ARTIST BIO.
1. Early Life and Education
Rupert Ramone Tomlinson is a Jamaican born Caymanian Graphic Designer, Muralist, Screen printer, Vehicle wrap specialist, photographer, website, YouTube content creator was born on 14/05/79 in the Parish of St, James, but grow up in the Kingston city area. He developed an early interest in art, influenced by a fellow classmate who was much older.
by carefully watching him He develop a love for the art, at around 8 years old He start drawing from the bible for Sunday school project, I continued to draw cartoon and once I get an exercise book finish with drawing, I would sell it to whosoever will buy it. by this time I begin to develop a love for the talent, so I continued to draw just about anything I could rest my eyes on, after leaving all-age school I continue to practice even more in high school I then went on to take art & craft as my vocational study in 10/11 grade, it was then my art teacher started to help me to create balance on my craft, he help me so well I went on the pass art & craft at the GCE'O' levels, and was one of his pick for Edna Manley college once I graduated.
2. Artistic Style and Influences
After a brief study at Edna Manley, I went on to teach Art & Craft at my high school just for 6 months because my art teacher had resigned and the classroom was empty, so I help out the principal for a little while, after passing a sign shop downtown across the library I became interested in the kind of art they were doing. I manage to secure some temporary employment while still teaching art at my high school once I was done with teaching I stayed on full time at the sign shop because what was being done there was very interesting and it gave me the head start I need to become the professional I am today. After learning as much as I need to proceed I left the sign shop for greener pastures working with some bigger players in the Adverising industry even though I was only in my teens it never affect how much money I earn along with the new knowledge I found , the bigger players gave me huge project to stretch my skill level so far I become so good so quickly they start sending me on project by myself that's the kind of experience that catapulted me into the top artist group with guys who was working on billboards for large company like D&G, J. Wray & Nephew and other big industries just to name a few , my experiences, level grew so fast I had to start my own little company at home taking in odd jobs until I land a few big gigs, but even then I wanted more, Jamaica was not offering me enough both from an income stand point and creative challenge, so I was offered a Graphic artist/ Signmaker job in the Cayman Islands and that's when I really throw down and become a real super human at my craft I begun to see the big picture.
3. Career Highlights
I worked in the Cayman Islands for 18 years but only about 3 years out of that time I worked for a few company, self-employment become my best ticket to free my mind as a self-made Graphic, sign artist, screen printer, vehicle wrap specialist all this while still staying true to being an muralist, portrait and landscape artist with lots of experience with many different disciplines I still wasn't satisfied. After my first visit to the United States of America I quickly realize I wasn't even close to doing the kind of project that was destined to challenge my skills, So I started to work in various prestigious companies and after taking on some big project in all areas of the advertising and screen printing and large format industries I wrap huge box truck, gas truck, all make vehicle building , wall wrap, so after 9 year working in the USA I realized I was being called back to my roots Jamaica where it all started of drawing and painting that now has the potential to out earn that of any vehicle wrap or sign shop work without any of the danger pose by doing those project I can now sit in my art gallery and paint, draw, print, listen to music, display my work for an upcoming exhibition and if the project comes in I can still make any type are size sign for me this is a win, skill is power and to whom much is given much is required.
4. Major Works and Projects
Rupert has received several prestigious awards, including his early drawing being in the Jamaica Institiute and his own Plack on the wall of the Kingston Creative Mural project spearheaded by the tourism enhancement fund, along with his work being showcase in the Jamaica National Library for future generation to see, His work is part of permanent collections on the wall downtown Kingston water lane murals for all to see
5. Personal Philosophy and Impact
“I believe art is a reflection of the world we live in, and through my work, I hope to evoke a sense of wonder and use my talents a gift to help someone bridge the connection to the natural world and find true meaning of life and know the creator from Wence this life was given,” says Rupert.
6. Current and Future Endeavors
Currently, Rupert is working on new projects, exploring new mediums with advance technology offering training, open for workshops etc. he continues to push the boundaries of artistic and creative talent, with His upcoming exhibitions on the 22 December 2024 and a list of other upcoming exhibitions or projects. Rupert is dedicated to any collaborating with other creatives and artists on a public art project whenever the need arises.
7. Conclusion
Rupert’s journey as an Graphic Designer, Muralist, Screen printer, Vehicle wrap specialist, photographer, website & YouTube content creator is marked by dedication to staying true to the core and continue to look for ways to be the change with his unique style and dedication to the art and creative industry make him a notable figure in the contemporary art and creative scene.