Conversations with JT Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to JT Thompson.

Hi JT, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been drawn to creating. As a child, I spent countless hours drawing, building imaginary worlds, and exploring visual storytelling. What began as a fascination with art eventually evolved into a lifelong pursuit that continues to shape how I see and interpret the world.

My career has taken several different paths over the years. I’ve worked as a graphic designer, portrait artist, curator, educator, and professional painter. Each experience contributed something valuable to my development as an artist and helped me build a diverse creative foundation.

One of the most meaningful chapters of my journey was serving as President of the Ohio Art League during the pandemic. Helping guide one of Ohio’s oldest arts organizations through a time of uncertainty strengthened my commitment to supporting artists and creative communities.

Today, my primary focus is the Labyrinth Series, an ongoing body of work that explores perception, transformation, and the paths we navigate throughout life. What began as an investigation into geometric abstraction gradually developed into a larger visual language rooted in architectural surrealism, symbolic space, and dimensional storytelling.
Looking back, the common thread throughout my journey has been a willingness to follow curiosity. Rather than pursuing a predetermined outcome, I’ve tried to stay committed to the work itself, trusting that each stage of the journey would reveal the next.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I think most creative careers are built through challenges rather than around them.

One of the biggest obstacles has been balancing the creative side of being an artist with the realities of running a professional art practice. Creating the work is what I love most, but building relationships, finding opportunities, applying for grants, and navigating the business side of the arts requires just as much dedication.

Like many artists, I’ve experienced periods of uncertainty, financial challenges, and opportunities that didn’t materialize as expected. There were times when I supported my studio practice through other creative and hands-on work while continuing to paint and develop new ideas.

Serving as President of the Ohio Art League during the pandemic presented another unique challenge. The arts community faced tremendous uncertainty, and helping guide the organization through that period required adaptability, patience, and a commitment to supporting fellow artists when there was no clear roadmap.

In many ways, those challenges shaped the work I create today.
The Labyrinth Series explores uncertainty, choice, and the search for meaning through complex pathways and shifting perspectives. The obstacles I’ve faced throughout my career have become part of the inspiration behind the work itself.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a painter, sculptor, and curator whose work explores perception, transformation, and the complex paths we navigate throughout life. While I’ve worked across several creative disciplines, I am best known for my ongoing Labyrinth Series, a body of paintings that combines geometric abstraction, surreal architectural space, and symbolic storytelling.

The labyrinth became a powerful metaphor for me because it reflects so much of the human experience. We all encounter uncertainty, difficult decisions, setbacks, and moments of discovery. Through layered passages, shifting perspectives, and impossible architectural environments, my work invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and find their own meaning within the image.

What I am most proud of is seeing my work enter public and institutional collections. Having pieces placed in locations where people encounter them as part of their daily lives is incredibly meaningful to me. My work has been acquired by collections that include Hilton Hotels, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the Linden Library Collection, healthcare environments, corporate collections, and other public spaces. Knowing that a painting continues to engage viewers long after it leaves my studio is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist.

What sets my work apart is the way it blends architectural structure with mystery and imagination. The paintings are carefully constructed, yet they remain open-ended and dreamlike. They exist somewhere between geometric abstraction and surrealism, creating spaces that feel familiar and impossible at the same time.

Collectors often tell me they discover new pathways, symbols, and interpretations each time they spend with the work, and I love that ongoing dialogue between the viewer and the painting.

Beyond my studio practice, I’ve remained committed to supporting the arts community through curatorial projects. Whether I’m creating artwork, curating exhibitions, or helping fellow artists, my goal is the same: to encourage curiosity, reflection, and meaningful engagement with art.

Above all, I’m proud that I’ve stayed committed to developing a unique visual language over many years. Rather than following trends, I’ve focused on building a body of work that is authentically my own, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that work find a home in both private and public collections where it can continue to connect with people.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest piece of advice is not to think of networking as networking. Instead, think of it as building genuine relationships.

The most meaningful opportunities in my career have come from authentic conversations, shared interests, and showing up consistently within the arts community. The strongest connections are built on trust,
mutual respect, and a genuine interest in supporting one another.

When it comes to mentors, I believe mentorship often develops naturally. Rather than searching for someone to formally become a mentor, seek out artists, curators, and creative professionals whose work you admire. Ask thoughtful questions, stay curious, and remain open to learning. Some of the most important lessons I’ve received came through ongoing conversations rather than formal mentorship programs.

What worked best for me was getting involved. Serving as President of the Ohio Art League, curating exhibitions, attending openings, volunteering, and supporting fellow artists helped me build lasting relationships throughout the creative community.
Many of those relationships eventually grew into friendships, collaborations, and professional opportunities.

I also believe it’s important to focus on the work itself. People are naturally drawn to those who are committed to their craft. Rather than worrying about who you should meet, concentrate on creating meaningful work and contributing positively to your community. The relationships tend to follow.

Most importantly, be patient. Meaningful careers and meaningful relationships are both built over time. Many of the opportunities that had the greatest impact on my career came from connections that developed gradually over years rather than from a single event or introduction. Consistency, generosity, and authenticity go much further than trying to collect business cards.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Jtoriginals.net
• Instagram: Jtoriginals_studio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtoriginals

Image Credits
JT Thompson
Oulanje Regan