FAIRVIEW — A compelling exhibition showcasing the artistic odyssey of Eric Thompson, a self-taught artist making waves in the art world, is set to open its doors at the Fairview Museum of Art & History on Sept 8. Thompson, now a resident of Fairview, brings 25 years of captivating works to his largest exhibit yet.

Thompson’s journey in the realm of art has been a remarkable one. At 52, he has left his indelible mark in museums across the nation and gained recognition from esteemed publications such as American Art Collector and Southwest Art. His exceptional talent has been celebrated with awards from both local and international art salons, including being named a finalist in the 13th International ARC Salon.

His dedication to the art of oil, watercolor, and the intricate egg tempera technique, a challenging and nuanced old-world medium, sets him apart. Unlike many, Thompson’s path has been guided by his unwavering faith, pursuit of truth, and the meandering paths of life. Eschewing formal art education, he has honed his craft through a school of trial and error.

In his backyard studio, Thompson paints amidst the company of his wife, muse, and business manager, Hilary, his two daughters, a cheerful array of chickens, and a steadfast French bulldog. He crafts his pieces with an unparalleled ability to capture stillness and fleeting moments, whether through oil, egg tempera, or watercolor. Each stroke seeks to invoke memories or evoke emotions that might have been forgotten in our fast-paced world.

Thompson’s upcoming exhibit at the Fairview Museum of Art & History is a culmination of his artistic journey. His work mirrors the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, embracing the beauty of imperfection, age, and patina. The delicate balance of light and composition in his paintings draws viewers into a momentary state of peace and reflection.

Guided by the philosophy that we all yearn for silence and simplicity, Thompson’s works encourage the audience to pause and observe the often-overlooked aspects of life. His paintings illuminate the nooks and crannies of our existence, rekindling emotions long buried beneath the surface.

The influence of wabi-sabi is evident in Thompson’s art, celebrating the imperfect and flawed aspects of his subjects. The technique and approach he employs have been shaped by his life experiences, making his creative journey a mirror of his growth as an individual.

Beginning his artistic endeavors in 1989, Thompson hails from Cottonwood Heights. His professional career took off in 1998, and since then, he has embraced various mediums to convey his message. Whether painting from his travels or inspired by the simplest of moments, Thompson’s work continues to resonate with viewers by exuding tranquility and evoking memories.

As the exhibition at the Fairview Museum of Art & History prepares to unveil, Eric Thompson’s unique artistic voice resonates strongly. His captivating works not only pay homage to the commonplace but elevate it to the extraordinary, in line with Elbert Hubbard’s insight that “great minds find greatness in the commonplace.” The exhibition offers an opportunity for art enthusiasts and seekers of simplicity to immerse themselves in Thompson’s world of fluid brushstrokes and nuanced emotions.

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