Thomas J Haneman
Multimedia Artist - Muralist - Visionary
Thomas Haneman
You would not know that Thomas Haneman listens to Death Metal when he paints his imaginary floral compositions. These lyrical paintings feel symphonic, full of trills and flute solos rather than weighty guitar distortion. And yet there is triumphal power, a kind of breaking through, a fierce determined beauty in these vines and flowers that often turn away from the viewer toward some unseen source of light and strength.
There is indeed a miraculous component to this work: Haneman started making these paintings in 2016, after finally receiving effective treatment for debilitating, chronic depression. Completely unlike the paintings he was making in art school at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, these compositions seemed to following the rebirth of his neural synapses. He speaks of the work as if it is a direct outcome or visualization of this mental healing.
The paintings, called “Floating Flowers,” vary immensely in color and form, suggesting different states of growth and joy, combined with the hidden strangeness of the body's interior realms. They are like secret gardens that grow and bloom in remote places, untouched by humans. Haneman’s plants appear to mutate and evolve on the canvas, sometimes emitting bubbles and froth, other times weighted by robust strands of berries.
The work harkens to 17th century Dutch still life painting, 18th century botanical illustrations, and the invented landscapes of Surrealism.
Thomas Haneman lives in Sheboygan, Wi. He attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design from 1979 to 1985. He completed his art degree at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee in 2011. His work is in the corporate collection of Acuity Insurance and in many private collections.
About Thomas
My first gallery showing was in a group exhibition at the John
Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI. The nine Counties
Exhibition featured a multitude of mediums. Mine, was a pencil drawing
of Arthur Rubinstein in his eighties. Referenced from a small 1” x 1/2”
black and white photo I had appropriated from a magazine. The finalized
work was an 8” x 11” portrait. I had used a technique I call, scribbling.
With that manner of execution I was able to best capture the aged flesh.
It was then I decided to become an artist.
From 1979 till 1985 I attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
6 full-time semesters transitioning to part-time semesters.
My Bachelors of Fine Arts focused on sculpture, painting, drawing
and performance art programs. In my senior year I achieved dean’s list
notoriety.
Post collage. I began collaborating with local artist, David Hollen.
We began to create large format works. Involving many persons to
execute the vision. Funded from donations for performance based art
and video. Our work was successful in small local galleries.
A video / documented Performance piece was exhibited at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
The beginning of my 30’s fell on hardship at first. I had lost my muse and floundered. I became addicted to bicycling, work and my apartment. Artistically, I found items in alley ways and second hand thrift stores, transforming them into new creations for interior esthetics. Mid 30s, I Successfully emerged as a consultant of design materials. My reputation quickly grew to contracts within I.M.S. (International Market Square). Ron Cohen Interiors and Baker Nap and Tubs of Kohler.
Venturing into my 40s. I moved back to my hometown of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Connecting and assisting creative friends. I found my way into volunteering locally.
Volunteer contributions:
The Children’s Museum, Above and Beyond.
A rainforest mural and clouds overhead on the Ceiling.
The Sheboygan county Y.M.C.A.
Requested a decorative finish and faux marble wall mounted piece for a central stairwell.
A second wall mounted work was created an illusion of carved in stone. Exhibiting the word “Lifestyle”
BookWorm Gardens
Donated a refinished writing desk transformed into a faux Dalmatian spotted technique.
My 5th decade, I returned to college at UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts . Receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Art History.
Upon graduation I returned to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Focusing on tending to my mother’s extensive gardens. This was a huge under taking for me and led to some new inspiration. I began to paint my own garden fertilized with my imagination.
Now, being in my 6th decade of life I have found myself painting. Creating over 50 acrylic painting inspired by tending to my mothers gardens. I am currently represented by the, Portrait Society Gallery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
