Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Tomka.
Peter, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am the youngest of five children from Des Moines, Iowa. I came to Los Angeles in January 2012 after meeting someone in Europe who told me to come work for them. The job had a fake cliched Hollywood producer casting couch prerequisite but after being ‘let go’ two weeks from arriving I stayed for the puppy love I too easily found. I spent a lot of time these early years walking around the city on foot and exploring sites that are now filled with strained tourism. Pre-Uber, Pre-Google Maps ubiquity Los Angeles was a different vibe since I walked most places I was giving or getting directions, quite the analogue time. In 2014, I spent the first six months of the year on couches, I was housed by eight different people and at times slept in my car.
By the fall, I moved to a MacArthur Park studio and it was there where my practice developed. I was convinced of my role as a photographer and moved into performance by documenting the performances of friends. My neighbor gave me a medium format camera which gave me access to a new artistic sentiment. I accepted my role as an artist through intense studio sessions with another artist, it was a hard fate to face. Currently, I am finishing my Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts at the University of California Riverside. It is a three years program that is fully funded and takes four students a year. My third and final tour to Riverside from Los Angeles will take place April 18th, 2020.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Creating the right balance of a self-belief system paired with generosity towards your peers. Trusting your spirit and allowing the varying degrees of the universe to fall into place. Timing, being ready, moving into territories you are uncertain of but know you must venture into.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peter-tomk.at
- Instagram: @petertomkat
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterTomka.at
- Tinyurl: https://tinyurl.com/vyp93xh
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