Meet the artist
"What is meant for you will never miss you…”- Imam Ash-Shafi’i
Tochi J. Nworu’s journey to becoming the artist she is today began with an eighth-
grade drawing class that she was unwillingly placed in (She REALLY wanted to be in
Wood Shop). Ironically, it was here she discovered her gift. Little did Tochi know, this
would be a defining moment, not only in her career but her identity...some would
call this serendipity. It was also the encouragement of her drawing teacher who helped
cultivate her talents. Tochi’s newfound love and passion for art materialized into
more than a hobby but an escape from the ups and downs of life. Concurrently,
Tochi had another passion, medicine, of which she pursued as well. Balancing her
purposes was rewarding, but oftentimes challenging.
Tochi went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at Rutgers University - Mason Gross School of the Arts, while minoring in Biology. During this time, she pursued every opportunity to master her craft. With “Drawing” as her initial concentration, she found herself broadening her skill set and exploring painting, collage, as well as mixed media.
Although vast, Tochi’s work primarily illustrates aspects of her Nigerian culture and the multidimensional identity of the black woman. She works with various mediums including, but not limited to, acrylic and oil paints, charcoal, oil and chalk pastel, gold leaf, print, and graphite on paper, canvas and wood. She also incorporates original poetry and the use of text in her work.
She received her Medical Degree at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed her Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, NY. Tochi is completing her Pain Management fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Her ultimate goal as a physician and a creative is to combine both passions in a way that brings about inspiration and healing to those around her.