Influences
BUDDHISM
Due to his father’s career as an importer of spiritual iconography, Allan was surrounded by images from the world's religions from a young age. Later, his studies and experiences of these traditions became the foundation for his artistic work.
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Allan studied extensively in China and Tibet. He spent more than one year in monastic practice while in residence at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, and participated in multiple retreats at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA.
Inspired by mystics like Ramana Maharishi and Neem Karoli Baba, Allan volunteered at Mother Teresa's Home for Dying Destitutes in Kolkata.
Travel
Allan visited 21 countries over his life, living months at a time in many of them. He loved to arrive in a remote village and offer free English lessons, and often found himself with an invitation to supper and a place to stay.
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He was also an avid travel writer, producing a collection of tales from his distant adventures. Once, during an attempted mugging in rural Tibet, he befriended his would-be thieves by speaking fluent Mandarin. Another time in Chihuahua Mexico, he nearly slipped to his death while hiking alone in deep and rugged Copper Canyon.
MENTORS
During high school, Allan was tutored by professional artist and Governor’s School art instructor Nancy Mehlich.
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At UVA, the Art School director William Bennet connected Allan to Robert Bricker, a sculptor who owns the Bronzecraft Foundry in Waynesboro, VA. Bricker went on to mentor Allan, and gave him space and materials at the foundry.
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Cy Twombly, an internationally renowned contemporary artist, discovered Allan's work during a visit to the Bronzecraft foundry. From this chance meeting, Twombly became one of Allan's mentors. Twombly also sought out patrons, collectors and galleries for Allan's work.
Natural World
Allan grew up on a mountain, and less than a mile from the Appalachian Trail. He spent much of his life outdoors- hiking, camping, snow-boarding, farming, building, and meditating.
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Altered states
While channeling his energies into a whirlwind of diverse pursuits, Allan wrestled with bipolar illness for twenty-two years. Starting in high school, he often expressed his experience with this condition in his art.
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With the aid of medication, periodic psychiatric support and journeys to shamanic healers, Allan coped successfully with the illness for many years.