Otago Dip Fine Arts, Dip Teaching
Born Queenstown, NZ, 1949

Roger Thompson is a distinguished artist and art educator now residing in Riverton, New Zealand. His formative years in Queenstown, New Zealand, were deeply influenced by a strong connection to the land and sea, which fueled his passions for climbing, skiing, sailing, and diving. These early experiences have profoundly shaped his artistic vision and life’s work.His later years have been dedicated to a fruitful journey with family and community, centered around a continuous pursuit of learning and sharing knowledge.

With a comprehensive background in both teaching and practicing art,
Roger Thompson has established himself as a versatile and innovative artist. His work spans a wide range of mediums and techniques, reflecting his adaptability and creative prowess. His sculptures, which have been featured in collections worldwide, are a testament to his involvement in numerous prestigious international art events. His contributions include significant projects with stone in Sicily, steel in Macedonia, bronze in China, corten steel in Changchun and metalworks exhibited in various Biennales in China. Additionally, his artistic contributions extend to the Ice Hotel in Sweden,
ice carving competitions in Canada, the Greek Olympic Art Exhibition and the Beijing Olympic Fine Art Exhibition, and several symposia
in China, highlighting his broad global presence.

Roger's art is deeply rooted in narrative and cultural exchange, driven by a fascination with the journey of discovery in materials and techniques.
He works with a diverse array of materials, including CNC laser-cut and plasma-cut steel, bronze casting, clay, carved stone, and wood. His creative process is motivated by an exploration of material, texture, and context, resulting in a positive dialogue about human existence within a vibrant and engaging world. His sculptures often feature natural aging patinas and showcase the evolving colors of materials such as rusted corten steel, verdigris on bronze, and the reflective qualities of stainless steel.

For Roger, sculpture serves as a dynamic, three-dimensional canvas, offering boundless opportunities for creativity—from monumental and kinetic installations to minimal abstract forms. His artistic approach frequently starts with a conceptual idea and evolves through the exploration of applied design in various applications, including screens, poles, and gates. Alongside his sculptural work, Roger is a passionate painter, focusing on the interplay of light on land and sea. For him, art is not only a dialogue with the viewer but also a continual exploration of new ideas and artistic expressions.