Mark S. Sanders – Abstract Sculptor, Poet, Actor
Mark S. Sanders is a Baltimore native who has been active in the arts and the art community for over 35 years. He has worked in various creative disciplines including poetry, music, graphic design, script writing, acting, set building and art directing.
In the late 1980s, Mark collaborated with high school friend and film/music icon Skizz Cyzyk on a number of film and music projects. They played in several experimental and comedic music bands together, such as Gneebnazix, Slug Log 3 and Blister Freak Circus. In the early 1990s Mark made a name for himself as an exuberant and interactive performance poet in the Baltimore literary scene. He was a featured poet at dozens of clubs, coffee houses, high schools and universities, as well as the WHFS festival at RFK Stadium and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, DC.
Mark has hosted, organized and promoted hundreds of literary and multimedia events, and in 1994 he garnered two Baltimore’s Best awards from the Baltimore City Paper – one for Best Poetry ‘Zine for his publication “Punchtown Fishwrap,” and one for Baltimore’s Best Poetry Reading for the “Word on Wednesday” weekly poetry event.
He was awarded first prize in the Baltimore City Paper’s statewide 8th Annual Poetry Contest for his poem “Biker Mermaids.” In 2000 he was honored with an individual artist grant for poetry by the Maryland State Arts Council.
Starting in 2011 Mark gained some local renown for his inspired portrayals of Edgar Allan Poe in numerous public appearances and his original one-man play “A Portrait of Poe,” which was later released as a full-length film by Baltimore production company Adventure Productions. In November 2012 a photo of him as Poe in the famous Westminster graveyard was featured as one of the 84 memorable photos by Baltimore Sun photographers in “Days Remembered: Iconic photography of The Baltimore Sun.”
In 2014, Mark turned his attention solely to 3-D work, and now focuses exclusively on abstract sculpture in metal, wood, concrete and glass. Three months after becoming a serious sculptor he had his first solo show.
Mark often creates his work in series of 4, 8, 12 or more pieces that share a related feeling or theme. However, he admits that he doesn’t pursue artistic statements, and says nothing he does is intended as social commentary. An intense and prolific artist, he works every day with an obsessive compulsion, and has created over 200 pieces in two years. Aside from one night school class in 2D art, Mark has had no formal training. He calls himself an employee of his art, and feels there is no time to second guess himself or the purpose.
Since its start in 2016, Mark has been the head juror and main curator for the Overlea ArtsFest, an annual arts festival and juried art show held in Overlea, Maryland on the first Saturday of June.
Mark’s work is available for solo and group shows, private commissions, and for private and corporate showings. He is represented by Carol Stover, who can be contacted at 410-961-6293 or carol@rustynailworks.com.
Click here for a list of Mark’s upcoming showings and events.
Click here to view Mark’s current resume/CV.
Also please check out Mark’s complete portfolio on the Baker Artist Awards site: http://www.bakerartist.org/portfolios/mark-sanders