Thomas Fuhrmark
My work is an exploration of the "Tomosphere"— a visual environment where individual narratives are distilled and converted into the timeless medium of oil on canvas. After three decades in the precise world of graphic design, I return to my origins in fine art to capture stories that might otherwise go untold, from the resilience of public figures to the quiet dignity of a family pet.
The sphere serves as more than just a name; it represents the 360-degree scope of human life. Whether I am depicting the mockingbird as a symbol of the people of the state Texas, or the formative choices of a young man ascending a stairway, my goal is to create a space—a sphere of influence—where the viewer can contemplate a moment of clarity and connection.
Portraits
There is a unique story in each person’s face. I looked to reinforce that story with symbolism, as in Jack’s accomplishments as a young adult. He ascended the stairway below, will he turn the corner, flip on the light and keep going? Gregg, as a recent college graduate, accepts an offer to work as a city planner for the city of Scottsdale, Arizona. He manages to find time for his music and adventures to the mountains.
Linda at UMPI 24”x 30”
Dr. Linda K. Schott, the 11th President of the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She is depicted here as a facilitator. This painting resides at the university, among portraits of past presidents for UMPI.
Jack’s Choices 26”x 61”
Jack journey beyond childhood is symbolized in the stairway he just ascended. His choices are many, but unclear, which is symbolized by the stairway to his right. Will he pivot, continue to climb, turn on the light switch for clarity? Transparent glazes help accentuate cast light.
Gregg In Balance 40”x 30”
Gregg’s professional career began in Scottsdale, Arizona as a city planner (the Scottsdale skyline blends in from the left). He is seen here as a recent graduate. His passion for music and the Rocky Mountains are always near at hand.
V and Me 54”x 30”
The concert in Portland, Oregon, soon to begin! Just enough time for a father-daughter selfie.
People, Pets, Personalities
In these works, I seek to capture a moment in time that defines the human-animal relationship. Whether a man and his dog or a young person with an animal they have carefully tended, I strive to portray the emotional attachment that characterizes that relationship.
Facial expressions, body position, and symbolism work together to evoke the strong ties that bind all of us to our natural world.
Puffin The Magic Dragon 24”x 20”
From last account, this puffin lives by the sea, and frolics in the Autumn mist. A gift to Barbara and Tom Tyler, in Menlo Park, CA.
Dan & Bodie 24”x 30”
Dans trustworthy companion, Bodie, seems entirely connected to his environment! Here they rest not far from the Dolores River, in southwestern Colorado.
Cali, Squeaky and Pouncer 30”x 40”
For many years, these three cats provided comfort and entertainment in our home. Their time with us seems fleeting. As my entry into the university’s “Show Of The Meow”, a legacy has been made. If only they understood!
Skoldpadda 24”x 20”
Named in the Swedish language, my middle-school age daughter’s request for a turtle, where turtles were not available at the pet store, had to be a compromise. She’s a lot older now, but her turtle seems ageless!
Dianne & Her Horses 24”x 36”
Dianne Lindig runs the Hill Country Equestrian Lodge, near Bandera, Texas. I was captured by the care and love that she shares with her horses! Time-lapse videos showing the process for this painting are included on this screen
Aniston With John 30”x 40”
Aniston Floyd made “John” the Grande Champion Steer, at the San Antonio Livestock & Rodeo Show, February 2025. Aniston and John have made a connection over the time they worked together. Their expressions suggest trust and confidence!
The Process (Dianne & Her Horses)
Painting in semi-transparent layers: 1. blue, 2. red 3. yellow
4. blue
Social Groups
Suffragist of another time, campfire discussions that embrace thousands of years of humanity. People come and go, but the tree remains. Musicians who have never met (but I know each of them). Of the people I remember, “some have gone and some remain.” -John Lennon
Suffragist 49”x 37”
London, 1907. Built upon this historic photo, I replaced the original suffragist, with my wife, Linda. With her background in history, women and gender studies, she seemed to fit well into this composition
King of Trees 54”x 60”
Day and night, people come and go, but the tree remains… observes… perhaps finds amusement among the visitors
Primordial Campsite 30”x 72”
For thousands of years, humans have congregated in the light and warmth of a campfire. Hear, conversations can be a lot different, yet the camaraderie adds a sense of security under the rising moon
Quintessential 48”x 36”
Making music among friends is rewarding. Here, musicians are unaware those in the band aren’t really there. In fact, I’m the common denominator, the composer on canvas! Together they appear, when in reality, they don’t even know each other!
Contact Me:
Thomas Fuhrmark
Cool Months: Near San Antonio, Texas
Summer Months: Durango, Colorado
Email: fuhrmosphere@gmail.com
Call/Text: 970 903-5528
Where I started, what I’m doing, where I’m headed
On a Friday afternoon, my senior year in high school, Mr. Witt, my art teacher, asked if I would be ok if he mounted my recently completed drawing on the marker board in class. “Sure”, I said.
I reproduced in pencil, an Irving Penn photo of the “Hells Angels”, published in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1967. When I returned to that classroom on Monday, my teacher quickly approached me, “I have some bad news, somebody stole your drawing over the weekend! I’m not having any luck tracking it down. I am so sorry”, he said. I stifled an entirely different reaction, which was a feeling of accomplishment, that someone desired my art so much, that he (or she) would resort to theft.
I never saw that drawing again. I redirected my creativity over time, first with a career in graphic design, then, since 2014, with oils on board or canvas. It is through this medium that I feel most at home. Take a walk through my gallery, enjoy the stories converted to canvas, consider yourself (and your pet?) a story yet to be told!
Education:
American Academy of Art
Chicago, Illinois
1971-1972
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, Arizona
Fine Art/Commercial Art
1974-1976
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
BFA-Design
1976-1979
Graphic Design, 1981-2012
Public Art Commission, Ashland, Oregon, 2017-2020
Fine Art, 2014-Present