Tom Carlos's Artist Profile
Tom Carlos from San Jose, California, United States
i like artist
Artist's Statement
I grew up in the Santa Clara Valley, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and oak trees. Except for the four years of my military service, I've lived in the valley all of my life. When I was very young, I was fortunate enough to have lived on a small ranch. It was nestled in the hills, next to a creek among the oak groves. I have no doubt these surroundings greatly influenced my art. I'm also inspired by the creations from other artists. Quite often I mimic their styles and techniques, in an effort to learn and improve. At times, I enjoy experimenting and doing different types of art, incorporating a variety of subject matter. I like sharing my art, always looking forward to people's opinions, criticism, and ideas. I'm actually my own worst critic, seldom satisfied with my work. Simply put, I do art for my own self-satisfaction. There are no hidden messages, ideals, or revelations being expressed in what I do. I know that's not very glamorous or trendy, but that's how it is. So if by chance, one of my creations sparks interest, brings pleasure or ends up adorning the wall in someone's home, then for me, that's the icing on the cake.
Artist's Statement
I grew up in the Santa Clara Valley, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and oak trees. Except for the four years of my military service, I've lived in the valley all of my life. When I was very young, I was fortunate enough to have lived on a small ranch. It was nestled in the hills, next to a creek among the oak groves. I have no doubt these surroundings greatly influenced my art. I'm also inspired by the creations from other artists. Quite often I mimic their styles and techniques, in an effort to learn and improve. At times, I enjoy experimenting and doing different types of art, incorporating a variety of subject matter. I like sharing my art, always looking forward to people's opinions, criticism, and ideas. I'm actually my own worst critic, seldom satisfied with my work. Simply put, I do art for my own self-satisfaction. There are no hidden messages, ideals, or revelations being expressed in what I do. I know that's not very glamorous or trendy, but that's how it is. So if by chance, one of my creations sparks interest, brings pleasure or ends up adorning the wall in someone's home, then for me, that's the icing on the cake.
Tom Carlos was born and raised in San Jose, California. He is the son of migrant farm workers who settled in the Santa Clara valley, an agricultural region which would later become known as the Silicon Valley. As a teenager, he would sort and pick fruit at local orchards during school breaks. At the age of 18, Tom joined the U.S. Navy Seabees, and was honorably discharged after 4 years of active service. He later enrolled in the O.I.C. (Opportunities Industrialization Center) program and was formally trained as an electro-mechanical draftsman. Tom started working and at the same time, attended evening classes for the first 10 years of his career. After 45 years of employment, providing manufacturing, engineering, and graphic design services to various high technology companies, Tom has retired to become a full-time artist.