Courage to Create: Tulsa Art Studio Tour Artist Chuck Tomlins

This post is part of our series on Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition's Tulsa Art Studio Tour 2014. A self-guided tour, the Tulsa Art Studio Tour showcases the talent of artists who live and work in Tulsa.Today we are featuring Tour artist Chuck Tomlins.

Artist Chuck Tomlins graduated from Ohio State University in 1966 with his Masters of Fine Arts, and has been an instructor and professor at the University of Tulsa since then. Tomlins teaches studio arts for non-majors, as well as a writing seminar on the creative process. 

Though he has formal adult training, he started in the studio at a young age, and recalls his grade school offering drama, music and art. Of his early experiences in art, Tomlins said "The creative process is vital in all disciplines, and exposure to the creative process at an early age provides the 'courage to create.'"

the studio of Chuck Tomlins

Tomlins considers himself an “intermedia” artist, bringing all different types of artistic media together: sculpture, drawing, performance, etc. Tomlins has used Performance Art as a method of examination, preservation, and celebration of a people's heritage. 

Tour Artist Chuck Tomlins in his studio

He works in the studio when he is not teaching, and keeps a sketchbook like a diary. He learned from his instructor to keep a schedule and be in the studio working so that you can be there when inspiration comes. "Inspiration is not on a schedule – it will happen when it happens," said Tomlins.

Tomlins advocates for art education for all ages, and wants to spread his interest in arts to the public.

Meet & see the working studio of Gordon along with 13 other artists on April 12-13, noon until 5 pm on the Tulsa Art Studio Tour. For more info, or to purchase tickets, visit www.TulsaArtStudioTour.org.