A roadside visit in the low country.
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Rambling down the the road in the low country, on the side of the road, under the shade of an old live oak tree in Hollywood, South Carolina, you may find Tobias. Tobias is a man of many talents and a wealth of life experiences. He came of age during the ’60’s in the Boston area. Later he lived for a time in a tree house in Nova Scotia, then moved to Key West where he worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker.
We originally stopped by to check out Tobias’ paintings and the interesting walking sticks I had heard about. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but was surprised at his gift of painting.
Incredible, intricate works of art.
This was my favorite. 
Really good stuff y’all. And on the side of the road?
The walking sticks are super cool. They’re made from trees intertwined with vines.
Tobias removes the vines revealing a coiled indention then carves the walking sticks working with the nature-made patterns. Tobias sometimes adds creatures for interest.
The walking sticks are not only functional but beautiful works of art in their own right, each with its own personality.
We soon learned that Tobias is a musician too. He plays the piano and guitar, and is teaching himself to play the fiddle. Or is it a violin? Fiddle, I think, is what he’d call it. Thankfully we happened to have a guitar with us so Tobias treated us to an impromptu concert. He’s quite a guitarist.
My husband was fascinated by his unique finger style…playing the bass line with his thumb and melody with three fingers.
Here, why don’t you check it out for yourself.
Pretty cool huh? Did you catch that bit about Shel Silverstein? We had a nice visit with Tobias under the live oak tree. And Randy bought me an early Christmas present, one of Tobias’ walking sticks.
So, next time you’re out galavanting around, be sure to pay attention to the roadside. You never know what you might find. You may even make a new friend.
Love ya like a sister!
Or a brother. 😀
toby was in my class i am sorry i never recognized how talented he is-best to you toby
Very cool!
I use to see Tobias everytime I visited Key West. He would paint on Stock Island on the docks by the Hog Fish Resturant. He would paint the most beautiful water and beach scapes. I miss not seeing him. I enjoyed your encounter with him. He is a simple man with so much talent. I love his art work and how he builds up the depth of the water. He is missed in Key West. If I ever get to Hollywood I will look him up. Hello Tobias from Linda
Wow! You are ringing some bells. My family has known Tobias from the early seventies in Nova Scotia onward. My mom sent me this link from Nova Scotia. It is good to see him and “what you found on the side of the road” is so interconnected. You see, I left my sweet, sweet home of family and friends in Hollywood and Meggett a couple years ago. I am writing from Orangeville , Ontario. Thankyou for sharing and may you be blessed.
i used to live in the same marina as tobias in key west. I loved walking by his studio and peeking in while he painted. he also sang and played guitar and piano at restaurant/bar at the end of our dock called the hogfish. i miss tobi!!!!!!!
It is with great pride I read this article, having known Tobias for quite some time in Key West. Toby is truly a man of many talents and his incredible drive to accomplish his goals are an inspiration to all of us. His album “Yes Indeedie” and his paintings are a true testament to his incredible artistic talent and a reminder of his message to us from many years ago to pursue your passion whatever it might be. And he did, congrats Toby you deserve all the acolades that come your way.
I met Toby in 1979 in Key West Fla. We became friends. He asked me back then if I new of Bear River Nova Scotia as that is where he and his wife and children homesteaded in the 70s. I did not know Bear River N.S. However, Bear River has been and still is my home now for 13 years.IRONY.Toby is a one of a kind character,artist,musician,carpenter,,,OH man!The guy can do just about anything well.
If at all possible Toby,I would love to hear from you again.
I will never forget the old military bus you converted and were living in the parking lot of one of the sea side beer joints with your family in Key West.
Russell
p.s. Toby you said you would never cross back over the 7 mile bridge again. I guess Key West was enough. Great to see you still creating.
russellquinn@hotmail.com
Russell I just saw this blog reply and sent you an email..
Amos McGregor
Hi All…. It is nice to read so many nice comments about my dad. Toby is doing great (ornery as ever). He still lives in Hollywood SC and is still painting and playing music. He is talking about moving up to Asheville to be closer to my brother and I and has started doing some paintings of the Asheville area.
Amos
So happy to hear that, Amos! Thank you for sharing.
Hi, we saw him in the Keys and bought a CD of his. How could we buy another? Thanks
Hi Paula.. I’m sure the Yes Indeedy CD is out of print but Toby may have a copy or two laying around. We are also going in to the studio in March to record another! if you would like to PM your address I will reach out when we are done. my email is djpandemic@hotmail.com
Good day,
I lived on my boat in front of Tobias’ shop and was a friend of his. I’d love send my regards.
My name is Norman Trabulsy. ntrabulsyjr@gmail.com Thanks
I’m sure Tobias was a great neighbor.