Biography
Hi, I’m Tori - a 22-year-old artist currently living in London. I work part-time in retail, but most of my time is dedicated to painting, which has become both my passion and my purpose.
I grew up in East Stoke, a quiet village where I spent much of my childhood outdoors, creating, exploring, and staying active. My family later moved to the seaside town of Swanage, where I developed a deep connection to the sea and nature - elements that continue to influence my work today.
Swanage was also where I entered my teenage years, a time that brought both self-discovery and personal loss. While I was studying for my GCSEs, my dad was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and sadly passed away just before my 16th birthday. It was a difficult period, and I struggled to express what I was going through. Art became my way of coping by creating meaningful, emotional expression.
I went on to study History, Sociology, and Art at Purbeck Sixth Form, which led me to a Fine Art degree at Solent University. Whilst I did not connect deeply with the studio environment at university, this challenge pushed me to create my own space at home - converting a small living room into a personal studio. It was there, in solitude, that I really began to develop as a painter.
I started working on large-scale Fabriano paper, breaking away from restrictions and fully immersing myself in the act of painting. During this time, I was inspired by artists like Lucian Freud, Louise Bourgeois, and Edward Hopper - whose work continues to shape my own.
Since graduating with a 2:1 in Fine Art, I have relocated to London and continued developing my work. I am now focused on turning my art into a business - creating and sharing what is deeply personal, honest, and open to connection.
Artist Statement
I am a contemporary painter working primarily with acrylic, alongside detailed drawing using pencil and biro pen. My practice explores the complexities of human connection in an increasingly digital world, and how technology continues to reshape the ways we communicate and interact.
At the heart of my work is a fascination with the tension between connection and disconnection. Despite being more interconnected than ever through social media and digital platforms, I often feel - and observe - a growing emotional distance between people. This paradox drives much of my creative process.
My work delves into themes such as mental health, body image, and the effects of social media on younger generations. I’m especially interested in how these platforms influence self-perception and identity. As an artist navigating this landscape, I also confront the contradiction of needing to use these very tools to share and promote my work - a push and pull that often finds its way into my paintings.
Lately, I’ve been focusing on cityscapes, drawing inspiration from photographs I take during my daily commute through London. These urban scenes reflect both the anonymity and vibrancy of city life - capturing fleeting moments that highlight the beauty, isolation, and complexity of our shared spaces.
Through my practice, I aim to create work that invites reflection on the modern human experience - how we connect, how we cope, and how we exist within the ever-evolving structures of contemporary society.
​
.