ARTIST STATEMENT

With over two decades deeply rooted in architecture and a passion for artistic expression, my work brings together the worlds of art and architectural design, blending elements of both disciplines.

At the heart of my creative process is a focus on distillation—reducing objects and ideas to their purest essence. I explore the fusion of precise geometries with raw, organic textures and subtle natural colours, aiming to create simple compositions that embody movement, balance, and rhythm.

Through my art, I hope to highlight the beauty and power of simplicity, and create works that not only transform spaces, but also inspire a deeper reflection on life itself. By simplifying our surroundings and stripping away all the excess and distractions, we can embrace stillness and clarity —allowing us to reconnect with the essence of our being and focus on what truly matters.

BIO

Thomas is a Brisbane-based abstract artist with roots in South Africa. After graduating with a degree in architecture from the University of Pretoria in 1996, he began his architectural career and established his own practice in 2002. Together with his wife, Sureen, an interior architect who later joined the practice, he designed numerous award-winning and widely published high-end residential projects. 

In 2018, Thomas, Sureen and their two young daughters relocated to Australia, spending four years on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula before settling in Brisbane, Queensland. Art has been a lifelong passion for Thomas. Over the years, he has explored painting and sculpture alongside his architectural work. After moving to Australia, he took a hiatus from architecture to focus fully on his art, allowing him to deepen his creative practice.

Get In Touch

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions:

thomasgouws@me.com / +61 487 952 650

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FAQ

How did you get started on your journey as an artist after working in the architectural field for a long time?

I’ve always had a keen interest in art and have always been doing art on the side. After immigrating to Australia in 2018, I decided to take a break from architecture and focus more on my art.

How did your architectural background inspire and influence your artworks today?

My approach to art is very architectural. I love to combine the geometric precision of architecture with very textural paint finishes in my work. My works are constructed from painted pieces of timber almost in a similar way as one would build an architectural model.

Can you describe the artistic process of creating each artwork?

I plan each artwork digitally, but it is always only a guideline. I decide on a colour palette for a painting and then paint timber boards in various shades and textures. I then laser-cut the background grid and the various geometric shapes. I use my digital composition as a starting point, but then follow a more intuitive strategy of layering the shapes and colours, always aiming to create a sense of balance. It mostly turns out very different from the original concept, but I love how an artwork grows and evolves, and how the unexpected colour combinations and the compositions that happen by accident give an artwork its unique strength.

In all your artworks, you seem to have worked with a variety of mediums. How does each type of material and colour relate to and impact your artworks?

I like to explore different mediums and use different techniques and tools to create interesting textures in my works. This process of experimentation often leads to new directions.

The artworks seem to be exploring the complexity of spaces and dimensions. What are your approaches to such explorations? And have you come across any revelation?

I like to explore the tensions and dialogue created between different pure geometries. In this process of experimentation, I focus on the space created between various shapes when placed in different compositions. Circular shapes in particular hold a fascination for me as their inherent properties bring energy and movement to a composition.

Your artistic approach seems experimental, do you have any interesting discoveries or fun stories during your art creation process to share?

I like to experiment with different textures in wet paint. This forces me to be more intuitive when trying new things as I usually don’t have a lot of time before the paint dries to think about what I’m going to do next.

Your artworks have a strong focus on minimalistic geometric shapes and give off a sense of calmness. Is there any specific message that you are trying to convey through them? 

To me, geometric abstract works speak to our core emotions as human beings in the most basic & simplest way. There is no distraction or connotation of the recognisable. This frees the mind to experience pure colour, form and composition. In my works I do try to convey a sense of calmness & harmony - colour plays a big part in this.

You stated that the muted tone of your artworks draws connections between nature and humans. Why is nature important to you and how do you see it in its manifestation in our lives?

I believe we all need a connection with nature - even more so if you live in a city. With my works I aim to bring the colours & textures of nature into the homes of collectors, bringing with it a sense of calm & peacefulness.

Can you tell us more about the timber material and its handling techniques involved in your artistic creations? Also, what does the use of this material mean to you?

I use environmentally friendly MDF (Medium Density Fibre) board. Because MDF is constructed primarily from wood fibre, many wood shavings and other portions of the wood that might normally be discarded can instead be recycled into MDF production.

Could you describe your work in 3 words?

Geometric, Textural & Tonal