"LAYERS OF LIGHT: THE EVOLVING ART" By Heidi Thompson

Canadian artist Heidi Thompson has dedicated her life to the pursuit of beauty, expression, and artistic mastery. Born in Vernon, BC, in 1956, Thompson’s creative journey spans continents, disciplines, and decades, shaping her into an internationally recognized painter and photographer.

Thompson’s formal education in the arts took her across Europe, where she refined her skills at prestigious institutions such as the University of Art & Design Zurich, the Art Academy Nürnberg, and the Hungarian University of Art. She later completed her BFA at Open University and obtained a BC Teaching Certificate from the University of Victoria.

With an impressive exhibition history, Thompson has showcased her work in Zürich, Nürnberg, Toronto, New York, Atlanta, Grand Forks, Vernon, San Diego, San Antonio, and Switzerland, captivating audiences with her evocative abstract paintings. Her contributions to the art world have been recognized with accolades such as the VanCity Book of Excellence Award (1995).

Beyond her canvases, Thompson’s work extends into photography and literature, reflecting a deep engagement with the intersection of visual storytelling and emotional depth. As she continues to explore and redefine artistic boundaries, her work remains a testament to a lifelong commitment to creative evolution.

A Muddy Start

When I was five years old, I had what I can only describe as a defining moment. There I was, sitting in a mud puddle, splashing and swirling the wet earth, completely absorbed in my creation. My mother found me there, covered head to toe in the glorious mess. But instead of scolding, she smiled, a smile filled with warmth and encouragement. That small, yet powerful moment of validation planted a seed in me. It told me that creation, no matter how messy or unconventional, was something to be celebrated. Even now, at 68 years old, I find myself returning to that feeling of pure joy every time I “muck around” with paint.   

From Pastries to Paintings

At 17, life took a turn when I moved to Switzerland. My father, a practical Swiss car salesman, had warned me that artists often starve, urging me to find a profession instead. So, I set off to become a pastry chef, learning the language as an au pair. But fate had other plans.

The bakery I was set to apprentice at decided they no longer wanted to train women, claiming the work was too physically demanding. At the time, it felt like a door closing, but it led to something even greater. A local librarian, who’d noticed my love of art books and sketches, encouraged me to apply to Zurich’s Kunstgewerbeschule, a renowned art trade school. Without hesitation, I applied and was accepted.

Art school was like stepping into a dream. I immersed myself completely, trying everything and learning from some of the best, though I eventually earned a diploma in photography, my heart longed for painting. This passion led me to Germany, where I apprenticed under artist Oskar Koller. For a year, I painted, drew, and absorbed his teachings in exchange for my labor.

With his encouragement, I applied to the Art Academy of Nurnberg, then later moved to Budapest to study at the Hungarian University of Art. Nearly nine years of rigorous art education shaped me, not just as an artist but as a person. When I finally returned home to Vernon, B.C., I was ready to pursue my dreams, opening a photography studio by day and painting by night.

Inspired by Masters and Meditation

My European education exposed me to the works of masters like Van Gogh, Monet, Kandinsky, and Rothko, artists who used color to ignite energy and emotion. I was particularly inspired by Mark Tobey, whose meditative approach to art resonated deeply with me. His philosophy of oneness and the infinite mirrors my own, and his influence shines through in my “color energy fields.”

Another significant influence on my art has been my Vipassana meditation practice. Through it, I’ve come to understand the constant motion within, the ever-changing, ever-dying reality of our being. This understanding has transformed how I approach my work. I strive to express the unseen forces of life: energy, light, and rhythm.

Creating with Texture, Light, and Color

My creative process is as varied as the techniques I use. In my “veil paintings”, for example, I allow the paint to flow naturally, directing it gently but letting it take on a life of its own. These pieces start with textured bases of silica sand and gesso, giving the work a tactile quality.

For my “color energy fields,” I use a small fan brush to delicately layer thousands of overlapping marks, creating glowing, radiant effects. These works are meditative for me and often for the viewer, evoking calm and introspection. Then there are my “patina paintings”, inspired by the natural erosion of surfaces. By layering and partially washing away paint, I reveal the textures beneath, creating pieces that feel weathered and timeless.

Challenges, Triumphs, and Unexpected Joys

The artistic journey isn’t without its challenges. One of my biggest struggles is finding collectors who connect with my work. There are dry spells where I wonder if I’ll ever sell another painting. Yet, when someone feels moved by my art, it makes all the uncertainty worthwhile. I’ll never forget the first time I saw my paintings displayed in the prestigious Bill Lowe Gallery in Atlanta. Standing in front of the showroom window, seeing my “color energy fields” glowing in the spotlight, it was surreal. Moments like that fuel me to keep creating.

Another unexpected joy came from a failure. Several years ago, one of my paintings began as a disaster. Frustrated with how it looked, I took a garden hose and washed it off. To my surprise, the layers that remained were stunning. My husband, who was my greatest supporter, encouraged me to explore the technique further. That serendipitous moment led to one of my signature styles.

In 2023, my life changed profoundly when I lost my loving husband of 40 years. He was not only a skilled guitar maker but also my most supportive friend and partner in life. After his passing, I decided to honor his memory by transforming his large workshop into an art gallery. This space, which I opened in August, has since become a sanctuary for creativity and connection. It’s a peaceful, beautiful place where I’ve had the privilege of hosting art shows, musical events, and meditation sessions.

The gallery, named the Heidi Thompson Art Gallery, has given me the opportunity to share my artwork and the creations of others with a wider community. If you ever find yourself in Coldstream, BC, I warmly invite you to visit. It would mean so much to share this special space with you.

The Ever-Evolving Artist

Over the years, my work has evolved, largely thanks to meditation and the inner transformation it brings. I no longer cling to perfection or outcomes; I embrace the process, knowing that even failures have their place. Art, for me, is about more than self-expression. It’s about creating something that resonates with others, that inspires optimism and peace. My hope is that my work touches viewers on a deeper level, helping them pause and reconnect with the beauty of the present moment. As I look ahead, my goal remains simple: to keep painting, to keep experimenting, and to keep chasing that indescribable joy of creation, just like the little girl splashing in the mud.

 The Role of Art in Today's World

In an age saturated with visual media, from phone cameras to social platforms, AI, and digital design, images are everywhere yet often feel fleeting and devoid of meaning. The overwhelming abundance of visuals has shifted our focus, making it harder to connect with what truly matters.

Art, in its highest form, should elevate consciousness, awaken the soul, and foster compassion and wisdom. Unfortunately, much of today’s imagery serves commercial or superficial purposes rather than guiding us toward deeper truths. While art alone may not solve humanity’s enduring challenges, it holds the potential to inspire, comfort, and reconnect us with our shared humanity. I commend artists who stay true to their vision, striving to create works that bring peace and meaning to a noisy, chaotic world.