Artist Bio


Eric Tolleson bio sketch (click here to download PDF version of bio)

eric in shop Artist BioA California native, Eric Tolleson draws his inspiration from urban and natural world. The simple contemporary lines of his work offer a clean backdrop for his bold designs. Recognized as an innovative art furniture maker and fabricator, Eric Tolleson’s one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces can transfer any interior or exterior space. He works with exotic woods, stone, glass and metal to create mixed media pieces. Eric Tolleson was a recipient of Sam Maloof scholarship at Anderson Ranch Art School of Snowmass, CO and his work has been included in movie sets, national magazines, residential and commercial environments.

Artist’s inspiration statement

My work is inspired by Asian style. By designers such as George Nakashima for his organic insights, Frank Lloyd Wright for his “total” design scheme, and many others. I also try to be sensitive to architectural line, form and the patterns of the natural and urban world surrounding us all. I try to integrate these geometric-spatial forms with dissimilar organic and non-organic materials, textures, and finishes to create clean, innovative, sculptural, and functional work.

Artist’s accomplishments

Exhibitions -

Materials Hard and Soft Denton, Texas 1991
Lenexa Juried Art show Lenexa, Kansas 1992
Tanglewood Interiors Houston, Texas 1993
Simpatico Houston, Texas 1994
Full Throttle Pueblo, Colorado 2005
Streamlining Pueblo, Colorado 2006

Publications –

Home Magazine 1992
Artisans’ catalog 1995
Home Magazine 1995
Home Furniture 1995

Sam Maloof Scholarship recipient at Anderson ranch Art Center, Snowmass, Colorado, 1992

Media -

“American Graffiti” auto tech 1972
NBC mini series furniture for sets 1993