Bill Toma has been involved in art since childhood. An avid sketch artist throughout his school years, Toma continued his interest in art through oil painting while obtaining a Master of Arts degree in English in 1961. While pursuing a teaching career, Toma began sculpting and working in metal.

By 1973, Toma had become so obsessed with his art that he resigned his well established career as an English instructor at Long Beach City College to pursue his passion full-time. Since that turning point, Toma has become an internationally known and highly collectible artist.