes and designs begin to be revealed. My quest to understand the origin of my designs drives my work. With each piece I create my understanding of self and the universe around me deepens.
I’m also motivated by the almost limitless possibilities of my preferred medium, concrete. Chemistry, engineering, and logistics are all important factors I consider when designing new work. I enjoy working with concrete due to its challenging nature. Precision is paramount to develop highly refined structural works of concrete.
Artist Bio
Thomas Russell Lancaster III is an American artist, born in Ft. Worth Texas in 1976. Minimalist lines integrated with sacred geometric sequences are often seen in his work. Thomas began his creative journey with computer generated designs he manipulated from his photography. To further develop his creativity while making a living, he began a design business called Lancaster Designs after earning an Associates Degree in Digital Integrated Image Communications.
Wanting to experience more than Texas life and culture, after graduating from Tarleton State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration he and his wife relocated to Seoul, South Korea. A few years after their return to Texas, Thomas and his wife took a vacation to the Big Bend Region and soon after relocated. This move prompted Thomas to take on an enormous endeavor of building his own home from the ground up. With no prior experience in architecture or construction he devoted several years of his life to creating a passive solar home almost entirely alone. As this project neared its completion he became intrigued with concrete. Knowing that he lacked technical knowledge he attended a concrete trade school in Raleigh, North Carolina. It soon became clear Thomas had found a medium he wanted to work with and returned to his home to begin building his studio. After the construction was complete his business Marfa Cement Works was created. Utilitarian slabs of decorative concrete for home use eventually gave way to works of furniture and ultimately sculptures.
Thomas’s designs were initially inspired by Donald Judd. He strives to create concrete mix designs that will rival ancient Roman concrete in it’s durability and withstand the test of time. His sculptural designs have a minimalist flare and are embedded with glass, stones such as agates, brass, and often uses wood such as teak or mahogany to add a warming element. Various fabrication methodologies are used in his traditional poured concrete and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC). The engineering component and integrity of his pieces are equally as important as the aesthetic design.
Thomas, his wife Belle and their son Ellis split their time in Alpine,Texas and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Education
The Concrete Countertop Institute Training- Raleigh, NC
Bachelor of Business Administration - Tarleton State University - Stephenville, TX
Associates of Applied Science - Integrated Digital Image Communications - Texas State Technical College - Waco, TX