About me

Hello, I’m Tom Fox, a Dunedin-based, New Zealand visual artist whose work explores the raw, tactile essence of human experience through unconventional techniques and deeply personal themes.

Born and raised in Dunedin, New Zealand, in a family of artists, creativity has always been woven into the fabric of my life. This foundation led me to pursue a Master of Fine Arts from the Dunedin School of Art, awarded in 2019. My dissertation and culminating exhibition, titled Altered Neuro States, delved into the intersections of sensory processing, autism, and trauma—themes that continue to inform my practice.

As an autistic artist, my large-scale drawings (often 2.1 x 1.5 meters) are created using ground chalk pastels applied directly with my fingers, resulting in portraits distorted by the unique impressions of my fingerprints. This intimate process has historically centered on self-portraits that capture the intensity of sensory overload and autistic experiences—my family jokes that I essentially hold a master’s in finger painting. In recent years, I’ve evolved toward portraits of others, expanding these explorations while maintaining the visceral, textured quality that defines my work.

Complementing these monumental pieces, I create abstract watercolor landscapes and handmade watercolor gift cards. These smaller works offer a softer, more fluid counterpoint, evoking the serenity of natural worlds through vibrant washes and intuitive forms—perfect for gifting or personal reflection.

I’m proud to be a founding member and one of the organizer’s of iNDx, an exhibition that showcases the art of autistic artists and is open to any autistic artist to enter. It takes place every two years at Tūhura Otago Museum, with the most recent in 2025. These events provide a platform for autistic artists like myself to share our unique perspectives.

Beyond the studio, my greatest joy comes from being a father and poppa—roles that ground me and infuse my art with a profound sense of connection and legacy. While my day job as a tattoo artist keeps me engaged with ink and expression, this website is dedicated to my fine art journey.

If my work speaks to you, explore my portfolio, browse originals and prints, or commission a piece. Connect with me on social media for updates, and let’s create something meaningful together.