About me
I’m Toni. . . artist, storyteller, and creative spirit.
Born in Queens, New York, I’ve always known I was an artist. I never imagined being anything else. My creative journey began in childhood through writing, dancing, music, photography, and crafting tiny dioramas. Thanks to my dad, one of the first tools I ever held was a camera. He saw my creative nature early on. As a math whiz himself, he understood my struggles with numbers and supported me as I found my strengths in visual expression. Later in life, I discovered I was dyslexic, which explained a lot and only deepened my commitment to creative outlets.
Art became my armor, my therapy, and ultimately, my healing. It was how I coped with the emotional weight of growing up with a dysfunctional mother. Rather than medication, I chose creativity, therapy tools, and expression as my path forward. Through art, I found my way back to myself.
Today, I live and create in the Desert Southwest. I’ve worked independently for over 50 years and am a certified non-clinical Art Therapist. I continue to study Art Therapy and Behavioral Health, always learning and growing.
I create all-original work under my studio name, Abracadabra Images, a nod to the magic that art brings into our lives.
One of the first signs I ever saw in a workplace hung above my boss’s desk. It read:
“Success is loving what you do.”
That stuck with me. Because if that’s the case, I’ve been successful all along.
The Work
My Ever-Evolving Creative Journey
I've always believed that art and science go hand in hand now more than ever, in the age of digital cameras, computers, and advanced technology. Color itself is a science, much like mixing chemicals to form a compound. Blending the perfect shade of blue or creating a one-of-a-kind purple is both instinctive and precise. Taking an idea from my mind and executing it through to completion is deeply rewarding.
My style is always evolving. I love experimenting, learning, and exploring new mediums and techniques. I continue to study and practice both art and art therapy, always expanding my skills and deepening my understanding.
Art has been my sanctuary. My way of expressing myself and finding healing. It has kept me balanced and mentally healthy, and I thank God for this gift every day. Drawing, especially with graphite, feels meditative to me. And when I work with bold, vibrant colors whether in markers, oil, acrylic, or watercolor it brings me pure joy. Color makes me smile.
Photography was my first love. I held a camera before I ever held a pencil. It quickly became a trusted tool not only for creating and documenting my work but also as a source of inspiration. I often return to my photographs for ideas, references, or simply to revisit a moment in time. I especially enjoy street, macro, and food photography. I still shoot with my 35mm camera and develop prints in my old-fashioned darkroom. Black and white photography never goes out of style it remains timeless and classic.