About the Artist

Jon C. Tomlinson

Mixed media collage artist Jon Tomlinson was  born in Dayton, Ohio. Tomlinson's artistic abilities emerged early in his life: at the age of 10 he was awarded First Place in a statewide art competition sponsored by the Boys Club of America. After attending the Living Arts Center in Dayton, Ohio and Ohio State University, Tomlinson moved to the Bay area to continue developing his highly original and self-described "painting with paper" style. Inspired by Picasso, DaVinci and his personal mentor Willis "Bing" Davis, Tomlinson's interpretation surpasses tradition visualization of collage art and expands the definition of black consciousness.

By the early 1990's Tomlinson began incorporating magazine and newspaper photographs, articles and headlines into his art. Not afraid to experiment with materials, Tomlinson began using unusual objects like candy wrappers, cigarette packages, caution tape and other recycled materials. Aiming to transfer his passion and fervor for his craft Tomlinson rejoices in the challenge of making something beautiful from nothing. The Tomlinson family collaboration is an exercise in mutual love and dedication. While Jon creates his art to honor his close-knit family and his culture with positive African American visual images, the extended family drives the business to introduce this humble and talented artist's work into the world.

The very black and thought provoking style is most evident in Tomlinson’s “These Women” collection, which honors his late mother Norma Jean Tomlinson and black women everywhere. Strong social commentary is depicted, and conveyed in all of Tomlinson’s art. Considered provocative and controversial, Tomlinson in his characteristic probing and thought provoking approach to life bravely explores the subjects of religion in his stunning depiction of Jesus in “Father Forgive Them”, the anchor piece in the Encouragement collection. The artist’s choice of the 4-part collection “Names I’ve Been Called” and the 6-part collection “Lauryn Hill” as his favorites clearly underlines his art’s diversity. Whereas “Names I’ve Been Called” reflects the ugliness and ignorance occasionally evident in segments of our society, “Lauryn Hill” reflects and celebrates the undeniable beauty and talent of an African American woman.