1. Welcome Tony to The Influx Gallery family. Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?

Thanks for adding me to the family! I am very excited an honoured to be here. I am originally from the city of San Bernardino, in Southern California, USA, and I still live and work in Southern California. I have a Master’s in Fine Arts in Studio Arts and have done almost every job a photographer can do. My hometown and landscape surroundings are still a major influence in my artwork. My day job is as a professor of photography at Cypress College, where I am also the department chair. I also am an athlete on the professional race team of Hardkour Performance. The two professions collide, as you can see with the work exhibited here.
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2. Were your family supportive of you deciding to become a photographic artist?

I have an amazing family. From an early age my mom was very supportive in directing all her children to do what we wanted with our lives. Growing up lower middle class and first generation American, my mom wanted us to “get a good job,” but when I declared myself as an art major in college my mom was extremely supportive once she saw how dedicated and passionate I was. My brother and sister were also supportive from day one. My brother has assisted me on many projects, and all my immediate family still exhibit my work in their houses. That to me is the biggest compliment and sign of continued support.
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3. Was there anything specific that you can remember that made you want to become an artist?

I grew up drawing a lot. I loved comic books and the idea of being able to create scenes from inside my mind. My original influences and inspiration all from comic books, and wanting to be Spider-Man. Once I got to university and declared myself an art major, my intent was actually to be a tattoo artist. That all changed when I took my first photography class though. Although, I still held on to the aspirations to be Spider-Man.


4. Did your schooling or work affect your creative development in any way?

Absolutely. Education is the key to everything. I know these days everything is available for free on the internet, but there is a huge disconnect if you only work alone without any feedback or accountability. I had the best professors in undergrad and grad. If it wasn’t for their direction and no-bullshit kind of approach to teaching, I wouldn’t be where I am now. The caliber of teaching I was lucky enough to receive pushed me out of my comfort zones and made me a much more well-rounded artist. It is exactly why I am proficient in so many different styles and techniques. So many times I heard, “This is good, but you can do better.” I think too many people find one style, get comfortable with it, and then shy away from anything new that challenges them. I carry this tradition of challenging students just as my professors did in my classrooms. In turn though, my students do challenge me to continue to grow and find new ways in which to educate. I love it. I have the best students also.