Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Fowler.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Art is and will always be my first love; it has been apart of my life since I was a kid.
Growing up, I was always drawing and as my teenage years came around I found it hard to focus in class, so I was constantly doodling on all my notes. I would be counting down the minutes to my ceramics, photography, or graphic arts class. Anything to let my creativity flow.
Rewind to 2017, I found myself settling for a career that didn’t make me happy and realized I needed to make a change. So I quit my job and dove headfirst into my art and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Has it been a smooth road?
When you create something, whether it’s art, music, clothes, etc. you put a little portion of yourself in every piece. So having the courage to put that out into the world for everyone to judge and critique won’t always be an easy road.
When I first decided I was going to give this art journey my all, I lacked confidence within myself. I was constantly comparing myself to other artists, telling myself I wasn’t good enough and remembering those people who whispered, “Art isn’t a real job” or “You’ll never make a living off just drawing.” In the beginning, I was really focused on trying to make art to please others, things they’d buy. Sometimes I still struggle, but I try to remain myself throughout it all and make art that I love.
Please tell us more about your art.
My business is called ArtbyToni, I know super creative right.🙃
I started off painting 90’s art. I wanted to be a cartoonist as kid, so growing up, I watched a ton of cartoons. Also, I’m a 9s baby and we had the best era of tv shows, no debate what so ever!! Then one day I found myself watching a documentary on Basquiat and the way he was so free with his paintbrush inspired me. I began to explore with abstract art, not knowing I was going to fall in love with it. I also dabble in painting with wine, yes actual wine that you DRINK. Lol, I’ve noticed that people really enjoy weird art!!!
A lot of my paintings, especially my abstract art has been a way to express how I feel or what I’m thinking and I truly love that other people have connected with them, that’s what I’m most proud of. I love that my art is a little strange. It’s the type of art that makes you stare for long periods of time, makes you look twice and starts a conversation.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Over the next decade I feel like the industry will become more inclusive, we already see it happening. More and more artists are beginning to collab with one another. I’m hoping it’ll be more community over competition in the future.
Pricing:
- Custom canvas paintings starting at $200 and up
- Custom jean jackets $250 kids $350 adults
- Custom shoes $300
- Prints $5 to $20
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @art_bytoni
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