BIO: My name is Allen Creamean (a.k.a. “Neurotik”), born and raised in Illinois my whole life; most of which in Northern Illinois in a small town outside of Rockford called Byron Illinois. I have studied and worked in the field of psychology/mental health for the past 10 years. I’m licensed as a Clinical Professional Counselor at The Pavilion Hospital, working with youth and adults in acute psychiatric crises. I have lived in Champaign for the past three years and have been painting for the past four. As far as my mediums, I started using spray paint after having an interest in graffiti to make larger pieces (8’x8’ or larger), but quickly switched to acrylic paint markers which allow more control in creating a piece on a smaller scale. I have been involved with The Common Mind artist group for the past 4 years, painting at live events (Pop-Up Graffiti Jams @ Mike and Molly’s) and assisting with development and executing Boneyard at Fluid Events Center in April of 2015 and 2016. I have shown work at a variety of locations in town, but don’t typically have my work in one location for more than a weekend; I prefer to show my work at outdoor shows where I can interact and at times, get the kids engaged in painting. I have participated community based festivals/shows (e.g., Boneyard Arts Festival, Pygmalion Made Fest, Taste of Champaign) and have been selected for a few juried exhibitions (40 North Sky Gallery 2015, Urbana Art Expo 2015 & 2016, Boneyard Juried exhibitions for 2016 & 2017) as well as nominated and winning 40 North Artist of the Year award in 2017. I also attempt to get involved in charity auctions/shows if I have a piece available; to date I have submitted approximately 12 pieces to help raise money for causes such as mental health awareness, cancer fundraisers, and suicide prevention.
GOAL/PURPOSE: My goal with my artwork is to normalize symptoms of mental illness while validating the painful emotions often suppressed. I find all too often that at the core of most psychopathology feelings of ostracism and self-criticism. I paint my own emotions with the intent of showing the world that at times emotions can be difficult and frightening. In some ways it is a means of challenging myself to be vulnerable with who I genuinely am on a public scale. In other ways, it shows those who repress their feelings and creativity, that not everyone will judge them.
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