LIFE AND TIMES OF JOHN TOMS...​



As a young child John developed a strong passion for creating.   After high school, John furthered his education at the Colorado Institute of Art and the European Institute of Commercial & Fine Art.  John’s fine artwork is mostly self-taught.  He didn’t pick up a paint brush until after his return from Europe.  Over the years, he’s worked hard to develop his own unique style.  Substance has always been important.  The work must be more than just a pretty picture.

His artwork is categorized by strong compositions and vibrant color, through the use of acrylic, water colors, luma dyes, pastels, inks, colored pencils, and charcoal.  John approaches his craft with sincere passion.  John first began displaying his art work publicly in 1979.  As years passed, John developed a style he calls DIMENJOHN, which it’s debut in 1996.  Most referee to it as 3D art. Most of the material used derives from his ‘have-nots’, and is made from recycled material!! Whatever is around at the time and matches the vibe of the piece is used to create a piece.  Noted for his music pieces, John has carved a niche in the world of musicians and music lovers.  His work has also appeared on numerous book and magazine covers.

Known collectors of his art work include Lu Vason, AC Crenshaw, Tom Joyner, Chip Shearin, Paul Taylor, Ed Gordon, Wayne Vaden, Dotsero, Gail Johnson, George Duke, Annie Lee, Marion Meadows, Roy Ayers, Queen Latifah, and Denver’s own Carl Bourgeois.

On a more personal note, John shares that one of his main cares is “our kids”.  He has two sons of his own and has coached numerous sporting teams of all ages and lent his time to youth in many capacities.  Realizing that times can be tough, he asserts that “you must be a big dreamer.”

“Many people take the little things for granted. Appreciate the small pleasures & treasures of daily life.  I truly appreciate all the people who have made it possible fro me to explore my talent.  (You know who you are.)  Never stop at the space of satisfaction, for with each day of growth new and wonderful creativity comes forth.  New day, new vibe, new thoughts, new vision, new take, new give…endless.”

John’s works include many commission and art show’s such as Annie Lee’s Chicago, Las Vegas, and Dallas shows, Du Sable Museum in Chicago, BET Comic View in Atlanta (2001), B.B. King Life Story CD-Rom (14 images), L.A. Sax CD covers (1995, 1997, 2001), MCA Black Music Month, Tom Joyner Cruise, Jazz At Jack’s Jazz Club (Denver), Kasbah Night Club (Denver),  Odd Fellows  Building (Atlanta), Civil Technology (Denver),1000 Mindz three disc cover, Vaden Law Firm (Denver), Smooth Jazz Lovers, and Jazz Fest across the country.