Thomas
McDougall
I have always been drawn to making things by hand and to the quiet, absorbing process of bringing an idea to life. My art moves between portraiture, graphics and small-scale wood carving, using hand tools to explore what it means to be human. Working across these different forms allows me to approach the same questions from fresh perspectives, whether through the character of a face, the clarity of a drawn line or the tactile qualities of carved wood. I am especially interested in the subtle ways we reveal emotion, and in how those feelings can be interpreted differently by each person who encounters my work. Rather than offering a single fixed meaning, I hope to create space for viewers to bring their own experiences and associations to what they see. In my wood carvings, I create intricate, interlocking forms that reflect my fascination with connection, balance and structure. The slow, deliberate nature of carving is central to the work, with each cut contributing to a form that develops gradually through close attention and physical engagement with the material. For me, making art is a deeply personal way of thinking, feeling and communicating—a way to express myself honestly while creating a meaningful connection with others.