Brett Mason Craftsman

I learned about Thorpe’s passing this past Friday and it reminded me of how he has shaped my artwork. Thorpe Feidt was many things, but to me he was an incredible abstract painter and a peculiar college instructor. I remember attending his artist talk at the 301 gallery, at this time abstract expressionism wasn’t exactly anything I was interested in, that was until I heard what he had to say. Of course there were other artists who influenced me regarding abstract art, but there was something special about Thorpe’s work. There was a true sense of magic and alchemy I could see in his paintings and in a way answered to what I was trying to convey in my own work. There were late nights I would look through that exhibit catalogue I brought home to learn more about this mysterious individual. When I saw an opportunity to take his class on abstract painting, I took it.

I told him after the first class that I wanted to be challenged in order to truly grow as an artist. Little did I know from the twinkle in his eye and the slight smirk from that statement would lead me to a very hard reality check about making art. Long story short, I wanted to quit painting while taking his class, he was not easy on me. He called bullsh*t on a lot I was trying to do, and reminded me when he said a painting looked pretty that it wasn’t a compliment. One day he was talking about painting with the element of chaos, for lack of a better explanation. He then said, rightfully, that we did not know how to do so. I then asked, more of an ignorant act of defiance, “I don’t know how to paint with chaos?” Without hesitation, he came up to me and yelled, “YOU CANNOT PAINT WITH CHAOS…YOU, CANNOT PAINT WITH CHAOS!”

To be fair, he wasn’t wrong. That was until our final critique, I had a large painting that I put quite a bit of work into, which included the transmutation of chaotic energy that I faced in my personal life. To my surprise, he talked about the painting for 20 minutes about what he liked and appreciated. In his words, “Brett, if you had painted this in the 60’s, you would have been famous.” Still to this day I’m not sure what to make of that statement, but I’ll accept the compliment.

The point of this is to express my gratitude for the way he has changed my outlook on not only my art but the art world in general, I don’t think my work would’ve had the same impact if it weren’t for his influence. I honestly didn’t know him personally, he was a bit complex from what I understood. I would’ve liked to know more about him, but I think that would’ve spoiled the alchemy of our artistic relationship anyway. As a mystic myself, he has opened a realm that went beyond art, and a new appreciation for gnomes.

Rest in Peace Thorpe, I’m happy we crossed paths.

Despite being sleek and uncomplicated in form, the minimalist approach created many special construction obstacles. However, it was worthwhile because I picked up new construction techniques that let me deviate from the norm. It's funny because this was the first time I used compound miter cuts as a component of the leg structure. Not much to say about the general design, but nonetheless significant.