About the Artist

Tom studied painting and earned a BFA in 1984. One of the most memorable pieces of advice from his teachers was to got a job that was far removed from art. He had developed construction skills, so became a tile contractor. That turned out to be a critical decision in the development of his artistic vision.

For the first few decades, he did virtually no art.  Periodically, he would pick up a sketch book or break out the paints, but there was no sustained effort. Yet, at the same time he began gathering the equipment to set up a ceramic studio and begin making pottery. 

It didn’t take long for the idea to emerge that, instead of merely installing tile, he could also make them by hand. One day, he would create a shower made from these hand-made tiles.

One common tile installation project is a kitchen backsplash. Frequently, he would receive a request to create a decorative tile mural, within the backsplash above the stove. This would be another application for the hand-made tiles, but at a manageable size, similar in size to an oil painting.

In 2007 he left the hectic demands of living in southern California, trading a $3200 mortgage for an $800 one in the small town in which he now lives. With that one change, he could now devote time and resources to his love of art.

 Landing in a small town in Kentucky, he joined the local art guild and found himself in the company of an exceptional concentration of talented and accomplished artists. The incentive and encouragement he received there led to his dedication to pursue creative work.