Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Tonzola.
Hi Eric, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Well, I guess I have always been an artist even from a young age. Started painting at 19 while I was in school for graphic design. Fell in love with it and painted when I had the time. Fast forward several years and I bounced around freelancing as a designer and illustrator. Love to do ink illustrations. Eventually, I was sick of designing logos and pamphlets and started painting more regularly.
This was in 2019 and then during covid lockdown, I had nothing else to do but paint. Always loved painting large scale and eventually, I landed my first mural gig and another until now. Painting murals on the regular would is where I’d like to make the jump to full-time artist. I still design from time to time but primarily my love is with painting and illustrating and murals
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not smooth. Rocky AF to be honest. I have struggled with addiction my whole life and that set me back a bit. Today I am in recovery and still struggle but the roads getting a bit smoother.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Blending 13-plus years of graphic designer skills and painting and illustrating I tend to lean towards the whimsical and conceptual styles of surrealism, pop, and abstract art. My current work has challenged me by using different techniques and concepts such as limited color palettes, the use of fluorescent pigments, and optical illusions.
The use of fluorescents is kind of my thing at the moment. It makes the color pop and vibrate off the canvas or wall. I’d have to say my most recent mural is something I’m very proud of. Painted a replica of one of my skull paintings 17’x20′ for the York Mural Fest. I’d say the use of fluorescents and strict color palettes have set me apart.
Not sure what I will do next.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
I like to take the approach of create, create, create. Make it put it out there. Just keep doing it. Over and over. Find your thing and keep doing it. Have multiple things if that’s your thing just keep producing and you’ll make magic.
Also, don’t use drugs and don’t drink. For real.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tonzolaart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonzola_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonzolaart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/erictonzola
