Craig Alan - Portfolio

INTRODUCING - CRAIG ALAN

Born in 1971 in San Bernardino, California and raised in the Atlanta area, Craig first recognized his creative drive via crayons on his parents’ walls, like many inspired young artists, and by the age of 7 his capacity for detailed visual interpretation became undeniable.

He accepted a soccer scholarship at the University of Mobile, AL along with 3 summer art classes and in the first, Pottery, Craig’s light bulb switched on in a rejuvenating glow! To help sustain his education he found financial support and enjoyment in driving to New Orleans on his weekends and creating portraits for passers-by on the streets. This endeavour helped him perfect his flair for replicating the human figure. With a focus on studio art he minored in theatre, further diversifying Craig’s craft and armed him with techniques in makeup and set design. This blending of disparate influences and media is visually apparent in all of Craig’s works, which demonstrate a broad knowledge and appreciation of the human form and the colourful world we occupy.

His career is a culmination of textbook artistic knowledge and keen aesthetic sense. Craig’s collections run the gamut from abstract expressionism to haunting, graphic realism, each one a reflection of its creator’s unique vision.

He is most well-known for his Populous series, which drew inspiration from a balcony overlooking Orange Beach, Alabama where patrons enjoying a wedding party seemed to form the shape of an eye where they stood. Craig explains, “Inspiration begins with a ‘What if…’ as I consider alternate imagery, surfaces, effects, results… It comes from the past in conjunction with now. Like a bolt of lightning.” Since the epiphany, his Populus series is now home to dozens of celebrities and icons of all ages such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, James Bond, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Van Gough, Gandhi, John Lennon and James Dean.