Artist Statement
A motivation for creating African inspired artifacts is fueled from an African-American upbringing in
rural and urban America. Using found materials from nature, as well as discarded objects from my
immediate environment; mixed-media has become an outlet for me to actively investigate my own
existence within the African Diaspora.
The uncertainty of my individual path for spiritual development across the environments that I have
traveled has inspired me to embrace an intuitive approach to making. My backgrounds in painting,
sculpture, and print media directly play a part in the combining and layering of materials prevalent in my
work, and have been influential in the creation and repurposing of materials ranging from the pliable to
the concrete.
Ambiguous in nature, the objects that I create are intended to reveal a sense of unresolve
within modern contexts. The utilization of the mask and other African inspired artifacts serves as a vessel for
comprehending environmental changes that affect my existence. Meaning and purpose of environmental
installations and artifacts such as masks that are used in ceremonial performance rituals that still take place in many
West African societies are significant in how I choose to display work. Though not necessarily intended for
performance, many of these artifacts possess the ability to be worn. In doing this, there is a desire to allow
myself and others to connect with "the life force" of objects, materials, and processes that constantly
affect my spiritual journey in America.
Resume
Lark Allen III
CAREER OBJECTIVE
To secure a challenging position in Art/Art Education that will allow opportunities for continual growth.
EDUCATION
Cranbrook Academy of Art
Degree: M.F.A.-2014
Concentration: Print Media
Clark Atlanta University
Degree: BA., Magna Cum Laude, May 2011
Concentration: Sculpture, Painting, Printmaking
Georgia Perimeter College
Degree: A.S., May 2008
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2016-09/2018. Job Coach (Art Instructor), Do Art Gallery.
2013-Present. Founder and Instructor, Camp Create summer art camp.
Buena Vista, MI
2014-2016. Volunteer Art Instructor, Do Art Gallery.
Bay City, MI
2011(fall). Drawing Teaching Assistant, Clark Atlanta University.
Atlanta, GA
AWARDS/EXHIBITIONS/ACTIVITIES
2021- Solo Exhibition, Africa to Eternity: Masks of the African Diaspora. The Embalming Gallery
Saginaw, MI
2020- Lead Artist, Court St. and Michigan Ave. Mural, The Great Mural Project/Bloomberg Philanthropies, (asphaltart.bloomberg.org)
Saginaw, MI
2016- Artwork Donation., Intaglio Print. Saints and Sinners Fundraiser, Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum.
Saginaw, MI
2015-Artwork Donation. Intaglio Print. Saints and Sinners Fundraiser, Marshall Frederick's Sculpture Museum
Saginaw, MI
2015-Piece by Piece Exhibition. 2 sculptures.
Midland Creative 360 Arts Center.
Midland, MI
2014- 2 prints, 1 sculpture. Permanent Collection.
Cranbrook Art Museum.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
2013-The Balance Show
Mixed media sculpture. The Forum Gallery.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
2013-Tomorrow Ain’t Promised To No One.
Chair. Forum Gallery.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
2013-The God Show.
Mixed-media sculpture. The Forum Gallery.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
2013-Cranbrook Vision
Wood laminate sculpture.
Delta College
University Center MI
2013-Larsen Award
Cranbrook Academy of Art
Bloomfield Hills, MI
2013-Founder, Camp Create Summer Art
Buena Vista Community Center
Buena Vista, MI
2013-Experiencing Perspectives Exhibition.
3 Etchings. Mercedes Benz Financial Services.
Farmington Hills, MI.
2012-Major Chords for Minors.
Mural Donation.
Saginaw, MI.
2012-Art Clash 2012.
9th Place. Painting. Do-All Inc.
Bay City, MI.
2012-Lagrange Nationals XXVI Biennial.
2 Etchings. Lagrange Museum of Art.
LaGrange, GA.
2011-Background Painter Intern - Kasha and The Zulu King.
Black Entertainment Television/AUC 2009-2011 Feature Animated Film Project.
2011-Selected Participant in Art Atlanta Silent Auction @ Bill Lowe Gallery.
2 Etchings. Hammond’s House Museum.
Atlanta, GA.
2011-3rd Place -Spelman Juried Art Competition.
Spelman College.
Atlanta, GA.
2009- Mid-South Sculpture Alliance Annual Sculpture Conference And Competition.
1st Place-Forearm and Hand,
University of Tenn. Chattanooga.
Chattanooga, Tenn.
2006- Honorable Mention/ “Self Portrait”-2006 Campus Wide Student Show.
Georgia Perimeter College.
Clarkston, Georgia.
2009-2011, Diverge Art Club Member
Atlanta University Center
Atlanta, GA.
2010 CAU Guild Scholarship Recipient
Clark Atlanta University
2010 George and Pearl Srickland Scholarship Recipient
Greater Atlanta Community Foundation
2009 Tom Joyner Scholar
Clark Atlanta University
2009 Undergraduate Studies Scholarship
Clark Atlanta University
Golden Key international Honor Society Member
Clark Atlanta University Chapter
TECHNICAL SKILLS
MS. Powerpoint, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop CS5. Adobe Illustrator.
PERSONAL REFERENCES:
Available Upon Request