Christopher Thomson is an accomplished blacksmith and sculptor based in New Mexico, known for his unique and improvisational approach to metalwork. With a career spanning several decades, Thomson has garnered recognition for his dynamic sculptures, which blend traditional blacksmithing techniques with contemporary aesthetics. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and public installations across the United States, showcasing his ability to transform raw materials into flowing, organic forms that captivate the viewer.

Thomson's dedication to his craft is evident in his extensive list of awards and accolades, including recent honors at prestigious events such as Art 2C on Havana and the Abiquiu Inn Sculpture Walk. His pieces, often characterized by vibrant colors and intricate designs, reflect a deep understanding of both form and function. In addition to his artistic achievements, Thomson has also contributed to the education of aspiring artists through workshops and classes, sharing his knowledge and passion for metalwork.

A self-taught artist with a rich background in engineering, pottery, and music, Thomson draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences. His work not only embodies the timeless art of blacksmithing but also pushes the boundaries of contemporary sculpture, making him a distinctive and influential figure in the art world.

Public Installations Exhibitions Media Features Books Education Work History Representation Affiliations Contact

Public Installations & Purchases

• October 2026 — El Paseo Sculpture Exhibit, "Spiral Spirals #4 – Turquoise," Palm Desert, CA
• September 2026 — Art 2C on Havana, "Visioning #11," Aurora, CO
• June 2026 — Art on the Streets, "Spiral Pajos #5 – Orange," Colorado Springs, CO — 2nd place award
• May 2026 — Art in the Heart, "Sky Spirits #1," Farmington, NM
• April 2026 — Abiquiu Inn Sculpture, "Wind Water #1, 2 & 3," "Chrome Chinlone," & "Visioning #3," Abiquiu, NM
• June 2025 — Art Around Town 2025, "Visioning #11," Carbondale, CO
• May 2025 — Art in the Heart, "Chinlone Garden Orb" & "Eyes to the Skies," Farmington, NM
• April 2025 — Abiquiu Inn Sculpture Walk, "2 x Chinlone," "Spiral Pajos #5," & "Sky Spirits," Abiquiu, NM
• October 2024 — Art 2C on Havana, "Spiral Spirals #1," Aurora, CO
• May 2024 — Abiquiu Inn Sculpture Walk, "Red Chinlone Garden Orb," "Optimism," & "Visioning #10," Abiquiu, NM
• April 2024 — Art Around the Corner, "Visioning #11 – Turquoise," St. George, UT
• May 2023 — "Spiral Spirals #2 – Yellow" & "Blooming Gratitude #1" purchases, Chicago, IL
• November 2022–24 — El Paseo Sculpture Exhibit, "Blooming Gratitude #2," Palm Desert, CA
• April 2023 — Art Around the Corner, "Spiral Spirals #1 – Yellow," St. George, UT
• October 2022–24 — Art 2C on Havana, "Sky Spirits #1" sculpture installation, Aurora, CO
• June 2022 — Art Around Town, "Spiral Spirals #2 – Yellow," Carbondale, CO
• May 2022 — Chicago Sculpture Exhibition 2022–23, "Blooming Gratitude #1," San Miguel School, Chicago, IL
• April 2022 — Art Around the Corner, "Spiral Blooms #6" & "Optimism," St. George, UT
• January 2022 — 1% for the Arts Purchase, "Spiral Spirals #3 – Turquoise," Carlsbad Library, NM
• October 2020 — Art 2C on Havana, "Visioning #3" and "Chinlone Garden Orb," Aurora, CO
• September 2020 — Alamosa Artscape, "Spiral Spirals #2 – Yellow," Alamosa, CO
• September 2020 — The Met at Boulevard One, "Visioning #9," "Summer Bloom," and "Red Bloom" purchases, Denver, CO
• June 2020 & 2023 — Abiquiu Inn Sculpture, "Spiral Blooms #3 – Red Roses" & "Visioning #10," Abiquiu, NM
• May 2021 — Chicago Sculpture Exhibit 2021–2022, "Gathering #1," Chicago, IL
• April 2020 & 2021 — Art Around the Corner, "Chinlone Garden Orb" & "Visioning #5," St. George, UT
• October 2019 — Artscape 2019–20 Sculpture Walk, "Visioning #6," Alamosa, CO
• May 2019 — Chicago Sculpture Exhibition 2019, "Aspire #5" sculpture installation, Chicago, IL
• April 2019 — Sculpture for All 2019–2021, "Aspire #2," Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches, TX
• April 2019 — Art Around the Corner, "Visioning #4" sculpture installation, St. George, UT
• February 2019 — Iron Tribe 2019, "Aspire #2" — Featured Speaker, Burris Hall, Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM
• October 2018 — Art 2C on Havana Exhibition 2018–19, "Visioning #1," Aurora, CO
• July 2018 — Liberty, Missouri Sculpture Program, "Spiral Blooms #6 – Spring Buds," Liberty, MO
• May 2018 — Chicago Sculpture Exhibit 2018–19, "Aspire #4," 35th and Iron, Chicago, IL
• April 2018 — Art Around the Corner 2018–19, "Opening #1" sculpture installation, St. George, UT
• May 2017–18 — Tri-Lakes Views & Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, "Spiral Blooms #3 – Red Roses," Palmer Lake, CO
• May 2017 — Art on Parade 2017, "Spiral Spirals #2 – Yellow," Northglenn, CO
• May 2017 — Chicago Sculpture Exhibit 2017–18, "Aspire #3," North and Orchard, Chicago, IL
• October 2017 — Art 2C on Havana Exhibition 2017–18, "Spiral Blooms #5," Aurora, CO
• November 2016 — El Paseo Exhibition 2016–2018, "Spiral Blooms #4 – Red Meanders," Palm Desert, CA
• May 2016 — Chicago Sculpture Exhibit 2016–17, "Aspire #2," Lincoln Park, West Lill and Halstead, Chicago, IL
• November 2016 — 1% for the Arts Purchase, "Spiral Pajos #4 – Orange," UNM Taos, NM
• April 2015 — Sculpture for All 2015–2017, "Spiral Pajos #1," Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches, TX — Second Place Winner
• June 2013 — Art Around Town, "Spiral Pajos #1," Carbondale, CO
• March 2007 — Master of the Southwest 2007, Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine; October 2006 promotional symbol for Santa Fe Design Week
• August 1999–2003 — Door Hardware Commission for the National Hispanic Cultural Center
• May 2003 — Armand Hammer United World College of The American West / Bartos Institute for the Constructive Engagement of Conflict, "Constructive Engagement"
• December 1998 — Niche Award Winner for Dinner Party Table
• November 1998 — Niche Award Finalist in two categories: Wave Bed and Dinner Party Table
• June 1997 — Best of Show, Santa Fe Furniture Expo, Santa Fe, NM

