With his full-throttle approach to both mountain freeriding and his creative endeavors, Tom Bunney embodies the volume-all-the-way-up spirit of the Vohemian. His riding and art both scream freedom, and we like all those things – which is why we couldn't be more stoked to launch our first-ever Artist-in-Residence collection with him.
He's has had quite the life journey – creating art, mountain biking, and even curing himself from cancer. So sit down, get comfortable, and get to know our friend Tom Bunney.
Falling Into A Creative Career
Tom comes from the UK but now calls the picturesque town of Squamish, British Columbia, home. "I’ve been here for five years – I love the life here," Tom shares. “I’m into bikes, drawing, heavy metal, and the great outdoors.” His journey into the world of art and design began back in England, where he attended university for graphic design. After building his skills in London’s bustling studios and agencies, Tom started dabbling in illustration on the side, creating designs for bands and T-shirt companies. Little did he know that this side hustle wold eventually become his full-time passion.
Tom’s path to becoming a full-time illustrator wasn’t a calculated decision. Instead, it was a natural progression fueled by his love for drawing and the biking community. After traveling the world and eventually settling in BC, Tom immersed himself in the local biking scene. "I made it my mission to work with as many biking companies as I could here," he explains. "The sport has
given me so much happiness in life."
Finding His Artistic Style
If you know Tom, you know that he has such a unique style of art. When describing how he found this style he says, "I’ve always been drawn to every kind of graphic black-and-white art. I don’t know if that’s because I’m partially color blind – I don’t know if I actually am – but I’ve always leaned toward minimal colors over loads of colors."
His fascination with black-and-white art also connects to his childhood in England, surrounded by castles, old buildings, and a rich Medieval culture. "I was just so fascinated by the old woodcut drawings of the time and the symbolism they held in a time when most people were illiterate. These drawings were so powerful, not just in their content but in how they were drawn. The woodcut style, with its bold black-and-white lines, captivated me, and I’ve always been drawn to it."
Tattoo art also plays a significant role in Tom's creative inspiration. "Definitely very inspired by tattoo art – I know that sounds kind of cliché, but I just love the bold lines and the symbolism of it all," he says. This blend of Medieval woodcuts and tattoo art has heavily influenced his artistic journey.
As Tom kept drawing, and finding artists he really loved, he slowly started to develop his own style. Initially, Tom’s work was even more detailed than it is now. "Back in the day, it was even more detailed!" he laughs. However, he soon realized that from a commercial standpoint, spending days, or even weeks, on a single drawing was not sustainable. "I couldn’t charge enough for the time I was putting in," he explains.
Freeriding – A Way of Life
For Tom, biking is more than a sport – it’s a way of life. "It’s ultimate freedom, creative expression, amazing exercise, and being out there in nature," he says. "The places in the world, the mountaintops, the countries it’s taken me to – I never would have experienced them if not for riding. It’s the best thing for me and my mental health."
His favorite trails are those that challenge him and push him out of his comfort zone. "I live for the feeling of being scared of something and getting over that fear," he admits. "The variety of trails here in BC is insane. We have crazy lomos, slabs, jumps – you name it, we’ve got it."
Overall, Tom likes to mix it up. Whether it’s his downhill bike, jump bike, or trail bike, he equally appreciates all the places they take him.
Living the Vohemian Life
Tom's philosophy is as bold as his art: "I like to live my life in unconventional ways," he says. "I’ve always kind of had the mantra of f*** the system – not to follow what everyone else is doing or what’s expected of me by society. I like to prioritize fun, happiness, and doing good, soulful stuff every day over everything else."
This free-spirited approach perfectly aligns with the ethos of VOLTAGE LTD, where Tom has created his own collection of products. "VOLTAGE LTD is all about getting out there, living a life of adventure… that’s totally what I’m all about," he says.
His Inspiration? The Great Outdoors!
When asked about his constant flow of creativity, Tom says, "I find inspiration out here in the great outdoors!" With a solid work-life balance, Tom rarely experiences creative blocks. He believes in the power of stepping away from the desk and immersing himself in nature. "Taking breaks, going for a w walk or ride, helps clear my mind and lets my subconscious take over."
But Nature isn't Tom's only muse. He also finds that inspiration can spring from the most unexpected places. "You never know where inspiration will hit -- it might be the supermarket, from random packaging, or even a cool T-shirt you see while walking around."
Facing Life’s Ultimate Curveball & Coming Out On Top
Tom Bunney's story is not limited to art and freeriding, but he’s also been able to overcome challenges through natural healing. In 2017, while living in New Zealand, Tom’s life changed. "Through a routine medical check for immigration, I found out I had thyroid cancer," Tom recalls. "It was completely out of the blue, a massive shock. I got kicked out of the country and sent home."
He faced this diagnosis with unconventional path to recovery. "I decided to heal myself naturally," he says. This decision led him to Bali, where he embarked on a holistic journey to restore his health. "I moved to Bali, did everything I could to get as healthy as I possibly could, to heal myself from the inside out. I ate raw vegan, engaged in spiritual practices, and embraced traditional medicines from the jungle."
After nine months of dedicated effort, Tom received miraculous news. "I found out I didn’t have cancer anymore. So, it worked," he shares. This experience reinforced his belief in the body's innate ability to heal and his skepticism toward conventional medical practices. "Your body is a healing machine. Do whatever you can to stay off pharmaceuticals. We should be in control of
our health, not dictated by a money-making scheme."
Reflecting on this challenging period, Tom sees it as a transformative experience. "Ultimately, it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. Not only did I heal myself, but I also got to experience a culture and a way of life that I never would have otherwise. It made me a better version of myself and led to amazing things."
Looking Ahead & Prioritizing Happiness
As for the future, Tom plans to continue his creative journey, designing for biking companies and exploring new avenues like custom frame graphics. He has trips planned to South America and potentially a return to New Zealand. "I just want to keep doing what I’m doing," he says. "I love my flow of life, the work-life balance I have."
Tom's final piece of advice is simple yet profound: "Live an amazing, happy life. Get out, do fun stuff every day. Prioritize yourself and your happiness. Keep it foolish."
Be sure to check out our products designed by Tom Bunney himself!
The Tom Bunney X Voltage Collection
Connect or collaborate with Tom Bunney:
Website: https://www.tombunney.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/10152939314497102
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombunney/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tombunney6992
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-bunney-20792325
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombunney
Email: hello@tombunney.com