Tom Stocker

Who gets to use the Restroom ?

The controversy swirling over this question brings up a quagmire of  social, cultural , religious , and political issues ripe for satire.  

While some of these paintings adhere to a more decorative aesthetic, others comment on sexual relationships, scandalous or otherwise, political peccadillos,  celebrity, and cultural trends in fashion.

The silhouettes on the restroom door tell their stories.

Tom Stocker

After several years and many paintings of oriental rugs in my signature pointillist technique, I began to adapt what I had learned to different subjects, yet adhering to the illusion of a textile. Familiar objects  and concepts are transformed, taking on new meanings. the possibilities are endless. 

Tom Stocker

As a member of the New England Rug Society and a former antique dealer, I choose my  subjects from famous museum and private collections. While the palace and workshop carpets of Persia and Turkey are indeed beautiful, I prefer the more naive designs of nomadic tribes and villages. I evaluate the condition of the original piece to decide what, if any, modifications are necessary for the painting. Holes may be "rewoven" , or color may be restored. Conversely, an interesting ancient  fragment may remain untouched. At times , I compose a new design based upon traditions of a certain area.    I developed a unique "post-pointillist" technique to achieve the illusion of a textile with its tactile quality and depth of  layered color.  If the urge to touch one of my paintings is too strong to resist, I know I have succeeded.

Tom Stocker