Tom was born in Oakland and had been carving since he was 10 or 11. He started at the E. Oakland Boys Club in the early1950s. As an adult he and his wife Judith found an amazing home in Rio Nido, Ca — in the heart of the Russian River Valley.
His mentor was Emil Janel, also a resident of Rio Nido, carved pieces that were sold by Maxwell galleries in San Francisco but also had a cabin in Rio Nido where he and Tom met and became close friends.
Tom, a seasoned podiatrist of three decades, truly understands the intricacies of the human form. His knowledge has inspired him to create intricate, realistic wooden sculptures of people. One of his notable works is a bronze-cast replica of the foot of eminent Russian ballet dancer, Rudolf Nureyev. Our favorite piece is a detailed carving of two men, meticulously crafted from a photo. Tom's talents extend beyond human subjects. He flawlessly encapsulates the majesty of wildlife in his sculptures. Whether it's a majestic bear or a dignified gorilla, each bronze piece is its own work of art. And we can't overlook his remarkable black cat sculpture, posed in a state of pure relaxation.
This multi-talented individual engaged in a variety of pursuits, from playing the trombone, Celtic drum and chromatic harmonica, to dabbling in painting and participating in global computerized chess tournaments.
His artistry found a profound source in an unfortunate event that marked his life in the early '70s. While returning a cabin cruiser to Monterey with three friends, a sudden wave struck their boat. With a newly gifted life vest, he alone survived, reaching the rocks amidst the chaos. The incident deeply affected him, but it also heightened his connection to his feelings and the natural world. Over time, he had strived to focus on the positive aspects of his life and those of his friends, hoping to transmit joy through his art.
A rare opportunity, Tom's works can be seen and purchased at Oli Gallery, oligallery.com.
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