Robert Allen

Artist's Statement/Biography:
“Taoism is not a religion, nor a philosophy. It is a "Way" of life. The Tao is the natural order of things, a force that flows through every living and sentient object, as well as through the entire universe.

When the Tao is in balance it is possible to find perfect happiness.” The Tao and art in my life seem interchangeable, intertwined and without either I would not be complete.
I have worked in the electronics industry for almost as many years as I have been involved with art (24 years); painting and drawing as a hobby and as of late, sculpture.

Since childhood, I have been inspired and motivated by image, photography, and the natural beauty of people, and places around me. I started very early to try to capture on paper in pencil and other media, the things that engrossed me visually. I have taken art courses in college and have learned some of the techniques that interest me, and others were self-taught.

I draw and paint in an often-surrealistic style; utilizing both traditional and inventive techniques, it is just miraculous to me to render a subject in a realistic manner on the two-dimensional plane. I am filled with a sense of achievement and enjoy using this creative avenue as a way of translating thoughts and ideas to an outer reality that others can share.

 The ever changing personality of my themes and subjects fuels my imagination and the possibilities for my topic are endless. Because I often enjoy using several mediums, I choose the one that seems to be the most appropriate for the subject and atmosphere I wish to convey through the art. I particularly enjoy exploring the three Cs: contrast, composition, and color.

As an artist, I know I will be the lifetime learner that I always thought I would be. If others find my work appealing or compelling that is an added bonus.