Artist BIO

Cleve Lamison is an award-winning writer, director, actor, and interdisciplinary artist whose multifaceted career spans literature, theater, film, and visual arts. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Cleve's early passion for storytelling led him to create and illustrate his own comic books, seeking to bring underrepresented characters to life. This drive for authentic representation propelled him to pursue art and theater studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree.

In the realm of theater, Cleve began his career with Shenandoah Shakespeare, touring internationally and receiving acclaim for his portrayal of Othello. He later served as the artistic director for New York City's BlackBird Theatre Company, where he was instrumental in producing and directing numerous productions that challenged conventional narratives and highlighted diverse voices.

Transitioning to film, Cleve wrote and directed the feature film "Following Bliss," which garnered the Best Feature Film award at the Global Arts International Film Festival. His short films have also achieved recognition: "The Story" won first place at the Denver World Film Festival, and "Jack for President" was a runner-up in New York City's 24-Hour Filmmaking Contest. Additionally, he served as a consulting producer for the short film "Superman Doesn't Steal," which won Best Film at the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase and was selected by the Cleveland International Film Festival, among others.

As an author, Cleve penned the science fiction novel "Full-Blood Half-Breed," published by Penguin Random House. He has contributed to Suvudu.com, a science fiction and fantasy blog at Random House, and has been a staff writer for the television series "Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy" on the Urban Movie Channel. His writing has earned him accolades, including being a finalist for the Mary Roberts Rinehart National Drama Award, the Pilgrim Project Playwriting Grant, Scriptapalooza’s TV Drama Award, the American Accolades Award, and the New York Theatre Workshop’s Van Lier Fellowship.

In the visual arts, Cleve's talents are equally diverse. He created, wrote, and illustrated the comic strip "Rick the Roach" for the Richmond News Leader, showcasing his skills as a caricature artist. He recently developed a series of sculptures he describes as "three-dimensional paintings," reflecting his commitment to exploring new mediums and pushing creative boundaries.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Cleve is dedicated to education and mentorship. He teaches creative writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, offering courses such as Creative Writing 101 and Advanced Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing. His interdisciplinary approach and extensive experience provide students with a rich and diverse learning experience.

A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, Cleve's life and career are a testament to his unwavering commitment to storytelling, artistic exploration, and fostering creativity in others.