Mediums - mixed media, pastel, acrylic and gouache

Artist's Statement -My work is a reminiscent of "the good ole days." Many of the people I encounter are a reflection of those times and appreciate that they are visually expounded upon. They see themselves in my work. They have become my inspiration.

Biography - Her creativity was apparent at the age of nine. She created paper dolls from notebook paper. Her great-grandmother taught her to design patterns from newspaper and sew Barbie doll clothes on a push-pedal sewing machine. At 12, she wove stories on paper so well, her sixth grade teacher encouraged her to become a writer. With such nurturing, creativity has always been an essential aspect in the life of Tosh Fomby. She began her art career as a portrait artist. Today, her sub-jects are reflective of her southern roots, yet reminisce cross-cultural themes with colorful figuratives, landcapes and abstracts. Fomby received her BFA in Graphic Design, executing her own design projects, which prepared her for unlimited sketching, conceptual design and inventiveness. She feels this has strongly influ-enced the work she now creates. Though a self-taught painter, her studies in art history and drawing classes laid the foundation for her fine art development. Though she is an admirer of several artists, past and present, such artists as Jacob Lawrence, Charles White and Diego Rivera influence her style. Yet, she admits, "Van Gogh is a big deal to me. His use of color and texture has a luring affect on me." Her compositions, whether full of movement or stagnant, seeks to record a story with vibrancy. Other influences stem from German Expressionism, for its use of color, along with the Cubist and Impressionist Movements. Fomby travels the country, particiapting in various shows and resides in the Atlanta area. During her time away from painting, she enjoys reading, watching repeats of Seinfeld, Friends and King of the Hill and talking on the telephone.

Gallery Affiliations - Thelma Harris Art Gallery, Oakland CA Victoria's Fox - Atlanta, GA Art Gallery South - Avondale Estates, GA

Exhibitions - Victoria's Fox - Decatur, GA - December 2002 Victoria's Fox - Covington, GA - February 2003 Victoria's Fox - Decatur, GA - April 2003 Hammonds House Galleries' Auction - Atlanta, GA - April 2003 Florida Black Heritage Arts Festival - Tallahassee, FL - July 2003 Heriatge Arts Festival - Decatur, GA - July 2003 Bluff Part Art Show - Birmimgham, AL - October 2003 Southwest Café V - Atlanta, GA - October 2003 Fiesta In The Park - Orlando, FL - Novemeber 2003 Paradise City Arts Show - Ft Lauderdale, FL - January 2004