About Larry B. Thomas – Book Artist and Social Commentator

Looking back to our Spring 1996 Catalogue Sixteen, and, with the passing of twelve years, Carol Barton’s words about the highly creative and satirical work of Larry B. Thomas still resonate today.

“Larry Thomas is a rascal when it comes to bookmaking. He creates little volumes which are so immediately playful and enchanting that most viewers are well under their spell before discovering the works’ sarcastic core. …

“Thomas himself is soft-spoken and shy but, as in his books, these qualities mask a sharp, biting wit. He’s an avid collector of anything that might eventually become the stuff of his work: photo albums, lost dog/cat signs, religious tracts, conversations ‘over-listened to on buses and check-out lines.’ Saving and recycling these bits of life is part of this artist’s creative ritual. …

“Thomas’ books are like the court jesters of old. The antics on their pages are nimbly entertaining, but they belie some serious issues; ethical behavior, prejudice, misplaced social values, violence and war. Thomas coaxes his viewers to question their positions on these subjects through a humor which is both humane and constructive.”

“Larry B. Thomas received his MFA from the University of Georgia, and also studied at the Tamarind Lithography Workshop and Oxford Polytechnic. He was an Associate Professor of Art at Georgia State University until he retired from teaching.” -Taken from the exhibition catalogue for “Painting, Drawing,and Works on Paper” -the Southern Art s Federation/National Endowment for the Arts 1994 Fellowships. Exhibition held at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Winston-Salem, N.C. 22 October1995 – 15 January 1996.

See our books by Larry B. Thomas