Thom Bierdz (born March 25, 1962)

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Thom Bierdz is the artist who will "borrow" his work to be dispalyed in Sticke Figures (a project of Matthew Montgomery).

I asked Thom if he would like to share a bit of him and his work with us, and I found a very kind but maybe shy man. Strange if you think that he is also an actor, but maybe this makes him an even more interesting person, someone I'm glad to have the chance to discover.

1) Your website says: Thom Bierdz, Actor, Artist & Author. Do you feel to be more of one of those three souls?

I am a quiet guy - my personality is really suited to be alone and create - as a painter.

2) Do you want to tell us something more on your role as Philip Cancellor III in "The Young and the Restless"?

Last year I made history by being the first out-gay actor hired on daytime for a contract role! I received a poignant HRC award.

3) You defined "Forgiving Troy" a VERY personal book. It's enough to read the blurb to understand that for sure it's, but do you care to tell something more about it and the experience to write it?

On this 3 minute clip (taped last month) from CBS news I talk about my book:

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/21928920/index.html

 
Taking the Leap

4) Looking at your Gallery, you have a very different and various portfolio. What is your background as artist?

Self-taught trial and error

5) You said that in the last 5 year, art made your living: what is the main common output for your artworks?

I have being doing a lot of personal commissions - a lot of family and dog portraits.

6) Your artworks will be protagonist in the Matthew Montgomery's movie, Sticke Figures; I suppose they will be the "paintings" of the main character, that is an artist. How did you come to this project?

My ex, best guy in the world, is Matt's boyfriend now.

7) Is it your first time on the screen not as actor?

My art has been on several tv show sets.



“2005 Emerging Artist of the Year, Los Angeles” What emerges from his personal journey onto the canvas is at times heartbreaking, haunting and profoundly affecting. Thom’s body of work ultimately proves to be an uplifting and inspiring experience of transcendence, a compelling testimony on the resilience of the human spirit.

Contradictory strategies for painting has quickly become Bierdz’s hallmark. Although he uses the same touch throughout, it can at times appear to be a number of different voices, even personalities. The reluctance to lay claim to a fixed position might at one time have been attributed to youth but it is clearly now an integral aspect of Bierdz methodology. Nothing is by chance. Even when the form appears to be a sort of free association, that’s really his expertise in terms of handling paint. The process is at times extremely rigorous and other times purely subconscious.

His paintings prove cunningly hard to pin down. One painting might be purely decorative abstraction; another an architectural interior or a figurative work. A single landscape might contain the following; asymmetrical branches that engulf a whimsical cabin, naïve animals that refer to Henri Rousseau’s paintings, atmospheric washes that evoke Rothko’s use of vivid color and bold strokes of shapes that seem to pay homage to Matisse. Whether it is a yellow-green wash over a woman in a chair or the mystical atmosphere of a moonlit landscape or storybook houses, it is a lyrical arrangement of elements that flips between symbolism, impressionism and abstract patterning. Bierdz is masterful at establishing tension between the decorative mark and recognizable imagery.

In the end, the artist allows the work to speak for itself. The very thing that takes our breath away, his diversity, his range, this combination of charm and sometimes harsh reality, are the same avenues we all walk. He holds a sort of universal mirror, as if to dare us to look at ourselves, and with a bold conviction and honesty, embrace all of who we are.

http://www.thombierdz.com/






6 Poppies and Trees


Blue Cord





More Artists at my website: http://www.elisarolle.com/, My Ramblings/Art

Comments

[snowmore.livejournal.com]

I was a fan of Y & R when Thom originally played Phillip Chancellor. I loved the character and was very sad to see him 'die' on the show.

I'm not a fan of the show now, but I was happy to hear he had returned and so pleased he was able to be himself and not have to hide in the closet.

I have read about the death of his Mother and applaud him for addressing that in his book, along with the despair that his Mother's death was at the hands of his brother.

