Hello
I am a portrait artist, painting expressive storytelling portraits, many of which are self-portraits in acrylic paint on canvas. My works are available for sale in both original and print form. Discover the stories behind each piece and explore my unique perspective on the world through 20 years as a freelance model, helping to bring other photographers' and artists' ideas and visualisations to life.
As an artist, model of 20+ years and photographer of 10+ years, I'm passionate about conveying storytelling emotion, spiritual growth and human connection through my work. I draw inspiration from my own experiences and the world around me to create pieces that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. Each piece is a reflection of my personal journey, and I invite you to join me on that journey through my art.
If you're interested in learning more about me and my work, or if you have any questions or enquiries, I am always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Please feel free to get in touch using the contact form here or via social media.
My Story
Toulouki was the name my father wanted for me when I was born so although it's not my birth name, it's kind of stuck and it's pronouned Tulookey in case you were wondering!
I am predominantly a self-portrait artist, but also a model, photographer & stylist based in the UK, sometimes travelling internationally; usually within south east Asia during the late winter months.
As a child I loved to drawn and paint, and in my teens became fascinated with the human body, the way we move, connect, flow.. both spiritually and biologically, so I fell naturally into modelling in 2005 at the age of 19 after spending a couple of years learning to draw anatomy. I have worked as a freelance model for photographers ever since.
After about a decade of subconsciously shaping lighting and compositional skills through modelling work, I got on the other side of the camera and became excited by taking and retouching my own photographs, mostly of other models.
Due to illness which saw me housebound during winter 2017 and unable to go out to shoot with others, I started reading up on how to take great self-portraits and decided to put it into practice. I enjoyed this new learning curve so much I started directing, shooting, styling and retouching my own work. I live with my partners, Simon & Rob who are both photographers and who have also taken countless photos of me over many years.
My paintings are inspired by my experiences in life with real stories, including themes of nostalgia, gratitude, evolving confidence, reinvention, aging in an aesthetic industry, playing the roles of various personas, navigating health, 20+ years working in front of the camera, my experience of polyamory, my love of nature and the sun.. all of which spills out in the work of those who photograph me, but especially from Simon & Rob whose photographs of me have naturally been the inspiration behind some of my paintings in addition to the self-portraits.
My other passions include creating cosy hideaways; I've always preferred to live outdoors where possible. I love recycling materials and upcycling. In a world of ongoing production of new stuff, I try to re-use what I already have, scout organically or buy second hand. I love to travel and take a camera with me everywhere I go - that includes my phone. Sometimes the Nikon isn't the right camera for the shot - the best camera is the one you have with you. Not my quote, but a statement I can get behind.
