Artist in the Archive: A Conversation with Thomas Little
Join us for an engaging presentation and panel discussion with artist Thomas Little, founder of A Rural Pen Inkworks, in the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation. Little is known for his unique process of transforming firearms into iron-based inks and pigments, blending art with ancient alchemical practices. His work has been featured in prominent outlets like CNN Style, American Craft, and Dark Mountain magazine.

In this presentation, Little will explore how his artistic practice is deeply intertwined with archival materials and how these resources inspire his creative journey. He will offer insights into the intersections between art, history, and culture, while showcasing his transformative use of materials from the past. The event will conclude with a panel discussion that dives into his artistic philosophies, the cultural significance of his work, and the broader implications of his creative process.

Thomas Little Artist Bio

Thomas Little is an artist and the proprietor of A Rural Pen Inkworks, a small operation that makes iron-based ink and pigments out of firearms. His process and artwork are informed by philosophies of the alchemical tradition. His work has been featured in the CNN Style section, American Craft magazine and Dark Mountain magazine. He has presented workshops and lectures at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, the Delaware Contemporary, the Rochester Institute of Technology and other institutions. His inks have also been collected for the material libraries of the University of Massachusetts and University of Pennsylvania.

Parking

The closest parking lot to the Rush Rhees Library is Library Lot. Use the Elmwood Avenue entrance to enter the River Campus. Stop at the parking kiosk just past this entrance to pay a parking fee. See the River Campus Visitor Guide for more information and a map of campus.

Access to Department

To access RBSCP via stairs: Enter through the ground floor entrance of the Rush Rhees Library across from Library Lot, go straight down the hallway to the end, going past the elevator, restrooms, and the Art & Music Library. When you get to the end of the hallway, go up the stairs by the vending machines which will take you to the Eastman Quad entrance of the Library. Enter through the doors to your left, go through the Friedlander lobby, up the left marble stairs to the second floor, left through the glass doors to the Great Hall study area, and through the "Administration" doorway to the left. Rare Books is to the right at the end of that hall.

To access RBSCP via elevators: Take the elevators just inside the library lot entrance to floor 1. Exit the elevator to your right and take an immediate right, going through the security gates, down the hall and into Lam Square. Take the single car elevator to floor 2. Upon exiting the single car elevator, go straight ahead to enter the department.