TOBY EARL

WHAT ROLE DOES ART PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

Art helps me keep my sanity, because no one can take it away from me. Art is also a gift I can give others; whether it’s through viewing my pieces or through me teaching art to others. Teaching art has been instrumental in my growth process. It has allowed me to step away from the prison ideologies and given me the ability to see the humanity in every single person. Art has also taught me to see a deeper meaning in the universe. I see Spirit at work on a daily basis in the sunrises, sunsets, in others’ artwork, and all around me.

2023 Identity 2 Exhibition

IDENTITY STATEMENT

“My name is Toby and I am a self-taught artist who is drawn mainly toward nature and Native American artwork. I view myself as a deeply spiritual person, who finds inspiration for art and life in the countless small wonders that we experience daily. My hope is others are able to see the sincerity in how I walk and live life. Change has allowed me to seek out the humanity in all, and art has given me an avenue to both offer others beauty and teach others a talent they may not be tapped into yet. Art has allowed me to work on inner healing, to transcend walls and soar to the vast places my imagination sees, and I find a sense of pride in creativity. Art has allowed me to view life through a creative spectrum - to become a creative thinker, problem solver, goal setter, and even an explorer for life’s possibilities. Without art, I would not be the same person I am today. I am proud of the adversity that I’ve overcome, and I look towards a future with the utmost hope and encouragement.