About me
Hi I’m Toni, born in Queens NY. I've always considered myself an artist. I never thought of being/doing anything else. I live in the Desert Southwest.
As a child my creative outlets were writing, dancing, music, photography and building small projects, like dioramas. Thanks to my Dad, the first thing I had in my hands was a camera. I loved my camera and took photo shoots all the time. My Dad saw I was a creative. He used to help me with my homework, so he knew I was a right brainer all along and helped me to express this. He also knew I was horrible in math, because he was really good. Later on in life I was found to be dyslexic.
My artwork was always for armor, expression and therapy. Which I used to self medicate myself from the toxicity of having a dysfunctional mother. It was my only outlet. Starting my life a new through art, therapy tools, and not medication.
I’ve worked independently for the last fifty years.
I'm am a certified non-clinical Art Therapist. Studying and practicing Art Therapy and Behavioral Health.
Always continuing my education.
I create all original work for Abracadabra Images.
My first boss had a sign over his desk that said, “Success is loving what you do”. I knew then, I was already successful.
The Work
I’ve always believed that art and science go hand in hand. Never so much then now, in the age of computers, digital cameras and technology. Color is definitely a science, like mixing chemicals for a compound. Combining a unique blue or purple. Executing a piece from an idea in the artist mind, bringing it to competition is so rewarding in itself. My style will surly continue to evolve and define itself, as I love experimenting, learning, executing with different mediums and techniques. I continue to study and practice Art and Art Therapy.
Art has always been an outlet of expression and therapy for me. I thank God for this gift. He knew that it was my only hope to stay sane and mentally healthy. I enjoy graphite drawing and drawing in general because it’s like meditating. I also enjoy working with the bold and bright colors of markers, oil, acrylic and watercolor. Because color makes me smile.
Photography has always been my first love. I had a camera in my hands before I held a pencil. I learned how to use it as a tool. Incorporated with my work and as a means to catalog and market it. Referring to photos later for a rendering or for inspiration. It’s a frozen moment that I can go back to when I need it. I enjoy Street, Micro, and Food Photography. I continue to use my 35mm and film. I still print photographs in my old fashioned darkroom. Black and white is still classic !