TOM CHENOWETH (b. Washington, D.C., 1950)

Untitled (Leaf form), 1986
painted steel

Collection of the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts
The Jack Blanton Collection
Gift of Jack Blanton
2007.23.11

Tom Chenoweth works exclusively in metal, usually steel. Many of his works are functional pieces of furniture inspired by nature. Although not furniture, this piece, one of a small series of works made in the 1980s, clearly takes its inspiration from nature. Chenoweth painted the work black in order to neutralize the emotional aspect of color, thus enabling the viewer to concentrate solely on the organic lines and shapes.
Chenoweth attended the Maryland Institute of Art, where he earned a B.F.A., and Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned an M.F.A. Chenoweth has been part of the Richmond art scene since the late 1970s, including as a founding member of 1708 Gallery and, with jewelry maker Louise Ellis, as operator/owner of the studio and gallery Astra Design. Exhibitions of his work have been held at the Reynolds Gallery (Richmond), The University of Richmond, The Chrysler Museum (Norfolk), The Peninsula Fine Arts Center (Newport News), and other venues.