Q&A with The Talented Artist Eloin Rivera
At TOMA, we’re passionate about sharing the vibrant flavors of Latin America with the world. From the moment we started dreaming up this brand, we knew that authentic representation was key. Our co-founders, Sofia and Manolo Vergara, have deep roots in Colombian and Latin culture, and we wanted to capture the essence of their homeland in every bite and every visual element.
To bring our vision to life, we sought out an artist who could authentically convey the tropical spirit of Colombia. Enter Eloin Rivera, a Colombian master whose breathtaking murals transport you to lush rainforests of Latin America. His work is not just art; it's an experience.
Sofia and Manolo with Eloin at the TOMA launch party.
We believe that a brand should be more than a logo and colors, that packaging should be more than just a container – they’re opportunities to tell a story. By collaborating with Eloin, we knew we could create a brand that would stand out on shelves and resonate with our customers on a deeper level. His unique style and deep connection to Colombia make him the perfect partner to help us bring TOMA to life. Learn more about Eloin and our collaboration in the Q&A below!
Q: Tell us about your decision to become an artist:
A: I became an artist by letting myself be carried away by nature, observing and learning from its beauty without following academic rules, letting each landscape inspire me and guide my art.
Q: Where in Colombia do you go for inspiration?
A: I find my inspiration in two magical places in Colombia: the Colombian Pacific, with its exuberant biodiversity, and the Cocora Valley, where wax palms rise majestically, creating a landscape that seems straight out of a dream. These places, with their natural beauty and serenity, nourish my creativity and enrich my art.
Q: Why do you paint tropical scenes?
A: I paint tropical scenes because I feel immensely rooted in my land and I find in them an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Each brush stroke is an attempt to capture the essence of nature in its purest state. Through my art, I seek to share the wonder and respect I feel for my country.
An example of Eloin’s murals.
Q: When you are commissioned to paint a mural, what is the first step you take to imagine it?
A: The first step for a new mural without a doubt is the recognition of the place, where inspiration takes shape through the materialization of a sketch based on observation of the environment; I interpret that information and integrate it with my style, ensuring that the work reflects both my artistic vision and the environment in which it will live.
Q: Why did you want to paint this mural for Toma?
A: When they made me the proposal for TOMA, and I saw the Colombian identity it had, I wanted to be the artistic part that accompanied the brand. I have always liked being an ambassador of Colombia in foreign lands, and I feel that with TOMA this was possible.
Eloin’s mural for TOMA
Q: What is special about this mural for Toma?
A: This mural has my entire identity as an artist and is a portrait of what you would see in a Colombian jungle. So nothing more appropriate to accompany the TOMA identity; that in their products they make a gastronomic tour of the flavors that you find in my country.
Q: What is your favorite part of Toma's mural?
A: The Toucan and the low palm trees are my favorite part of the mural. They represent me.
Q: What excites you about Toma?
A: It is the first time I have seen a Colombian product brand with this approach, and I am excited that people outside of Colombia can try our flavors.
Q: What is your favorite Toma food?
A: The empanadas, simply delicious.
Check out more of Eloin’s work on his Instagram.