Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Allen
Hi Steve, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as an artist began unexpectedly in the Fall of 1992. I moved to Atlanta during the Summer of ’92 and attended an arts festival at the invitation of a friend. While viewing the work I said to her, “Hell, I can do that.” A couple of months later, the morning of October 15th as a matter of fact, I quit my job as a copier technician and literally became an “artist”. After quitting the job, then applying for unemployment compensation, I began creating my first painting.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This is a difficult question. I say this because every artist’s journey is an individual one. The journey can be a difficult one, fraught with ups and downs along the way. I was fortunate to have two family members that supported my work and made it possible for me to create full time.
My artistic journey has been, in my eyes, neither smooth or rough/difficult. I never had any specific expectations as I had absolutely nothing to compare it to. I started the journey, it has literally taken me around the world, eight Olympic Games, and to the Smithsonian Institution.
As I look back I see many things one can consider difficult but at the time it was just “life”. I admit that I’ve been self reflecting concerning then, now, and the future as it pertains to my career.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a practicing artist since October 1992. I’m a painter primarily but in the last few years I’m creating more mixed media works. My recent creations have been called Fractal Afro Futurism. Afrofuturism expresses notions of Black identity, agency and freedom through art, creative works and activism that envision liberated futures for Black life.
I am an artist inspired by the idea of simplicity to complexity. My paintings delve into the mathematical structure and relationships that make up the world we live in. The exploration, discovery, and appreciation of patterns is highlighted in my work.
I primarily work with acrylic paints and metal leaf (gold, copper, silver) to create intricate figures and designs. I connect with and highlight ideas from the past and create entirely new work that explores future possibilities. For me this facilitates a spiritual connection with the Creator and the Ancestors.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
At this point in my life there aren’t any surprises to speak about. As I’ve gotten older my life centers around my work as an artist. I also find myself more concerned about creating something of artistic value that will be worthy of remembrance, a legacy if you will. You might consider each new work a surprise and a way to know me. It’s all in the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.steverallengallery.com, www.steverallenfoundation.org
- Instagram: @steverallenart
- Facebook: Steve Allen (Facebook), Steve R Allen Art (Facebook)
Image Credits
Portrait/Head shot – Carolyn Miller
MUHCAB (Rio de Janeiro museum, Robson Maia and Maria Julia Ferreira)
