Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Roarke Lanning is a self-taught visual artist and emerging architectural designer based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Roarke began his artistic journey as a means to explore mediums of creative expression beyond the confines of architectural design. What started as a personal exploration has grown into a compelling artistic practice that bridges the structural and the emotional.
Roarke’s work is distinguished by a raw, unfiltered dedication to self-expression, creating pieces that resonate deeply with universal human experiences. Focusing on imaginative portraits, his art delves into the intricate emotional landscapes etched into every face. Through meticulous detail and subtle, evocative brushstrokes, Roarke crafts personas that are both deeply intimate and profoundly universal. Each piece invites the viewer to reflect on the hidden layers of their own emotions, fostering a sense of connection that transcends the canvas.
For Roarke, art is not merely about representing the physicality of his imaginative subjects, but about unveiling the unseen, those fleeting, often unspoken feelings that shape human existence. His work stands as a testament to the transformative power of portraiture, offering a window into the complex beauty of emotion and identity.
