Mixed media artist Romeo Robert Tomei uses symbolism to interpret the natural forces of our planet. See more of his portfolio on his website.
My story is long and varied. My life has been an artful journey.
It has been written that “within our world exists a collective consciousness or a second sight in which artists, writers and philosophers explore the vast spaces of their imagination.”
For me it started in the city of my birth—Manhattan, New York City. I was attracted to the vibrance of the artists and their inventiveness, working out of makeshift spaces in Greenwich Village and throughout the city.
Yes—I wanted to be an artist!
I had the luxury of being surrounded by museums and art galleries throughout my early years and I absorbed all I could—sketch pad in hand—walking through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, mesmerized by the works of the masters.
For me curiosity and spontaneity has been my driving force, always evolving closer to my dream—a dream interrupted and regained.
The reality of making a living moved me to the commercial world. However, I always remained connected to art which gave me the creative inventiveness that propelled me through a multifarious career—artist, art director, film production designer/producer and interior designer.
Luckily, these assets afforded me many opportunities, one being an invitation to New Zealand as a designer which was a rewarding life changing experience.
After many years the world finally opened up to me. Our film company was successful and our interior design studio made it possible to buy land, design our home and breed purebred Angora goats which gave us the freedom to understand and respect the animal world, nature with its night skies and the natural beauty of the land. A dream come true.
It was then, in the mid-eighties, that I built a goat shed with my art “studio” on the second level, finally regaining the dream of being a fine artist.
After three decades living the life of a fine artist, we eventually moved back to the United States and settled on the island of Maui, Hawaii, where we live to this day.
My work answers and relates to the mystical forces of nature, specifically, our planet, which I approach subjectively. The elements that guide my heart, mind and hands are connected and deeply rooted in the natural forces of our planet and the elemental power that makes up the spiritual palette.
My connection and interpretation use symbolism. The Moon represents female energy, the Sun, male energy, the Tree, receiving and transmitting energy and the Winged Bird in flight conveys freedom. Music has also always been an inspiration.
Now in my 87th year on this planet, my art speaks for me. I’m still refreshed by the creativity that lives in me and the freedom to express my vision.
“If Art is to nourish the roots of culture,
Society must set the artist free to follow
his vision wherever it takes him…
We must never forget that Art is not
a form of propaganda – it is a form of truth.”
John F. Kennedy
Artist Romeo Robert Tomei invites you to follow him on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Romeo, you amaze me with your unclipped freedom in developing completely loaded artefacts. Inspirational!
87 is no fluke but continued graduation to upgrade this world.
Though two decades short, I join you in evident joy in creativity.
Thank you Romeo!