About Esom Gallery
OUR HISTORY
Tony and Tracey Mose, owners of ESOM ART, have been creatives all of their lives. Tony showed artistic promise early on, when his teachers found that he could draw with shadow, perspective and dimension at a very young age. Tracey, meanwhile, grew up playing sports and reading encyclopedias to gain as much knowledge about the world as possible. She was especially drawn to literature, fashion and art. Growing up just a few miles apart from one another, Tony and Tracey met in 1990 when he was 22 and she was 17. Tracey was out with a group of friends when Tony came up behind her and bit her on the neck with a set of vampire teeth. They still joke about what would have happened if he had “bitten” one of her friends. Eventually, they developed a close friendship and started dating, but had to stay in touch long distance while Tony did a tour in Desert Storm and Tracey attended college at what is now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The pair married in 1996.
After a few moves with their successful careers in retail, they were transferred to Key West, Fla. in 1997 to run stores in the South Florida district, and that is where Tony began painting professionally in 2001. When he decided to become a full-time artist, Tony says he found freedom and a deeper appreciation for life. He acknowledges that his talent is a blessing from God, and he takes every opportunity to use his gift.
It was a few chance encounters that led Tony and Tracey to decide on the name of ESOM ART, which translates to their last name spelled backwards. In 2002, Tony started showing his work in New Orleans at Agora (previously Interiors Market), and he did so until 2009. During that same time, as Tracey was helping Tony on the business side of the art gallery, she found success marketing and managing a nutrition center where she learned a lot about customer service, television appearances, networking and more.
After a few years of life in Florida, the Mose’s were promoted in their retail careers and were transferred back to their home state of Louisiana in 2000. Tony was self-represented and also sold work at that time through numerous galleries in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. They opened ESOM ART in Baton Rouge, which they ran from 2007 to 2009. Once they closed the gallery, they decided it was time to move to New Orleans—where Tony’s work already had a large presence. Tracey began working in aesthetic lasers, and the dynamic duo opened ESOM ART on Magazine Street in 2009 where they have been working ever since.
Tony Mose | Artist
Tony paints with acrylics—sometimes introducing mixed media—on canvas as well as on birch panels. He also creates plaster sculptures, which he then paints. For Tony, his inspiration comes from within. When approaching a canvas, he lets his brush speak through him with every sliding, gliding, flick of the wrist. He takes what he sees around him, and imbues his artwork with the feelings and memories found therein.
His figurative work stems from people-watching, where he imagines what a person’s stories might be. He then translates those stories into his artwork, and each piece is as individualistic as the person who inspired it. He leaves it up to the viewer to finish where he left off—to interpret who that person might be and what their stories might entail. He says that it is our common thread of humanity that ties us emotionally to a piece of artwork.
Tony’s cannon of work also includes abstract paintings and landscapes. For his abstracts, he translates his emotions directly onto his canvasses. His landscapes range from lively, colorful water lilies to subdued swamplands that epitomize his home state of Louisiana.
e. tony@esomart.com | p. 225.202.6406
Tracey Mose | ARTIST
Tracey graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a business degree, which has come in handy over the years. For her work, Tracey takes inspiration from the people and urban architecture in New Orleans. She starts her process by taking inspirational photographs throughout the Crescent City, which she then translates onto canvas using acrylic paint. She is obsessed with how the past of New Orleans lives on in the present, and her abstract Urban Expressionism paintings reflect this synergy of an interwoven past and present—even in her use of negative space. Tracey also works in mixed media, creating digital artwork that she then transfers onto aluminum and large-scale mirrors accentuated with paint. She lives by the motto that we can all live an artful life.
After operating in ESOM ART on Magazine Street for a few years, Tracey started taking inspiration from all of the creative and artistic businesses in the area. She decided to express her creativity in a new way by designing jewelry. Fascinated by the Studio 54-era—the looseness of the time period and the big, statement pieces—she created her Rock Stud collection of fine jewelry. It includes earrings and necklaces made from gold and silver, paired with fine gemstones and pearls.
e. tracey@esomart.com | p. 225.202.6405
Randy Jackson | DIRECTOR
For 22 years, Randy Lewis Jackson has focused on building dynamic art collections for a discerning client base. Working directly with pubic, private and corporate clients from around the world, Randy hand-selects the finest contemporary artworks by highly sought-after established artists as well as the hottest emerging artists from around the country. As an independent art consultant, Randy has direct access to many artist’s studios. His representation of Tony Mose began this way in 2019 and led to a broader relationship with the ESOM ART team in 2021. As director of the French Quarter gallery, Randy represents both Tony and Tracey Mose, two of the most talented contemporary artists in Louisiana, and is proud to help make this special gallery a world-class destination for collectors. No matter what your art collecting goals are, Randy Lewis Jackson is able to help you find the perfect work of art for your needs.
e. randy@esomart.com | p. 504.813.3152
Ronnie Dufrene | DIRECTOR |
social media manAGER
Ronnie Dufrene was born and raised in New Orleans and has spent a number of years working in corporate communications for a large corporation. Ronnie’s keen eye for art and interior design led him to a chance meeting with Tracey. The two collaborated on a piece for Ronnie’s home and the rest was history—Tracey asked him to be part of the team initially part-time, and he graciously accepted. He fell in love with art so much that he decided to make a career change and is now a full-time gallery director for the Magazine Street gallery. Ronnie believes art is very much like a love story. He says “the piece must invoke a feeling in the eye of the beholder. I consider art a personal experience and much like one’s style, art is an extension of someone’s self.” He enjoys guiding visitors to pieces that will compliment their existing collection, so their space looks cohesive. He thoroughly enjoys meeting new clients outside of the gallery and he is responsible for the gallery's corporate outreach and social media. When Ronnie isn't at the gallery, he enjoys fitness, international travel, and spending time with his Frenchie, Delphine Marie.
e. ronnie@esomart.com | p. 504.858.1142
CHRIS BAKER | ARTIST ASSISTANT
Chris has always found creativity in his life and work, manifesting itself in some unique way. Whether it be in his college years choreographing cheerleading routines at LSU or with his career as an event designer. Now, Chris’s role as artist assistant encompasses many aspects of the installation and collecting process. He also is closely involved with consultations and on approval visits. His talents for installing new collections at both galleries ensure visitors enjoy their time with the ESOM ART team. Chris also is instrumental in keeping Tony and Tracey’s workshop organized and efficient, while working with the team to facilitate clients ’needs. Meanwhile, Chris is pursuing his affection for driftwood, creating sculptural lighting designs that honor nature while capturing his perspective of its beauty. His portfolio can be viewed on his Instagram page @neon.natur and at ESOM ART’s Royal Street gallery.
e. csbdesignfirm@gmail.com | p. 318.469.7922
GET TO KNOW US
Interview with ESOM ART Owner & Artist, Tony Mose
Interview with ESOM ART Gallerist, Misty Milioto
Interview with ESOM ART Owner & Artist, Tracey Mose
Tony Mose talks about his work in his studio space on Made in New Orleans