Tom Lasley

“What I love about assemblage are the surprises that occur throughout the process. I begin a project with an idea inspired by an object - something I’ve discovered at a thrift store, yard sale or flea market - that stirs a memory, triggers a feeling or simply appeals to me. It can be a toy, a souvenir or some seemingly mundane object that for me has specific significance.

The original object then attracts more objects - from the stash of junk I’ve amassed, things I randomly happen upon or things that pop into my head I then seek out. It’s in those “aha” moments I experience incredible excitement and satisfaction as connections are made and a deeper understanding of what I’m expressing and how to best express it evolves.

Finishing a piece and creating something surprising - something I never planned or predicted- is very gratifying and the process brings me profound joy.”