Created in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana, Toby Mercer’s art is sought by those with discerning taste all over the world. After working a decade in paint mediums, photography, ceramics, and jewelry, Toby created his own original 3 dimensional medium, the Stratagraphic. His 3 d paper Stratagraphics are made in a reductive process whereby material taken away from a layer leaves the line of design as defined by the cut edges of the layers. They are precisely engineered, and the layered presentation forms the finished ‘haut relief’ wall pieces. The concentration required is a lengthy meditation. These works exhibit a visual shift with a change in lighting direction or intensity, and/or with a change of viewpoint, giving them a kinetic, or living form.
Over three decades of artistic endeavor have perfected Toby’s ability to share his perception of awareness based in wonder and rooted in emotion. A strength of will belonging to the artist endures in each piece. The effort in creating a piece is an effort of love and awareness, truly individual and dramatic, affording an individual presence to the completed work. 1193 original paper Stratagraphics completed by Toby as of January 2012, are found in corporate, public, and private collections worldwide.
Toby’s purpose in his artistic expression lies within the single accomplishment of evoking personal response within a beholder, knowing that within response lies opportunity of heightened experience, increasing the potential for personal observation, growth, and joy.
