BIOGRAPHY:
Renée Thomas is an interdisciplinary artist who’s interest ranges from digital and soundscape creation to a multitude of physical artforms. Currently her fascination is focused on material exploration and creating sculptural spaces. This allows for a variety in tasks, textures and a the ability to change focus which works well with how her brain is wired. Renée discovered in her early 40s that she has an ADHD brain, which meant a complete overhaul on how she thought of herself and a significant realignment of her environment. These changes were easy to make within the context of art creation, as it meant the flow of creativity was no longer blocked or forced, but instead felt more natural. Renée’s brain has a constant hunger for learning, and is always looking for ways to combine art forms or use materials you wouldn’t think of as art. This exploratory nature will ensure she will never be without a project, she will never be bored, and she will never stop making art in some form or another.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
While completing my BFA, I discovered that I have ADHD which changed my perspective on how I work and create, and started me down a path of research and experimentation. This research lead me to realize that my brain does not prioritize things by their importance, but instead by how interesting it is. This is due to a low amount of dopamine and serotonin being produced. Dopamine is the brain chemical that gives us our drive, so unless a task is interesting, it’s an uphill battle to get the work done. One tactic used is something called
“Following the Dopamine”, which consists of providing yourself with options of what to work on, and allowing yourself to do work that is interesting at the time. This means throughout the day I may jump from
project to project as interest ebbs and wanes, or it can mean I spend the whole day and night not eating or
drinking, and being so focused on one task that time loses all meaning. As such, the materials and techniques used to create the cave are varied which allows for multiple options and lets the work flow freely. It’s finding the path of least resistance and seeing where it leads.
This lack of drive chemical also means that I tend to seek out things that provide dopamine and serotonin through stimulating activities and environments. As such, I’ve always found bright colours to be exceedingly soothing. Whether I’m overstimulated, or under-stimulated, if I look at a brightly coloured image or object, it calms my mind. It has a hypnotic effect on me that is almost meditative. This is directly tied to the stimulation seeking nature of ADHD. Under UV light, neon or florescent coloured objects become their own light source, which provides the most mesmerizing effects for my brain.
While my installation is tied to my ADHD, it doesn’t speak to it directly. It’s a cave which does not represent any recognizable biome, or even planet. The purpose is to create a space that has room for your imagination to float freely in. This allows for a wonderfully experimental way of working which has enhanced the exploratory nature of art creation for me. It feels as though I’m truly free to cover the cave walls with whatever makes me happy.