It's good you have spotlighted such a compelling and talented man. :)

[shadownyc.livejournal.com]

As a Young and the Restless fan I'm thrilled to see this special feature! Thank you so much. I enjoyed learning more about the talent and torment of this terrific actor.

thom bierdz

[(Anonymous)]

HE IS SUCH A GOOD ACTOR. AND I HOPE HE GETS BACK ON Y&R SOON.I READ HIS BOOK AND IT IS SOMETHING FROM THE HEART. HE HAS WENT THRU SO MUCH OF PAIN AND HEARTACHE I HOPE THE FUTURE HOLD GOOD THINGS FOR HIM. AND I REALY LIKE SOME OF HIS PAINTINGS. I WISH HIM LUCK IN EVERYTHING HE DOES. WAVELYN

[(Anonymous)]

My wife, Tricia Cast, called me to the computer one morning and said "look at these paintings!" I was blown away. I contacted him and said his art, as well as his life story, had moved me to a song idea and so we wrote it together. I guess you could add songwriter to his resume ;-)
FYI...my wife is "Nina" on Y&R and the song "My Kind Of Life" will be on my new CD due this spring.
Bat McGrath

Amazing Thom

[(Anonymous)]

As a longtime fan of Thom's, I think what is so amazing about him is the depth of emotion that comes through in his work. I was too young to remember him from his first stint on Y&R 20 years ago, but became a fan many years later when I stumbled on some of his art on the net. I loved it instantly and still do...there is a such a wide range of form, color, subject matter, emotion and depth in his vast portfolio--but with a unifying and multi-faceted personality that is uniquely Thom's. Of course, I read "Forgiving Troy" and found it to be a deeply moving lesson in forgiveness and its vital role in the human journey. Now, on Y&R, I can see what makes Philip Chancellor III such a fascinating character. It's the nuance and artistry of Thom Bierdz at work, and no surprise that he has natural chemistry with every actor on the show that is involved in his storyline--and they are among the best in the business...Jeanne Cooper, Jess Walton, Tricia Cast, Daniel Goddard, Doug Davidson, John Driscoll, Billy Miller, Elizabeth Hendrickson. Amazing work, and I hope we see much more of Thom again very soon as he is once again part of Y&R's core family and really completes the Chancellor clan. Hopefully the show will always welcome him with open arms whenever he's willing and able to breathe life into Phillip.

Anyway, nothing too deep here other than to throw support Thom's way. He continues to inspire, is a true friend to his fans--gracious and real, and continues to create beauty and light through his art, in all its manifestations. I love that you chose "Taking the Leap" for this spotlight--one of the limited edition prints of it hangs in my den. Mostly thank you for spotlighting an artist/actor/author that inspires the human spirit. Simply put, that makes me happy for it is well earned, and well deserved. Peace and Love! ~Tracy Goodwin
tracy918@comcast.net

[tizi17.livejournal.com]

i love this new feature you do - thank you!
and goodluck after all you have been through!

how proud am I ?

[bill-granger.livejournal.com]

I have been working with Thom for the past year.....in all my years of PR, I don't ever remember meeting a more talented and humble person. I feel so honored to have him in my life through work and friendship. The talent that has been bestowed upon him is amazing.....artist / actor / author and now songwriter..Bat...when is the CD released? Tricia and Thom make the best couple on daytime drama since Victor & Nikki...way to stir things up on daytime...now just bring Thom back for more episodes. I'm glad that Thom is gay too....and I can proudly say he is my friend.

Comment on your art

[(Anonymous)]

Thom

Your ART breezes through! I can see that you, 'channel' your energy and it somehow, magically comes out in your art. Sometimes, it hurts your soul and you carry alot of 'baggage', what are we going to do with you. With 'Gifts' come to added responsibility of telling your public your pain, your love and with that - your gifts become your strength. Within every tear is a canvas, and on every canvas is - art - waiting to come out. Your a rare breed. Not too many - Straight looking, ultra masculine, men - such as yourself - come out. Many hide behind their wives or children, or their - 'girlfriends', you know what I'm talking about. You look tired Thom, you should take some ME time and go for that long walk along the beach. Think through your problems and the answers will come. Usually, the answers you seek are generally right in front of you. I admire you Thom, your a special person, a man whom I'd like to one day call a friend. Until then, be strong. Be yourself - which you do wonderfully.
Steve