Kindred Art Collaborative
One Who Can Hold Their Breath, 2024
Acrylic on canvas
48 x 36"

Artist Statement

They might not have an "Iron Neck". They might be able to be "Burned". They might not be able to "Stretch". They might not be able to "Swallow the Sea". But they might be able to "Hold Their Breath Forever".

Artist Bio
Started in 2019
Members:
Carl Cellini
Richard Metz
Mikel Elam

We are currently working on our resume as a group but only have been together for a few years. Each of us have our own substantial resumes and over 50 years of experience in the arts.
• Carl Cellini is a painter, sculptor, musician, composer, martial artist and instructor of martial arts who grew up in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. He has had numerous painting exhibits in the last forty years and his work has been purchased by businesses, schools and individual patrons during this time. He received his BFA from Temple University's Tyler School of Art in 1980. Cellini's latest paintings are gestural and expressionistic, focused on incorporating the movements of the martial arts animals he studies. The process is important to his art making as he strives to invoke something direct and authentic. Carl formed Cellini Studios in 2014 which is a gallery space, studio space and houses a school of martial arts that he owns and operates in Ambler, Pennsylvania.

• Richard Metz grew up in Abington, Pennsylvania. He received a BFA from Temple University's Tyler School of Art and an MFA from Maine College of Art. He recently retired from a career as a high school art teacher. In addition to showing his work frequently and widely, he is a musician and writer, with an interest in radio drama. He has been an environmental activist for many years and remains passionate about protecting forests. He has been chosen to participate in artist residencies across the country for the last ten years where he creates ephemeral painted tree installations.

• Painting and drawing have been a lifetime pursuit for Mikel. Having grown up in Philadelphia, Mikel's art degree is from Philadelphia University of the Arts. In one chapter of his life Mikel went to work as a manager for famed jazz musician Miles Davis for several years. This experience helped shape and define Mikel for years to follow. Although Miles Davis was a renowned jazz musician he was also drawing and painting everyday while traveling the world. He convinced Mikel that he had the ability to be and do many things at the same time. Whether working in the art supply business, or in the past when he was working with Miles Davis or currently, painting and drawing in his studio Mikel is truly living the life of a full-time artist. In recent years his focus on Afro Centrism and world cultures has permeated his individual work.

InLiquid, kindredartcollaborative.com

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