Exhibitions

• August 2025 — Forged in Sound, Owen Contemporary, in-person exhibit, Santa Fe, NM
• July 2019 — Heavy Metal, Gallery 140, Las Vegas, NM
• August 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 — Sculpture in the Park, Loveland, CO
• August 2015 — New Forgings – Bronze and Steel, Sugarman Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
• April 2015 — Artscape, Dallas Arboretum, Dallas, TX
• August 2014 — Contemporary Contrasts, 2-person show, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, NM
• July 2014 — Blooms – Forged Garden Sculpture, featured artist, La Mesa Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
• January 2014 — Forged Sculpture: Steel and Bronze, solo show, UNM Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM
• September 2013–16 — Art for the Sangres, invitational group show, A Painted View, Westcliffe, CO
• September 2013 — Spiral Pajos, Sugarman-Peterson Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
• 2007, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2021 — Irontribe Exhibition, Burris Hall, UNM Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM
• May 2006 — WPA, Men at Work, Vital Arts, Las Vegas, NM
• February 2006 — Fire and Ice, Peterson-Cody Gallery, Santa Fe, NM

Bibliography — Selected Media Features

• Summer 2026 — Hacienda, The New Mexican, "The Artisan Touch – Christopher Thomson Ironworks"
• Summer 2025 — Trend, "Melding Sound and Fire"
• August 2025 — Pasatiempo, The New Mexican, "Out There – Heavy Metals: Christopher Thomson"
• January 2023 — Music CD, Grand Canyon Stream of Consciousness, improvised flute on a solo kayak trip
• January 2019 — Music CD, Flowing with the Grand, improvised flute on a 15-day solo kayak trip
• February 2017 — Music CD, Grand Canyon Solo, improvised flute on a 15-day solo kayak trip
• January 2016 — Music CD, Blacktail Canyon Flute, improvised solo flute meditation
• June 2015 — "Forging His Own Path," front page feature, Phoenix Home and Garden
• April 2015 — Phoenix Home and Garden, "In Full Bloom" feature in "Garden Art"
• December 2014 — Music CD, Pecos Canyon Flute Meditation, improvised solo alto and concert flute
• August 2014 — KasaFox2 Television, style interview, "Contemporary Contrasts – Fire and Water"
• January 1991 — Music CD, Grand Canyon Flute/Kayak Solo, improvised flute solo kayak trip

Bibliography — Books

• 2014 — Ironwork Today 4: Inside and Out
• 2011 — Ironwork Today 3: Inside and Out
• 2009 — From Fire to Form: Sculpture from the Modern Blacksmith and Metalsmith
• 2006 — Ironwork Today: Inside and Out
• 2005 — Contemporary Ironwork

Education & Influences

Primarily self-taught

• 1967 — Graduated Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Carbondale, CO — mentor Francis Whittaker, artist blacksmith master
• 1967–69 — Swarthmore College, engineering and pottery
• 1969 — Pottery with Marguerite Wildenhain at Pond Farm Pottery, Guerneville, CA
• 1969 — Studied at Pottery Northwest, Seattle, WA
• 1971–75 — Jazz and classical composition/performance, Cabrillo College, Santa Cruz, CA
• 1976–present — Attended numerous ABANA, SWABA & NMABA workshops & conferences
• 1994–present — New Mexico Commercial Contractors License (GB-98)
• 1958–present — Classical flute education, improvised flute music

Work History

• 1985–present — Founded Christopher Thomson Ironworks Studio, specializing in the design and production of functional and sculptural hand-forged steel home furnishings, architectural works, lighting, and sculpture
• 1999–2013 — Ongoing artist/blacksmithing classes for students from the Native American Prep School, The Armand Hammer United World College of the American West, West Las Vegas Family Partnership, Rio Gallinas Charter School, Santa Fe High School, and Colorado Rocky Mountain School
• 1967, 1968, 1972 — Taught pottery & blacksmithing at Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Carbondale, CO

Representation

• April 2024–present — Ongoing representation, Owen Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM
• 2012–present — Ongoing representation, Sugarman Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
• 1990–present — Christopher Thomson Forge, Gallery and Sculpture Garden, San José, NM
• 1986–March 2024 — Representation, La Mesa of Santa Fe, NM

Affiliations

• Artist Blacksmith Association of North America
• International Sculpture Center
• MENSA
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
• New Mexico Artist Blacksmith Association
• Pecos River Open Spaces
• Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association (SFAHBA)
• Santa Fe Conservation Trust
• Triple Nine Society

Contact

505.470.3140
christopherthomsonironworks.com
POB 578, Ribera, NM 87560