We were lucky to catch up with Trevor Toney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Trevor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

In early 2021 I started making little wooden colorful barriers for our vision impaired dachshund Hannah. We wanted to keep her out of rooms that were difficult for her to navigate with her declining eyesight. I’ve been a furniture maker for about 25 years as well as a museum preparator and while I occasionally made furniture for fun as well as the odd commission, I always limited myself to making functional work. When I made the Doxie Barriers, I realized that the wooden “things” that I made didn’t need to be functional, or at least not as functional as furniture. It was at this point that I gave myself permission to make things that were purely fun to make with absolutely no rules. I experimented for about a year, making little sculptures and paintings, and realized that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So in February 2022 I quit my job and started making full time. If it wasn’t for little Hannah Banana, who knows what I’d be doing!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I make wood sculpture/paintings with veneer, plywood and acrylic paint and learned most of the skills I utilize in my making from working as a furniture and cabinet maker over the last 25 years. I transitioned to solely making my art about 2 years ago and show mostly in regional galleries in both juried and invitational exhibitions. I feel that my work stands out because it is finely crafted with a high attention to detail and is made from materials that are uncommon in an art gallery setting. I also feel that my work blurs the lines that define art/craft and sculpture/painting. It is also important to me to use materials that are ethically sourced and renewable so I use locally harvested, FSC certified veneers.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I just turned 51 and spent a good chunk of my life dealing with a toxic family and depression. About 5 years ago my mother committed suicide and I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm. Up to that point I knew you only had one life to live, but after that point I UNDERSTOOD you only had one. After the dust settled, I asked myself, “If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?” and that is when Hannah needed barriers. The barriers led to making nonfunctional work and I just knew that this is what I want to do. It was so obvious, but it wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t honest with myself and decided to make the absolute best of what I had and be open to new opportunities. It might seem that all these things were random but I really believe that sometimes we need to be receptive to your environment and see opportunity when it presents itself. I’m sure there were other occasions that could have taught me things, but I just wasn’t ready. And that is what drives me to make more art. Knowing that there are endless opportunities in making art and making sure that I am ready to notice them. Well, that and it’s fun.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the community. In the last two years I’ve met some of the best people of my life. I find making art is incredibly fulfilling but sharing that with others is an unintended consequence that has brightened my world immeasurably and inspires me daily.

Contact Info:

• Website: TrevorToney.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TrevorToneyinColor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTFurniture