About

 

ABOUT TOLA

Tola, also known as Chomp Marks, is professional multimedia artist known for their “color scheme” acrylic portrait paintings and custom “Chomp art”. Tola has many years of experience all over the United States in working with galleries, other artists, web developing and design, and fulfilling custom artwork/commission orders. As seen in the Ali Cultural Arts Center and website, as well as other curated gallery exhibitions, on the cover of the album “TOML”, and on many of the respective artist’s walls. You can also find Tola’s artwork on their online store and in upcoming gallery exhibitions. Tola now operates an online business, where you can purchase (including internationally) their original paintings and high-quality reproductions of their art, such as prints and stickers.

Although Tola is known for traditional acrylic painting, they spent most of their childhood and current freetime practicing digital art, which has evolved into the known Chomp art today. Tola hopes to explore more digital mediums while evolving their traditional practice of painting as well.

*If you would like to commission a custom Chomp, or to commission a custom painting, please contact Tola to see if there is a waitlist. To view more of Tola’s artwork, follow them on social media @chompmarks

TOLA’S ARTIST STATEMENT 

I utilize different colors as a tool to reflect the aura of the subject being created. I paint in my color interpretations, maintaining the identity of the subject with other realistic aspects. My art communicates the notion that since our brains interpret wavelengths of light, colors might vary for each person. I am fascinated by color being an agreed upon concept, but not having any way of knowing if colors look the same or different for other people. I primarily paint in acrylic paints, focusing on human faces/figures. I am inspired by people, music, color theories, my vivid dreams, pop surrealism, and transhumanism. My recent art also shows my interest in the effects of rapidly advancing technology in contrast to our constant reminders of death and decay. 

Another branch of my art is an alternative style of portraiture where I intend to reveal the inner monologue and inner child. “Chomp” is an alter ego who takes physical form in a style pairing dramatic expressions with area specific detailing. The function of the name “Chomp” is to represent the impulsive need and literal act of biting. I draw a person as a “Chomp”, not only as a caricature, but as a representation of that person’s essence. These exaggerated renders are made to express both obvious and suppressed characteristics and thoughts. “Chomp” has manifested into a tool to chronicle and portray personal and universal experiences. To showcase individuality and to highlight the internal angst we all endure, there is an intentional emphasis on the way I draw the eyes and the frowning mouth of each individual. I compare our relationship to the famous Hillary Duff’s “Lizzie McGuire”, and her animated self. Everyone can have/be a Chomp. Chomp is someone who is seen as an extension of self, but also recognized as a separate entity with their own individuality. 

The shift in my art to self portraits, and the rise of Chomp, is allowing me to compulsively but meticulously materialize ideas, with the intent of sharing with my viewers my personal and potentially shared experiences and interpretations of life and humans as individuals.

MORE FROM THE ARTIST

Growing up in the tropics exposed me to the privileges of surreal colors, the beauty of life, and the importance of connecting with people. In a quaint town on a small island, I felt both inspired and isolated. I had a very fortunate childhood but was made to feel alienated by my family and peers throughout it. My conditioned introversion evolved into a need to share my depth of perspective through art. Inspired by the artists and media I indulged in, an emotional crave for connecting with people, and the intense colors that surrounded me, my passion grew and I taught myself methods of creating. I’ve found the meditative practice of painting, the sensory experience of using different mediums, and the feeling of both rejection and satisfaction that comes from experimenting to play a large role in the ongoing process of building a healthy relationship with myself. Being able to communicate and connect with people through art has allowed me to experience and build healthy relationships with others, too. This combination ultimately fuels my desire to create.

As I navigate adulthood almost entirely by myself, I continue to reflect on my emergence as an adult and as a self-teaching artist. I have traveled and lived all over the United States, sharing my love for art, showing in exhibitions, and operating sales from my online store. I now reside in the PNW, where I continue to evolve my practice and create visual arts as a means to connect with or remember someone or an idea. 

 

PRICES FOR CUSTOM ART