Look at things differently and things begin to look different.
My name is Tom Martin. In 2007 I left corporate law practice after about 30 years and began sculpting. I have not looked back since. As of December 2014, I produced about 150 sculptures (including about a dozen commissioned works) and exhibited my work in several art shows in the Philadelphia area. Most of my work is metal sculpture, but I also work in polymer clay, stone and wood . . . and, as of 2012, I began to paint with oils and perhaps 3 dozen paintings to date.
Born in the winter of 1952, I am the youngest of four children. My mother was an elementary school teacher and my father a Presbyterian minister. I always watched my father design, build and create whatever was needed to make something work . . . and I learned from my mother to see the beauty in all things and all people. This experience, I am certain, is what inspires and motivates me.
I never had formal art training, but as a child I was always taking things apart so perhaps this began my study of form, structure and design. Most assuredly, my studies did not include reassembling what I took apart!
After graduating from Tufts University in 1974 and the University of Pittsburgh Law School in 1978, I began law practice in Washington, DC continued in Chicago IL and ended in Wilmington DE. Circumstances were such that I retired in 2007.
When sculpting, I TIG weld, arc weld, gas weld, anneal, forge, grind, machine, drill, carve, file, sand and polish to create the pieces you see here on my website. Sometimes I make my own tools for use on a particular sculpture. Most of my work is representational, but as the images reveal, my sculptures vary greatly in genre. I think I’d go mad if I had to work in only one medium, use a single technique or specialize in a specific style.
When I paint, I prefer oils to acrylics because I see the natural light, hues and tones in the oil more than I see it in the acrylics–but that’s probably just me. Also, I like the smell of oils as it reminds me of the linseed oil aroma I got whenever in my dad’s shop.
I am married and my wife, Sarah, is a writer and teaches yoga. Together we have three sons–Dan, Pete and Will–of whom we are immensely proud as they are our greatest creations.
If you look at things differently, things begin to look different. This phenomenon is a constant source of inspiration to me.
Artist and Muse (my wife)
tcmsculptures
tcmsculptures 
Love your site!
Plan to keep it up-to-date, as you mentioned.
Think about ways to have it linked to other sites and have them link to yours.
Will think about possible options for that.
It’s GREAT!
You are a brilliant lawyer. With a model like this for inspiration, however, I can see why you are great artist.
Tom,
You have always been one of a kind . . . in a good way! You are unique and your artwork shows that. I really enjoy see your latest projects, I can tell you really enjoy your work.
Keep doing what you do . . .
I am so glad we were on your mailing list! I love your work and love being in touch!
Thanks for sending us your Earth Day brochure! Glad to know you love what you’re doing! Congratulations on finding and following your passion.
BRAVO TOM! We have always admired your creative capabilities. To this very day, we continue to have your father’s gift of sculpture (“The Purdy Family”) on prominent display.
Hi Tom,
I had the pleasure of meeting you on the labyrinth at the museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico ~ your art and your spirit are up lifting and inspirational! What a beautiful path you are weaving~
Peace
Debi K.
Tom, Love your catch! The bales of hay oil painting is wonderful! Who knew you were such an artist!!!!!
Wish we WERE going to be around for the Brandywine Festival. We are going to be in Norfolk, VA visiting Erik and his girlfriend the week before….she and I will be running in the Rock’N Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon over Labor Day Weekend! When Bill retires this year we may be a bit more free to travel more!
You are a fine representative of fellow 60 year olds!!!!!!!!!!
K. B.
this is Mitchellangelo, and I think you may have what it takes. I will send you a piece of marble from Italy and I would like you to make a scuplture of Rafa Nadal aka The David.
Are you the artist who has a bronze moose sculpture at the Scottsdale art show this winter?could be interested in one for a new hotel we are building in Banff Alberta called the Moose.Thank You
Wim Pauw
Dear Wim…
I regret I am not the artist with a bronze moose sculpture in Scottsdale.
I wish you the best with opening the Moose in Banff. It should fit nicely with the Caribou and others in your collection. I would think that a CorTen steel would be a suitable alternative to a bronze moose, but that’s just me.
Wishing you the best.
Tom Martin