about_the_artist_Colorado_Artist_Mark_Anthony_King

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Mark Anthony King

Artist Statement

People often ask the question “how long have you been an artist?"

There is truly only one correct answer to that, always.

I feel that we are born to be who we are.

We are instinctually inclined to reach out in a specific direction.

The calling is different for each of us. I am merely trying to find my own path, to get to the heart of me.

I would like to serve as inspiration to those who are seeking themselves & hope that my work & success

may offer a reminder or a glint of hope to those on their journey as well, to follow their own path

& enjoy where it takes them.

As artists we create because we can't not create.

Give us a piece of string; we'll make art out of it. Give us a computer; we'll make art out of it.

The mediums one chooses to work in at any given moment in time are often a response

to what is available to that individual at that given time.

When I was five I created with crayons and pencils.

Today I use lenses, computers, canvas and paint.

Who knows what tomorrow will inspire?

I feel one should not set limitations on their creativity.

To me, the technical & formal training that one has or doesn’t have is not nearly as important

as what lies in their heart & their spirit. That is what truly makes someone an artist.

As far as the ability to draw from what’s within you, it’s either there or it’s not, it can’t be taught.

I will let the work speak for itself & you may determine if it takes you to a place that you would like to be.

Hopefully you’ll pause & rest under a tree with me for a moment or two, to ponder the universe, in your own way.

Bio

My formal training is in photography.

I studied and worked in the photography field for 10 years

before moving to Colorado and opening Stoneheart Gallery in 2006.

Throughout my life I have continually endeavored in many artistic projects

involving various mediums from sandblasting and engraving

in glass, marble and granite to photography, digital illustration, graphic design and painting.

Currently, my primary focus is on painting. I started painting seriously in 2008.

It has allowed me new and continued creative growth. Painting forces me to create from within.

I seldom use reference photos or actual scenes, preferring to cull images from memories and imagination.

What happens between the mind, the hand and the canvas is infused with a spirit which is all its own.

I currently own and operate Stoneheart Gallery in Evergreen Colorado

where I showcase my works alongside many of Colorado’s finest artists working in various mediums.

The gallery is located at 28005 Highway 74 in the Heart of downtown Evergreen, Colorado.

2010

Painted Violin Artist: Denver Young Artist Orchestra

2006 & 2007

Selected juror for the photography category

Reflections Committee

National PTA "Reflections" competition.

2006

First Annual Paint Sculpt Shoot Evergreen

“The Gathering” was awarded First Place and Best of Show

Photography Category

My Works Are held in Private Collections from coast to coast

Including, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Illinois,

Ohio, Tennessee, Maryland and Virginia.

And Internationally in Japan & Australia and Indonesia.

Photography /Digital Illustration

Style

I consider my lenswork 'Expressionistic Photography'.

When I’m shooting an image I’m trying to capture

the energy about the subject or the scene more so

than the details, sharpness, depth, or even the beauty.

I’m in the neighborhood of impressionism,

though that would be a more compelling argument

if I were just trying to “paint the light”.

As it is I’m trying to “paint the energy”, the subjects expression, emotion,

or as the mystic J Hohn so eloquently put it, its "imprint."

The goal of my imagery is to suggest the way a scene made me feel

more so than to document what was actually there.

This holds true throughout my work be it of landscapes, people, plants, animals or even abstracts and composites.

In my eyes, visual stimulation is just an incentive to evoke an emotion.

Symbolism

Throughout many of my images you will be finding what appear to be “scratches” these markings are added to many of my images

to represent the matrix, that unseen link that connects all things.

Some of my works also contain barriers from one dimension to another.

Those invisible walls that we are constantly trying to break down in order to improve ourselves or move “up” to the next level

are usually represented by a broken pane of glass.

This shows the inevitable vulnerability of those walls

and that if we keep knocking – eventually we’ll get through.

Method

The method of capture is not important to me, the final result is.

I feel free to use whatever lens/camera/format combination

I deem necessary to create the desired result.

Then I select what type of surface will effectively “carry” the image.

I print on a variety of surfaces depending entirely on the image and the desired “feel”.

An important goal of mine is to keep my art moving forward.

I feel it’s important to look back and respect the foundations that have been created,

but also to build upon them and sometimes just flat out run away from them.

I am constantly exploring both new and old methods of combining my photographs with actual painting techniques, both through the lens

and in the printing process.

Some of my images are “straight” photographs while others

stretch the boundaries of photography mixing in digital manipulation and then some physical manipulation as well.

I accept no limitations to the tools and processes available.

As new technologies arise I embrace them and exploit them unapologetically

in the interest of advancing my artwork.

The Mystic Machine Covers

In the winter of 2007 I met musician John Hohnstein.

Upon hearing his music I decided to collaborate with him by creating the artwork

to adorn his Mystic Machine collection of CD's.

The fit seemed quite natural considering the ethereal feel of my images

and the depth of his soundscapes. To me the layering in his music

mirrors the layering of my imagery in perfect synchronicity.

To date we have banded together on the first three discs:

Dream, Ancient Spirit & Imprint.

I encourage you to visit mysticmachine.com and give a listen.

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