Community Spotlight: Tom

Tom resides in his Arts District loft with his fashion designer wife Annie, his cat, and surrounded by his oil paints and easels. Over the past 15 years, his loft has witnessed the creation of countless works of art, each a reflection of his artistic dedication and vision.

Since childhood, Tom always knew that art was his calling. At UCSD, he delved into exploring unconventional approaches to art. It was in his junior year of college that he decided to study abroad in Venice, a city that moved him so deeply, he ended up living there for 27 years.

“Classical oil paintings are about layering the paint. It’s about depth. When I moved back to the US, I thought about how I could make my paintings more contemporary. It’s layering,” Tom explains. “So, what’s the subject? This is a car city. We are surrounded by drive-ins and street signs.”

Urban is a compelling collection of works that superimpose LA streets, storefronts, and people, revealing a fusion of familiar imagery. Tom’s methods are distinctive to his experiences, blending the abstract techniques he studied in college with his inspiration of the old masters of Italy. His works are oil on a denim canvas, adding another modern twist on the traditional.

Tom’s unique synthesis of contemporary and traditional influences extend beyond his Urban series. His Paintings of Paintings are informed by his experience living abroad. As a student in Italy, he would learn by surrounding himself with classical art. Museums became his classroom. His keen observations of the classics mark his own artistic expression.

“Back then, museums didn’t allow photography,” Tom reminisces. He had to document in secret. “When I took a picture, they would come out blurry like they were moving. It’s a statement of the genesis of time. I mixed the contemporary with the techniques of the old Italian masters.”

Now in the Arts District, Tom’s work continues to evolve through cutting-edge, distinct styles he has embraced over his lifetime.

His art has a presence in the neighborhood—just walk to Imperial Street to appreciate his Frida Kahlo piece. In his free time, Tom can be spotted hanging out at the Bike Shed or relaxing at Urth Caffé.

Learn more about Tom’s art here.