about the artist

Living in Northern Ontario near the Quebec border, Jon Tobin grew up amongst a landscape and people who are deeply representative of both traditional Canadian heritages. French and English meet in a place that is wild and rugged, always changing, and yet largely untouched by human demands. Watching highly skilled craftsmen create beautiful sleigh harnesses and other quality hand-built pieces in the old ways gave Tobin a unique perspective on how art and life intersect in traditional cultures. The French Canadian film "My Oncle Antoine" is a story, a film and a setting the artist can identify with as Tobin's childhood was very similar to that of the boy in the film. The severe winter in a small village were the child experiences the death of another child and the problems surrounding removing the body in winter. He also discovers the appealing sexuality of women during this long winter. The child's responsibilities become adult in nature.

Educated at the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Guelph, Tobin uses traditional materials to create paintings that have both longevity and luminosity. Colours are applied in a glazing technique similar to that used by the Old Masters. Reminiscent of Ozias Leduc's work, Tobin's paintings are spiritual in theme, using landscapes and portraits to explore and address our sacred connection to the natural world.

Currently working in Northern Ontario and the Kitchener area, Tobin creates scenes that are suffused with atmosphere. Tobin's landscapes vibrate with movement, instilling a sense of constant change and the energy of nature. The drama of dawn and dusk often sets the mood, evoking an impression of humanity's limited ability--moving through nature without truly controlling it.

Paintings of Algonquin vibrate with colour and spiritual awareness, reflecting Tobin's own interest in delving beneath the surface of a scene to interpret the responses that nature evokes in our most primitive selves. More urban scenes also retain a feeling of the primacy of nature using moments of change, such as dawn or dusk, to remind us that as we move through the world, a larger, more universal movement is also occurring.

Tobin's works have been sold to collectors from around the world including Brad Garrett, from the television series Everybody Loves Raymond. Paintings are available through Willow Gallery in Toronto, annually at the One of a Kind Show, Toronto, and at Tobin's Kitchener studio. Portrait and Landscape commissions are also accepted. Please contact artist's studio or Willow Gallery Toronto for more information and pricing.

Zoe Studio Dog

Hi my name is Zoë. I am a Black Labrador Retriever and I supervise Jon's studio. He is lost without me and my sense of direction. I also create my own art: part of the Found Object School. When I was young I ate The book of Job and a ringed femme fatale poetry book and digested all.

My day starts with sharing a Tim Horton's donut. I always get the last bite and a few in between. That's the way it is. Its all in the eyes of a retriever. I celebrated my fourteenth  birthday this year with a pizza, my favorite. My philosophy on life: live life one day at a time and make the most of it!

music thoughts

The Velvet Fog was the first band I played with and there was still an element of fun along with the work of holding a group together. We played in Ontario and Quebec and had an underground following.

The psychology of musicians and groups or as groups is interesting. Attracting public audience and getting paid for doing so is a lot of power for a fifteen year old to handle.

Painting is such a private occupation in comparison to playing in a band.

Farm Life

This picture is taken on Dells farm where I spent a lot of time as a kid. The Dells were great people and taught me to trap  ,hunt and survive in the bush.   I had the unofficial job of watering the horses. I loved being around these two gentle work horses called Canadians. They were used in a variety of jobs around the farm including logging, haying, and, of course, riding. That's Tom in the background and me on Molly the horse. This was taken on the day the encyclopedia man came calling .None of us could read or write but the books binding and covers looked inviting .    Electric lamps throughout the house but no hydro. All that has  changed now.  Everyone has to go to school. I later went on to study art and literature at the University of  Waterloo.