STUDIES

1988-1990  Instituto de Diseño Hans Neumann

1991 Instituto de Diseño Prodiseño

1991-1992  Instituto de Diseño Caracas

1992-1993  Escuela de Arte Federico Brandt

Tom Criswell was born in Caracas, Venenzuela in 1970 into a bicultural family. He attended the Hans Neumann School of Design,  Prodiseño and Federico Brandt School of Fine Arts.

Tom started exploring the creative process in 1991 however he began discovering his artistic voice in 1994 when he moved to a remote Caribbean village in northern Venezuela. He experienced and learned about the mestizo and mulatto influences. At the same time Tom was concerned with the deterioration of the natural environment. With these new ideas and concerns his work began to shape a new direction. He walked along the beach every day and picked up discarded waste from the sea shore and then used these materials to give the found litter a new definition and aesthetic. This innovative upcycling process made his art go from 2D to 3D and allowed him to explore a new panorama. These materials in conjunction with the use of expressive lines and vibrant colors started to define his work.

Relocating to Miami in 2000, where he was active in the fine arts scene, Tom began being represented by a local gallery Grapa Studio of Art. During this time he found studio space at the Bakehouse Art Complex where he had several group shows from 2001-2005. Shortly thereafter, he began his career as a successful Art Director for countless commercials, music videos, short films and special events. In addition, he has worked as a prop stylist for photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Bruce Weber, Nigel Perry, and David LaChapelle.

To this day, Tom continues to explore new artistic possibilities in his studio in Miami's Little River district using found, upcycled materials in order to further his artistic evolution.