Tobias has been a working studio artisan for 45 years, his obsession in the area of fine craft extends into many areas. He has a Bach. of Fine Arts degree from the University of Calgary with a major in print making and a minor in ceramics. He received his first course in jewelry at Illinois State University in 1968. Tobias has been a student of local jewelry instructors of Judith Hirczy, and Estelle Curan. He has attend several drop in advanced level classes at London Metropolitan University in London, UK in silversmithing working on techniques for forming spoons, bowls, and vessels in 2011. As well, he has taken specialized week long courses with Valentin Yotkov on Quw'utsun' territory, and two courses at the Metchosin Summer School of the Arts with Crys Hars and Nancy Corwin.

About twenty or so years ago Tobias discovered that his great-grandmother was a Chickasaw Cherokee woman, and has been exploring his First Nations heritage since this discovery. This is reflected in his use of medicinal, herbal, and food plant forms as design motifs that are carved into his ceramic pieces, but is also reflected in many of his jewelry designs such as the tree of life, the medicine wheel, and his choices of colour or placement of design elements.

In 1969, Tobias moved to Calgary, Alberta from the United States. His interest in all things craft brought him his first Leclerc 36” Jack loom . He is a self taught weaver, and has learned through experience which materials work best for him, and how designs and colour intrigue the spirit. Throughout his world travels, he has visited weavers in Greece, met National Heritage weavers in Thailand, and spent hours tying Ikat warps with women on the island of Flores in Indonesia, and taken courses in back-strap weaving with Quiche First Nations women in Guatemala. His preference of materials include silk, linen, cotton, and rayon chenille.

avadon.pottery@shaw.ca