Thomas Bucich, The Philosopher, 242 x 60 x 60 cm, 2022
“The innate need to create drives my practice, allowing me to roam between drawing, painting, and sculpture in some kind of poetic collision.”
A New York native now living in Sydney, Australia, Artwork Archive's Featured Artist Thomas Bucich works with a wide range of materials, from cast bronze and carved stone to found objects and works on paper.
For Thomas, the creative process is one of experimentation, where he embraces the unexpected. By assembling, recycling, and modifying materials, he amplifies their spirit, much like ancient alchemy.
His latest series reflects on his deep connection to culture, society, and the natural environment—blurring the lines between the observer and the observed, and highlighting the complex relationship between humanity and nature.
Artwork Archive had the chance to chat with Thomas Bucich about his creative process, the advice he has for other artists, and how Artwork Archive helps him manage his studio and art career!
You can see more of his work on Discovery and learn more about his art practice below.
Thomas Bucich, Specimen XI, 20 x 42 x 12 cm, 2019
Can you walk us through your creative process?
My Creative Process always begins with a dream or a vision.
Sometimes, it's visual; other times, it's simply an idea I want to realize in 2D or 3D. Coming from a fine art and architectural background, all of my work starts as a sketch—using pencil, ink, or charcoal, depending on the delicacy or boldness of the initial idea.
My work is often very gestural, with bold marks and strokes. It’s always a matter of knowing when to stop and avoid overworking a piece.
I like to make work that captures and maintains the movement and energy of the making process.
My favorite part of the process is when the finished piece is as good as, or even better than, the original idea.
Your work spans a wide range of mediums, from bronze and stone to found objects and canvas. How do you decide which medium to use for a particular piece?
As all my work begins with an idea or concept, the process of realization from the sketch stage informs me of which medium the concept needs to be created with.
I generally work within stories and series, which often span from drawings and 2D works to sculpture.
Using different mediums for the same concept allows me to fully explore the ideas I want to express.
Thomas Bucich, Mesa Figure 3, 36 x 66 x 30 cm, 2023
How do you approach the concept of chance reactions in your work? Can you share an example of an unexpected outcome that shaped a piece?
Since I work with generally volatile and highly responsive materials and tools, I enjoy allowing the element of chance and unexpected reactions to add an organic process to my work.
When creating sculptures with hot wax or wet plaster, there are always unexpected outcomes due to the nature of wet materials and varying drying times. Processes like plasma cutting, welding steel, and burning wood always bring about surprises.
The marks left by these tools and reactive materials maintain a "rawness" in the work that I love.
What impact do you hope to have on those who view your artwork?
The backstory of my work carries personal narratives and clues to elements of art and culture that I infuse into even more abstract artworks.
While I’m happy for viewers to simply enjoy the visual aesthetic and energy of the work, it’s always nice when they find a deeper meaning that brings them back to the alchemical and mystical inspiration that drives it.
In hindsight, what’s something you wish you knew before becoming a professional artist?
I wish I had been bolder and louder with my art earlier in life. It's the artists who shout the loudest that get the coverage.
Thomas Bucich, Nude-Arch, 58 x 76 cm, 2023
Do you have any rituals or routines to get you in the creative headspace? Anything that you do in your studio before you start creating to enhance productivity, flow, and inspiration?
I start every day with meditation and grounding, followed by strong coffee.
Then I head to the studio, where I often spend a lot of time just looking at materials or works in progress.
When the music gets really loud, the flow state takes over.
Unless I can hit that creative flow state, I don’t pick up a tool.
Was there a specific instance or time you realized you needed something like Artwork Archive to inventory your artwork and manage your art career?
I can clearly remember when I realized I needed an inventory system.
I had works in 4 or 5 locations around Australia and a few incomplete spreadsheets floating around the studio somewhere. After looking at some options, I found Artwork Archive to be a comprehensive and intuitive tool to organize myself as an artist.
As a non-computer person, I was shocked to find I could actually use so many of the tools available on Artwork Archive to manage my inventory.
Then, one day, I serendipitously opened an art gallery in a regional area outside of Sydney. When I did, I naturally got involved in the Organization version of Artwork Archive, which allowed my team to dive deeper into everything the platform offers.
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Click here to learn which account type is the best fit for you!
Thomas Bucich, Seated Figures, 36 x 20 x 20 cm, 2020
How do you use Artwork Archive on a daily basis?
On a daily basis, I use Artwork Archive to catalog all my new work as it's created and get it onto the market.
Portfolio Pages is probably one of my favorite reports to use when sharing work with potential buyers, galleries that show my work, or interested clients.
I also regularly use the Exhibitions feature to organize my upcoming shows, which allows me to view the collection before it hits the gallery. This helps me review the look and feel of the show, check pricing, and review potential pre-opening buyers.
Stay on top of your art business by using Artwork Archive’s powerful features!
Use Portfolio Pages to instantly create polished, professional reports to share your new work with galleries, buyers, and clients.
And with the Exhibitions feature, you can keep all your exhibition details in one place—from important dates to which pieces are included. You can even attach files like contracts or press releases.
What advice would you give an artist who’s just starting out in their professional career?
My advice to young artists is to take your art seriously—if you don’t, no one else will.
If possible, go ALL IN with your art.
Total dedication to your craft will accelerate the creation of a solid body of work and increase the chances of having your work shown by galleries, in group shows, or at art prizes.
Thomas uses Artwork Archive to keep track of his inventory, stay on top of his numerous exhibitions, share his artwork with Portfolio Pages, and a lot more.
You can make an online portfolio, catalog your artwork, and generate reports like inventory reports, tear sheets, and invoices in seconds with Artwork Archive. Take a look at Artwork Archive's free trial and start growing your art business.
