Tokioflo is an American-born artist currently based in the scenic state of Oregon. With roots in the suburbs of Portland, his early passion for drawing became evident as he filled sketchpads in class, sometimes embellishing schoolwork, much to the disapproval of some of his instructors. His childhood obsessions with illustrating Nike shoes and characters from The Simpsons took on a special significance, given Oregon's role as the birthplace of both cultural phenomena.
Tokioflo’s artistic journey took an unexpected turn at the age of 15, influenced by the release of "Toy Story." While the animated feature left a lasting impression, it briefly steered him away from a career in the arts, driven by a concern for the encroaching influence of computers in the field. Despite this diversion, Tokioflo’s commitment to illustration was rekindled during art classes at Portland Community College, guided by the experienced hand of Marie Watt.
Entering his twenties, Tokioflo delved into painting with acrylics and explored the world of graphic design, gaining proficiency in Adobe products. Although graphic design equipped him with valuable skills, his heart remained in painting. His journey led him from selling art on Etsy to more conventional exhibition spaces, including galleries, frame shops, and local businesses. Notably, he found a home in Urban Art's First Thursday Street Gallery in Downtown Portland.
The challenges of 2020, brought on by the global pandemic, forced Tokioflo to adapt. After losing his physical studio, he embraced digital media full-time, exploring Procreate on the iPad and incorporating digital illustrations into his physical work. The subsequent move to Central Oregon in 2022 marked a transformative phase in his artistic practice. Without a physical painting space, Tokio fully embraced the digital medium, venturing into the world of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) by minting his work on the blockchain in 2023.
Influenced by a myriad of artists, including Gerhard Richter, Franz Kline, Jackson Pollock, David Chow, and Pop Wonder, he continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of artistic expression. His willingness to embrace technology and the digital realm has become integral to his creative journey, offering a unique perspective that captivates audiences and challenges traditional notions of artistic practice.
Tokioflo’s artistic style is a dynamic fusion of curiosity and experimentation, resulting in a collection that may appear eclectic to collectors. Creativity, for him, is not just a pursuit but a necessity for mental well-being. Whether working with paint, digital media, or his current exploration of AI, his art delves into a diverse range of subjects – motion, extraction, isolation, deterioration, movement, color, and aesthetics. Embracing abstraction, Tokioflo celebrates the imperfections interwoven into his work.