Tommy Simpson: picnic in the park

On View June 5 – July 10, 2015
Reception: Friday, June 5, 6–8 pm

Collected and exhibited by major museums throughout the country, Simpson is a leader in the field of studio furniture. But the term “studio furniture” describes only one stream of Simpson’s work.  He’s a maker.  Rugs, quilts, sculpture, furniture, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, prints, cookie cutters, and United States postage stamps are among some of the things Simpson creates.  

The exhibition at Gallery NAGA will have examples of many of these different mediums: a painted cabinet based on Chinese vases in the collection of the MFA; a dining table inlaid with cooking terms; a rug designed by Simpson then woven in Nepal; and a floral bouquet made from dozens of types and colors of wood.  Each piece exudes a quality that is singularly Tommy Simpson; the work is joyful, heartfelt and genuine.  “The ultimate goal,” Tommy says, “is to bring the artwork to life, so that the viewer can identify the human spirit behind the work, and experience its poetry.