In conversation with .. 4!

TOMA
(Thomas Mondet)
Montpellier, France
@tomaillustrations
It’s been almost 2 months since selfisolation
has been enforced worldwide,
how are you feeling?
Like a random guy in a straitjacket,
trapped between four walls but
surprisingly appeased. My state of mind
is very opposite since this quarantine and
before that, I went from a super active
partying guy always outside to an old chill
granny with her cat, it’s enough to shake
up my brain and question everything. You
quickly feel ultra-small and helpless during
this particular period. The best I can do is
refocus on myself and share what makes
me vibrate, my illustrations.
What have you been doing to pass your
time in quarantine?
I have been enormously productive
through my lifelong passion during the
quarantine. I tried to not lock myself in a
circle of laziness, which would be rather
easy. The past few months, before all of
this, have been a bit chaotic personally
and I have completely stopped drawing,
unfortunately. So I had the opportunity to
actively retake creating illustrations and
I finally became a freelance illustrator.
This period allowed me to reflect, to make
a total introspection. Illustration is my
future.
How has the situation affected your work?
Well, I started my activity, it’s funny that I
needed a break all over the world to finally
get the click. I exorcise a lot of things
through my illustrations during this time
who were buried in me. I draw what I
know obviously, from my own experience.
My art is a reflection of my feelings and
my emotions. I’m not very strong to
exteriorize, except in my art - which I use
as a tool. It helps me with that. However, something seems a bit rusty
since the quarantine, the poor things experienced right now seem to
exhaust the inspiration a little bit. I lose my mojo with the lengthening
period. I want to live something to soak it up, it’s a little frustrating.
Do you have a day-to-day lockdown routine?
I feel like I’m in the movie “Groundhog Day” or “Westworld”, I live the
same day in loop but less thrilling. Like most people (it’s not really
original), it’s an opportunity to regain control mentally and physically
as well, eat healthier, at least try and do some sports... It’s a completely
different new lifestyle, where everyone has to adapt. Sometimes, I feel like
I’m back in my teens, I’m looking for inspiration in movies, video games,
songs and get back to basics. But this time, I’m an updating version of
myself, more serene and confident with my creations.
Have any unexpected benefits come out of this situation for you?
The feeling is a bit special and paradoxical, on one hand, I feel being in
stasis, my life is on break. But on the other, having so much free time for
myself, it’s like there are no more excuses to leave things behind. This is
an opportunity to put in light abandoned projects, right? Even if it’s a bit
hard on morale with loneliness and the sedentary lifestyle, it’s surprising
how there were many positives emerging from all this.
What do you wish for the future?
Don’t be a ridiculous tortured, cliché emo boy with his own inner fantasy
in a corner alone. I hope my art speaks to some people, the different ones,
those who are weird and sweet.
This is an opportunity to open up to the world, and I’m ready. This period
is like a good lesson for myself to get back in my path.
Where can we buy your art?
I’m not selling my illustrations yet, maybe in the future!
My art is strongly focused on symbolism, I explore some concepts like
vulnerability, identity, repression and freedom. I can adapt easily my
graphic style which turns out to be of sombre esotericism sometimes of
a delicate melancholy or even of a childish mood. So you can come see
me on my Instagram account and I will be happy to take your orders and
realize your original and beautiful fantasies.
I don’t bite, I’m sweet, I promise!
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