For many artists, their path involves a clear and deliberate trajectory. However, some individuals, like acclaimed artist Topher Straus, take a more unconventional and unexpected route. Topher’s story is one of serendipity and a relentless pursuit of passion, intertwined with a mosaic of experiences that have shaped both his life and his distinctive artistic style. Before officially stepping into the role of a professional artist, Topher had been quietly producing art for over three decades. For years, he kept these pieces hidden, going so far as to remove the paintings from his walls before welcoming visitors—until his son inspired him to reveal his heart and soul to the world.
Six years ago, Topher made a profound shift from his previous creative roles in acting, film direction and video game production to embrace the world of art. Today, his remarkable paintings adorn galleries across the United States and line the walls of his avid collector’s homes, signifying the culmination of a journey that was both unexpected and exhilarating. Reflecting on this transformation, Topher shares, "In my wildest dreams, I couldn't have imagined that I'd not only be an artist, but a successful one at that." He goes on to explain that his success isn't measured merely by how many paintings he sells, but by the profound gratitude he feels for his work and the ability to channel his passion into meaningful contributions to organizations that he believes in. Topher has raised over $100,000 for various charities through his art, aligning his success with a commitment to give back to communities affected by different experiences portrayed in his work and beyond.
Topher’s meticulous process draws from photography, collage and immersive experiences. He envelops himself in various landscapes, from foreign lands to serene aspen groves, capturing the essence of these moments through photography. These images serve as a reference for his digital painting, where his work takes shape with meticulous precision, using a stylus and computer. The process doesn't adhere to a strict timeline; instead, Topher believes each painting represents a lifetime of experiences. His creative journey extends beyond the completion of a piece, immersing himself virtually in different environments and refining details to achieve a harmonious blend of nature's rhythm in his work. The pinnacle of Topher's technique involves fabricating the finished painting using recycled aluminum and a specialized heat transfer process. This unique method not only embeds colors directly into the metal but also captures the essence of surrounding light, ensuring that each piece interacts with its environment and reflects the viewer's presence.
Topher's artistic journey isn't solely about his innovative technique. As a true voyager seeking adventure, his travels have become an integral part of his artistic process, influencing his creative vision in profound ways. Visiting places like Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Israel, Italy and England, in 2023 alone, Topher finds inspiration in diverse cultures, weaving these experiences into his artwork. Among his adventures, he’s unexpectedly ended up in some incredibly harrowing circumstances. For example, he laid witness to the wrath and destruction of the Maui wildfires on a trip to Hawaii this past August, culminating in his Maui Strong six painting series in which portions of his sales were donated to the Maui Strong Fund.
Topher goes on to explain the chilling details of how he found himself in the middle of Israel at the onset of war on that agonizing day this past October 7. "I see these moments not as a curse but as an opportunity to capture my understanding of the experience in my work," says Topher. In the early fall, he was commissioned by the Jewish National Fund to create a painting for their global conference in Colorado and his penchant for travel led him to a last-minute trip to Israel to gain inspiration. On his first full day in Tel Aviv, he found himself in the middle of the start of the conflict, missiles exploding right above him. For the next five days, he swiftly moved from shelter to shelter, trying to find a way back home to Colorado. On his third unnerving attempt at boarding, he finally got out on a plane to Italy—the pilot explained that they were a target while in the air. After reaching altitude, a collective sigh washed over the aircraft. Topher woke up looking out of the aircraft window onto a serene Italian farmscape. Through this traumatic event, Topher created two exquisite works: “Jerusalem”, capturing the frenetic energy of an Israeli cityscape on the brink of war; and “Safe”, the calming view from his airplane window in Italy, at peace from imminent danger.
In addition to his gallery exhibitions, Topher offers limited and special editions, preserving exclusivity and value for collectors. His dedication to maintaining the integrity and exclusivity of his pieces resonates deeply, ensuring that each artwork carries a unique story and evolving value for collectors. Furthermore, Topher extends a personal touch to his patrons by offering private studio tours. These exclusive experiences allow serious collectors to witness his creative process firsthand and forge a personal connection with the artist behind the canvas.
As Topher continues to evolve artistically, his travels remain an integral source of inspiration. His upcoming series inspired by Southeast Asia promises to bring transformative and diverse narratives to life, reflecting his continual growth as an artist. His enigmatic and adventurous personality reverberates in both his stories of his extensive travels and his vibrant and powerful art.
For Topher Straus, art isn't just about aesthetics; it's an immersive journey that intertwines with life's unpredictable adventures. With an unwavering commitment to storytelling and a passion for diverse cultures, he continues to build a canvas that transcends boundaries and captivates hearts worldwide. Learn more about Topher and his art at TopherStraus.com.