The essence of Scott Tobin’s artistic pursuits can be summed up in what he calls, “Visual Antidepressants.” Tobin’s playful and gritty approach to art is infused with strokes of beauty that have earned him high regard as an urban artist in Eastern Canada.

A highly stylized artist with prolific and expanding range, Tobin’s work includes large-scale interior/exterior wall murals, fine art, and live painting performances. Sixteen years experience with spray paint has led him to be one of Canada’s top character graffiti artists and well respected for his word pieces. Educated in Fine Arts at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Tobin combines his imaginative approach to visual art with well-developed techniques using oil, oil bars, acrylic, pastel, chalk, charcoal, ink, aerosol and watercolor.

Growing up in urban environments in Toronto and Halifax has significantly formed his approach to visual art. His punchy, vibrant, ethereal and soulful work has transformed those same urban spaces, injecting concrete environments with playfully conscious encounters of the natural world. While animated flowers, birds and other glimpses into organic life have become trademark Tobin subjects, his pursuit of visual antidepressants includes character portraits and word pieces as well.

Tobin has participated in the prominent graffiti events Under Pressure (Montreal), 416 Jam (Toronto) and Style in Progress (Toronto). Producing his solo art show, Visual Antidepressants (Halifax) showcased his accomplishments on canvas in vivid color. His work ranges from canvas commissions for private collectors, small businesses, large corporations to festivals and music events. Tobin collaborates with DJ’s and musical groups doing live art at events. He is a showman and well liked for his stage presence as he spins paint cans, lights them on fire, dances and socializes with curious on-lookers. Whatever the environment, Tobin says, “What I do is visual-antidepressants. I make something that is beautiful and makes people feel better.”

Tobin’s current major sponsor is Gravis (Burton). Previous work includes contracts with Bell, Telus, Red Bull, City of Toronto and City of Halifax to name a few. He has been hired to paint murals that discourage further building desecration and unwanted graffiti. Paul MacKinnon, Executive Director of the Halifax Downtown Business Association says they hired Tobin for the level of respect he has earned in the graffiti community and hoped his work would be respected by would-be vandals. Echoing MacKinnon’s voice, The Commoner wrote, “When it comes to art, there’s not much Tobin can’t or won’t do.”

Ryan Stapells, manager and man responsible for developing the exceedingly popular nights at The Attic Night Club (Halifax) has this to say about Tobin. “Tobin's style is fresh and clean and he has a talent for urban design. Whether painting vegetables on the outside of a restaurant, or painting a picture of a DJ with turntables in a club, Tobin knows when to use his 'wild-style', and when not to.  The other thing that is amazing about Scott is his ability to take a photo of anything, translate that photo into large scale art, and his piece still looks exactly like the photo.  Scott is versatile and he can adapt his artistic style to satisfy any request.  I would recommend Tobin to anybody who is looking for an excellent artist.”