From the age of ten, Allen Tiller knew he would be an artist, and in 1978 graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. He launched a career doing magazine illustration in the Philadelphia area, winning several awards for excellence. In 1981, the Art Institute asked him to return, to create and teach a new course, airbrush. For two years, he taught at his alma mater. An exhibition in 1983 showcased his love of nature and portraits, both of which continue today.
In 1984, he was attacked by a series of unexplained pains, weakness and numbness affecting all his limbs. After a year of total debilitation, ultimately the problems remained in his hands and arms. The outcome of this medical mystery was a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Although personally devastated, his creative spirit always found expression. Unable to paint or draw as before, Allen spent the remainder of the 1980’s photographing the Delaware Valley and Chesapeake Bay areas. He also explored texture and pattern, evolving into a series of large acrylic abstracts.
A move in 1990 allowed an interest in flowers to grow into a passion for gardening, creating an opportunity to bring together the photographic skills and the abstract eye.
His physical abilities continuing to degenerate, in 2003 a long-standing desire to relocate to Lee County was realized. Since then the beauty of Southwest Florida has added to the sources of inspiration that keep this creative spirit alive. Currently when the MS allows, Allen enjoys adding to his photos or the occasional drawing; when it does not, he uses the computer to create something fresh from all the experiences of life.
“It is my desire to share with the viewer the beauty that I see in the world, and to take them to details that might otherwise be overlooked.” — Allen Tiller