Von Allaman creates raw, emotionally charged artwork that feels deeply connected to music, memory, and human expression. Best known for his striking portraits of women, his work balances softness and intensity, often carrying the same emotional weight found in the music and artists that inspire him. Influenced by figures like Kurt Cobain and Vincent van Gogh, Allaman approaches art as a way of transforming emotion into something visually powerful and deeply human. Beyond visual art, his background in music, history, healthcare, and cybersecurity has shaped a creative perspective that feels refreshingly honest and multidimensional.
1. Why is art so important in our daily lives?
This is a tough question to answer because everyone's tastes differ, and some feel very little pull towards art in general. I think the importance of art in our lives definitely varies person to person.
For those who appreciate art, it can be a source of motivation. For me specifically, I gain inspiration from seeing and listening to the works of other artists that I admire. It makes me want to create something similar, or as good as I can, because I see that if someone else can do it, then it must be possible.
For those who appreciate art, it can be a source of motivation. For me specifically, I gain inspiration from seeing and listening to the works of other artists that I admire. It makes me want to create something similar, or as good as I can, because I see that if someone else can do it, then it must be possible.
2. You pull inspiration from a few very famous people. From all of them, which one would you say inspires you the most and why?
If I had to pick one, it would probably have to be Kurt Cobain. I've been inspired by his songwriting and lyrics ever since the first time I heard my first Nirvana song. I think he was a true artist who channeled his frustration, sadness, and anger into something that could be enjoyed by millions of people. The same could be said of Van Gogh. What I think makes art so special is that it can be created out of the most negative emotions a person can experience and be transformed into something beautiful.
3. Your beautiful women drawings are what caught my eye the first time I saw your work. Why are women one of your main subjects?
I get this question frequently and it's also hard to answer why I mostly draw women. I can't really explain why — I just want to.
4. What is your process like? How long does it take from the idea or commission to the final product?
My artistic process varies. Inspiration to create is not a constant, which is something I think most artists struggle with. And for me, drawing and painting is not relaxing or meditative at all. I think people who say that it is aren't pushing themselves enough. For me, there's often a lot of profanities expelled during the process, and I'm exhausted by the end of it.
Sometimes I'll get an idea that I want to put to paper, like my Caesar & Brutus piece, or Writing Her Own Melody. Sometimes I'll simply practice portraiture or figure drawing from a reference image. These may be people I know, or don't know personally, and oftentimes, my finished piece will look like an entirely different person.
I think I produce my best work when I should be doing something else, so it becomes a form of procrastination. I have to capitalize on this motivation when it occurs because it is fleeting, and unfortunately, when I have the free time to create, this motivation is unlikely to be present. The length of time to create also varies from an hour or so to days, but usually I can tell a piece is going to be decent or crap within a few minutes.
Sometimes I'll get an idea that I want to put to paper, like my Caesar & Brutus piece, or Writing Her Own Melody. Sometimes I'll simply practice portraiture or figure drawing from a reference image. These may be people I know, or don't know personally, and oftentimes, my finished piece will look like an entirely different person.
I think I produce my best work when I should be doing something else, so it becomes a form of procrastination. I have to capitalize on this motivation when it occurs because it is fleeting, and unfortunately, when I have the free time to create, this motivation is unlikely to be present. The length of time to create also varies from an hour or so to days, but usually I can tell a piece is going to be decent or crap within a few minutes.
5. Where do you draw the ideas for your subjects? Are they based on real people and objects or drawn from your imagination?
I create most of my work in my apartment or at life drawing sessions with live models. So both real and imaginary people.
6. Tell us about your childhood and upbringing. How did you find your way to the artist's life?
I think I always drifted towards art from an early age and drew a lot as a kid. I also started on the piano at age 5, which ultimately led to playing guitar in a band for several years in my high school and college years. I didn't start drawing and painting seriously until about 4 years ago.
7. Besides being an extraordinary artist, you also have a few other interests: being a musician performing with your band, earning a BA in history, and working in the medical field as well as in cybersecurity. What are some of the lessons you learned while moving through these different careers?
A lesson I've learned moving through different careers is that you don't need to stay stuck doing something you don't enjoy doing. I've finally found work that I do enjoy, and it allows me the time to also do art professionally.
8. What has been the hardest part about juggling your career while also working on your art?
The fatigue. I think creating art takes a lot of energy, and at the end of the workday, you might not have enough energy to create. Fortunately, my work has been very accommodating for my exhibitions.
9. I saw your work at The Other Art Fair. How was your experience, and do you generally enjoy showcasing your art at fairs?
I had a very good experience at The Other Art Fair. I wasn't sure what to expect, because I feel like my art is not the most commercially appealing, but it was very rewarding to see people truly appreciate my art.
10. What are your plans for the future?
I'll be exhibiting at Laguna Art-A-Fair from June through September and hope to be exhibiting at The Other Art Fair in Santa Monica as well.
Follow Von on Instagram at @bluehorseblinders and visit his website at vonallaman.com