Thom Ross

Events

Thom Ross, born in San Francisco in 1952, has dedicated his artistic career to exploring and redefining American historical narratives through multiple mediums. His work challenges viewers to look beyond simplistic myths of the American West, focusing on historical folk heroes and pivotal moments that shaped the nation's identity.

A transformative experience at the centennial commemoration of the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1976 profoundly influenced Ross's artistic journey. This watershed moment sparked his commitment to portraying iconic American figures with nuanced perspectives, moving beyond conventional historical narratives.

Working across diverse media including painting, book illustration, and life-sized installations, Ross has created groundbreaking works. Notable pieces include "The Catch," a celebrated diorama for the Baseball Hall of Fame, and "Custer's Last Stand" (2005), featuring warriors and horses at the original Battle of Little Bighorn site. These larger-scaled works demonstrate his unique ability to bring historical moments into contemporary dialogue.

As a prolific illustrator, Ross contributed to over twenty books, including the 100th-anniversary edition of Owen Wister's "The Virginian" and his publication "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Words and Pictures." His artistic philosophy centers on art's dual aesthetic and contemplative purposes. "My love of history, my enjoyment in story-telling, and my passion for painting... supplies as much in artistic enjoyment as it does in the contemplation of history and the people and events which shaped it," he explains.

His work consistently demonstrates a masterful understanding of historical context while challenging viewers' perspectives on American history, standing as a testament to art's power to reshape historical narrative and cultural awareness.