New Artist at Toast Says Exhibit is a Study in Color

On June 2, the members of Fresh kicked off their new season of solo art exhibits at by featuring the work of local artist Damon Tommolino.

Mr.Tommolino first became involved with FRESH after meeting fellow artist Rob Edwin a few years back, when the two exhibited their work at Gallery 4222, a space  located on Wynn Lane that was once run by their mutual friend Pedro Sosa.

Over the years, Tommolino and Edwin have gotten to know one another better by participating in open improvisational art nights where the discuss issues from artistic techniques to world issues and by sharing their work with other artists in regular, ongoing critiques.

"I try to stay close to other artists around me, I think it’s something you (artists) should do," said Tommolino. "Accepting criticism makes you a stronger artist."

For his most recent collection, Tommolino found himself draw to iconic symbols.

"It’s not when your going through rough times that you create," he said. "But when you’re coming out of a real low point that is when you start making a lot of work."

After painting for thirteen years, Damon has decided to let go of trying to control what happens on the canvas. Instead, he focuses on the importance of a piece as a color study.

"First I come up with a concept, a lot of times that involves creating thumbnails. I’m very aware of composition," said Mr.Tommolino

Tommolino continues his in depth color studies by creating more sketches, scanning the images into his computer and using tools in Photoshop to manipulate the piece further.

"From there I rough it out in acrylic and add the oil to make the color richer," he said. "The more contrast that you add to the piece, the better it becomes. It takes on idea of its’ own."

The Michael Jazz Trio returned to contribute to the evening’s cool vibe by performing a selection of their popular jazz-fusion numbers. The expansion of the coffeehouse enhanced the overall experience for both patrons and art enthusiasts. Guests of the reception were able to enjoy their favorite dishes, while admiring their newly renovated and spacious surroundings.

The large, wall sized paintings were easier to view and appreciate up close because of the greater amount of open space created by the expansion. Deconstructionist, The Repetition and Return of the Spotted Horse, and Tendrils were just three of the more talked about pieces at the opening night reception.

Tommolino is working on putting a five-man show together with pieces based on the deconstructive reconstructive movement and Dadist ideology. He is currently represented by the Roger Smith Hotel in Manhattan which features a  penthouse type gallery on the hotel’s sixteenth floor. His work is also on display at the Lotus Gallery located in Woodstock, New York. Toast will display Tommolino's artwork through out the rest of the month.