Growing up on the shore of the Puget Sound in the enchanting Northwest of Washington, swimming amidst the ebb and flow of the bay’s rhythms, running in the sand’s ever changing patterns, and making friends with the world’s largest octopi, Larkin found solace in the beauty of nature’s forms.

From the tender age when his fingers first caressed clay, Larkin’s destiny as an artist was unmistakable. He delved into the depths of his imagination, crafting ethereal figures that embodied the essence of beauty itself. While still in his teens he found renown sculpting on the bowls and urns of a well-known potter, Jack Crouse. These were sold throughout the Northwest in well-known galleries. He became adept at what he calls one-stroke moves that create an expression in an eyelid or the curve of a lip or cheek that is simply beyond magical.

His desire for expansive self-discovery brought him to the alternative and artistic town of Santa Cruz where he established a family and shared his passion and his studio with his talented son and daughter. Playing keyboard in a multitude of bands and sharing inspiration and working space from the 70s through the 90s made him a well-known character in this creative community.

Larkin’s focus has often been on capturing the ineffable allure of the feminine form. With a keen eye for detail and a reverence for the sublime, he breathes life into his sculptures, infusing them with a sense of timeless elegance and grace. The essence of serene introspection is often expressed and leads the observer into that inner realm as well.

Larkin’s work transcends mere sculpture, transcending into the realm of poetry in form. The most often expressed sentiment when someone sees his work, expecting some mundane modern sculpture, is an involuntary, Oh My God!

Moving back to Washington at the age of fifty and wanting to try his hand at high level carpentry he joined with a shipwright friend in the reconstruction of a fantastic ship-like house on Hood Canal. Lacking a sculpture studio, he picked up a paintbrush and began to explore the world of oil painting. What started as a means of relaxation soon blossomed into a new passion, as his mind and hands reflected back to him amazing images of cosmic impressionistic surrealism. This continues to be a source of relaxation and joy while resting from the dynamic physical requirements of sculpture in clay.

Now delighting in a large studio in a sustainable community nestled near the rugged coast of Washington and the Olympic Mountains, Larkin envisions a future where he can impart his skills to those dedicated to creating beauty with the simplest of tools – hands and clay. Here, amidst the pristine landscapes and nurturing embrace of nature, he plans to pass on the wisdom of his craft, nurturing the next generation who seek to breathe heart and soul into their creations through the personal intimate touch of the living artist.

Larkin’s newest project is bringing his art to a larger audience through a line of beautiful jewelry. Holding the magic of his larger pieces amplified by the conductive nature of silver and gold these unique pendants become talismans imbued with power. The opportunity to possess and wear them is an uplifting experience of personal affirmation.

Larkin is always looking for those who are able to bring his work to the world in a new way. Agents and galleries are welcome to contact him. He is friendly and open and has always offered help to any artist, young or old that wanted to learn from him. He has taught many from terminally ill children at Stanford Hospital to those who have gone on to international fame. He is a kind genius and a generous man. You can reach him at larkin@larkinchollar.com