Few Western artists capture the complexity of American history with the depth and nuance of Thom Ross. Born in San Francisco in 1952, Ross has emerged as a masterful storyteller who uses his canvas to challenge and reshape our understanding of the American West’s rich tapestry.
“My love of history, my enjoyment in story-telling, and my passion for painting supplies as much in artistic enjoyment as it does in the contemplation of history and the people and events which shaped it,” Ross reflects. This multifaceted approach to art-making has defined his career, producing works that are both visually striking and intellectually engaging.
The artist’s journey took a decisive turn during the 1976 centennial commemoration of the Battle of Little Bighorn. This pivotal experience transformed Ross’ artistic vision, compelling him to delve deeper into the complexities of American historical narratives. Rather than simply recreating historical scenes, Ross began crafting works that invite viewers to question conventional interpretations of Western history.
Working across multiple mediums, Ross has created landmark pieces that challenge and inspire. His installation “The Catch” at the Baseball Hall of Fame and the ambitious “Custer’s Last Stand” (2005) – featuring over 200 life-sized figures at the Battle of Little Bighorn site – demonstrate his unique ability to bring historical moments into contemporary dialogue.
In his recent work “The Posse,” an original 60×60 acrylic painting, Ross reveals the theatrical nature of Western mythology. “This one came to me in a dream,” he explains. “Four lawmen, led by Pat Garrett, riding at midnight under the stars.” The piece features actual wooden stars attached to the canvas, representing both the officers’ badges and the night sky. “The stars in the sky are intended to reinforce the idea that this is a theatrical production…the story is being danced out on a stage with all the props.”
These theatrical elements speak to Ross’ larger artistic philosophy – that historical narratives are performances we enact and reenact, shaping our understanding of the past. His work consistently demonstrates that the folk heroes of the American West were not simply characters in a black-and-white morality tale, but complex individuals whose stories continue to resonate.
“Thom Ross brings history to life in a way that makes you question everything you thought you knew about the American West,” says Shanan Campbell, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery. “His work doesn’t just show us what happened – it makes us think about how we remember our shared past. When collectors encounter his pieces in our gallery, they often find themselves lingering, discovering new layers of meaning in each viewing. That’s what makes his work so powerful – it’s not just about the moment he captures, it’s about how that moment continues to shape us today.”
Through his masterful blend of historical accuracy and artistic innovation, Thom Ross continues to create works that not only capture the eye but also challenge the mind. His paintings stand as vivid reminders that the story of the American West is not just about what happened but also about how we choose to remember and retell these pivotal moments in our shared history.
