Show Notes: s3e84 with Jonathan Beaumont Thomas
In this episode of Platemark, Ann talks with artist and teacher Jonathan Thomas who shares insights from his time at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), the printmaking program he chairs, and his personal studio in Baltimore. We take a deep dive into his exploration of printing in plaster, detailing the technical process, historical context, and the challenges it presents compared to traditional intaglio printmaking. We talk about his shift from multi-plate color works to black and white, emphasizing the joy and struggle of achieving precise visual results. We talk about his thematic focus on narrative imagery, spirit companions, and the emotional nuances of life and death. We also talk about his educational approach, the critical role of experiential learning, and the impact of collaborative projects like those facilitated by MICA’s Dolphin Press. The conversation concludes with insights into the critique process in art education, emphasizing the balance between constructive feedback and understanding the student's sensitivity.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.b.thomas.5
IG: @jbeaumontthomas
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). Broken plaster print. The Artist’s IG account.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). Two plaster prints. The Artist’s IG account.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). Sketches. The Artist’s IG account.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). The Curtain, 2017. Etching and aquatint. Plate: 8 x 6 in.; sheet: 16 x 14 in. Printed and published by Oshi Mari. Courtesy of the Artist.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). You That Have Spent the Silent Night, 2024. Etching and aquatint. Plate: 6 x 8 in.; sheet: 14 x 16 in. Printed and published by Oshi Mari. Courtesy of the Artist.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). Potter, 2024. Etching and aquatint. Plate: 9 x 12 in.; sheet: 11 ¾ x 18 ¾ in. Printed and published by Oshi Mari. Courtesy of the Artist.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). An Unsatisfactory Ending, 2024. Etching and aquatint. Plate: 9 x 12 in.; sheet: 11 ¾ x 18 ¾ in. Printed and published by Oshi Mari. Courtesy of the Artist.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). Hibiscus, 2022. Etching and aquatint. Plate: 6 x 8 in.; sheet: 14 x 16 in. Printed and published by Oshi Mari. Courtesy of the Artist.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973 ). The Bet, 2017. Etching and aquatint. Plate: 8 x 6 in.; sheet: 16 x 14 in. Printed and published by Oshi Mari. Courtesy of the Artist.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). Abide with Me, 2023. Etching and aquatint. Plate: 6 x 8 in.; sheet: 14 x 16 in. Printed and published by Oshi Mari. Courtesy of the Artist.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). A Flaunting Vulgarity which Amused and Yet Horrified. Screenprint and pochoir. 22 x 30 in. Courtesy of the Artist.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). He Was a Man That Would Have Found Success a Century and a Half Ago. Screenprint and pochoir. 22 x 30 in. Courtesy of the Artist.
Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). It Was a Little Ordinary and He Expected More Glamour. Screenprint and pochoir. 22 x 30 in. Courtesy of the Artist.
Ann Shafer
Curator / Podcaster / Blogger / Cyclist
Ann Shafer is an independent curator, art historian, writer, and a leading expert on intaglio printmaking by Stanley William Hayter and Atelier 17. Formerly Shafer was associate curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs at the Baltimore Museum of Art. She has also held positions at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the National Gallery of Art. Shafer has a BA from The College of Wooster and an MA from Williams College. (Photo credit: Becky Redett)
