Photo provided by Amendolara 2009
"Let me spell it for you. A-M-E-N-D-O-L-A-R-A," he says politely. I’m talking about one of Portland’s finest renaissance men and the world’s most complicated name to say, Toma Elias Amendolara.
Once again, it’s another Californian stealing our land! But we forgive you, Toma since you were only born there. Toma is a multi-talented artist. His paintings are profound wounds of color and expression. His music is surreal, sensual and almost haunting. His photography is a glittering ash tray of political bereavement, social impotency and emotional disambiguation.
Things Toma refuses to do: 1) hi-five, 2) wear sandals, 3) use nicknames and 4) eat hot food above room temperature. Things Toma admits to do: 1) boundary jumper, 2) uses only 35mm cameras, 3) extorts Model Mayhem and 4) drinks like a fish. Now that you know him like a brother, allow me to elaborate.
“In The System” is Toma’s current project. Founded solely but devised collectively, this project is an original storm of all things artful. From the makeup artists to the sequential scratches. The concept and deliberation is brilliant. Friends, hold onto your bobby pins and trouser socks, because this is going to be big! I would tell you more, but I was sworn to strict secrecy. After all, I do value my life.
Keep yourself in the know with this mastermind at work: flickr, myspace or model mayhem. You may also contact Toma via email.
Comments
You, my dear, are a very talented artistic person who's opinion and taste I hold in high regard.
He is brilliant!
You are very quenching my dear.
His finished work is amazing. A bit intimidating to talk to, but very intriguing. This piece sums him up well. In a "tip of the iceberg" kinda way. Btw, you are my favorite writer here.
This art is dreadful. It's one-dimensional obsession with violence and sadism provides no view into the inner beauty of the trivial and mundane subjects. This guy may hate commercial art, but he could take a cue from masters like Penn or Walker. The guy looks like Anton LaVey and produces work merely to that effect.
Immanuel,
I can only hope you check back here. I appreciate the educated critique. I'd love to correspond with you and hear more. The fact that you took the time to research my work, and it then dwelling up such a reaction, tells me I have accomplished what I set out to do. And I thank you...sincerely. - the Anton Levey knock was a bit too easy, not very clever, but the rest was good. Find me. Let's chat.
Hi Toma. Thank you for responding. I find it difficult to believe getting a reaction like mine is what you "set out to do." What about those who like you work and have said so here? Surely you don't have such a singular objective? About the Levey knock, it did come off as shrill and I should have clarified my reason for saying it. Your photography comes off as if you never leave or take a picture outside the dark confines of your own room. It seems to dwell on your particular lot in life- which is not nothing. Its just not saying anything besides the world is a sick place and people have urges that society deems abnormal. To state what is already obvious is...well, obvious. Thus, it's all merely as visceral as something or someone you have a likeness too- LaVey and toy soldiers and Gothic dollies, in this case. Seriously, what amateur street photographer hasn't done the prison line-up thing? What kitschy Western theme park doesn't have stock renderings of flamboyant people dueling?
Toma's work is brilliant! It does cut deep and brings up emotion. I prefer this kind of art that stirs things inside and makes one think rather than the cute and sweet. Your critics...out of the loop or brain dead.
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