Today we’d like to introduce you to Tobias Ross-Southall.
Hi Tobias, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a Londoner born and bred, but I’m currently on a residency in Puebla, Mexico. I’m an artist, filmmaker and curator.
I think I’ve always had a burning desire to do something creative from a very early age. Apparently as a kid, I used to get tummy ache if I didn’t draw.
I studied fine art at Central Saint Martins, London and discovered a passion for filmmaking which enabled me to travel the world directing film & TV, music videos, commercials, documentaries and other fun projects.
In 2019, I decided to start painting again and stayed in a remote Italian mountain village for 3 months, painting every day and I haven’t looked back since.
I’m staying here in DTLA for my new exhibition POST HUMAN III, involving 19 contemporary artists from London, Los Angeles, Tel Aviv and Mexico City. The exhibition was held at Jagarhaus, which is an incredible space on W Pico Blvd. This is the third in a series of global group exhibitions that I’ve curated.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Smooth road – definitely not. Fun road – absolutely.
I’ve been a freelancer my whole life. When it’s good, it’s great. When it’s bad, it’s terrifying; not knowing where your next job is coming from can be quite a strange and daunting experience. However, you learn to adapt and always stay positive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m currently experimenting with a technique using watercolour and inks on raw canvas. I’m keen to explore the human figure in abstract ways, considering themes of artificial intelligence and the future of our place in this new world.
I’m most proud of this new series of exhibitions that I’m curating. The first one was in Mexico City last year and it was a fantastic experience which has inspired me to do more.
I’m also very proud of my immersive three-screen cinematic installation Eleanor, starring Ruth Wilson. She plays three different women whose lives become fatefully intertwined over one night in London.
What matters most to you? Why?
I think honesty, trust and ambition matter most to me.
You have to be honest with yourself in order to create successful work. Do it for you, don’t worry about what other people think.
You have to trust the process and your vision, which enables self-belief. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.
Ambition. You have to want it. If you decide to work as a creative in any capacity, this will take over your entire life. Go all in. “If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start.” Charles Bukowski
I also only realized a few years ago that you have to enable yourself the space to fail. It really helps as a state of mind. Once you eradicate the fear of failure, opportunities and new thoughts become available to you.
I also love a bit of mezcal and Radiohead – studio essentials.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tobyross-southall.co.uk/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobias_r_s/
Image Credits
Portrait by Louisa Tratalos
