Tom Kirby's art interest began at a young age, first by emulating his father, a second generation Abstract Expressionist painter. Kirby draws inspiration for his work from extensive travels throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, and North Africa. His work is distinctly modern yet deeply influenced by past masters, most importantly, Caravaggio, and is a synthesis of expressionistic and minimalist influences.Since the late 1980s, Kirby has exhibited his work nationally and his art can be found in private collections worldwide. He received his B.F.A. in painting from the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico in 1989, and later taught printmaking in the college's art department.