by Len Lear

If you ever took a History of Art course in college, you no doubt learned about Benvenuto Cellini (1500-1571), a giant of the Italian Renaissance who was an extraordinary goldsmith, sculptor, draftsman, soldier, musician and artist who also wrote a famous autobiography and poetry. He was a contemporary and friend of Michelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci.

Well, Carl Cellini may or may not be related to Benvenuto (he thinks he is), but he is also a talented artist with a highly personal style and a studio at 113 Poplar St. (second floor) in Ambler that will feature an exhibit of his work from June 2 to 23, with an opening reception Saturday, June 2, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Cellini, 60, also has a computer business and is a sculptor and martial artist, which shows in his work. He seems to attack the canvas with a primal language of marks, shapes and brush strokes. It might be one or two large, quick powerful gestures or a smaller set of marks that construct the image. He might even put his feet in wet paint and apply the paint to a canvas with his feet, creating the kind of Abstract Expressionism reminiscent of Jackson Pollock's groundbreaking work in the 1940s and '50s.

Carl, a lifelong resident of Eastern Montgomery County, graduated from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in 1980. He has shown in numerous galleries regionally during his 40 years of painting. Most recently he was awarded a top prize at the Oxford Art Alliance in a nationally juried show by Tom Padon, formerly of the Guggenheim and currently of the Brandywine River Museum of Art. Physics, time and mythology are some of the themes he has focused on in this past year.

Although “money and family” prompted him to go into the computer business, Carl has also “been creating art since I remember, so I think that it is extremely important to emphasize that all artists are self-taught if they value the learning process.

“With almost 20 years of martial arts practice and 45 years of painting experience, some of it with an emphasis on Abstract Expressionism/Action Painting, I have combined the two for the past two years. In fact, I just started showing my work again after 30 years in the studio.”

What is Carl’s favorite medium to work in? “Mostly oil, but any medium will do, including sculptural mediums.”

Why did Carl start Cellini Studios and Gallery in 2016? “To become more socially involved with the local artistic community and to be a beacon for creativity and original art.”

Who are Cellini’s own favorite artists, living or dead? “Too many to mention, but Joachim Torres-Garcia, David Reed, Franz Kline, Robert Motherwell, Paul Cezanne, Pablo Picasso, Charles Burchfield and of course, Benvenuto Cellini. They are and were all innovators and created inventive, original art with great passion and great skill.”

What is it like to try to make a living as an artist? “I have always been able to sell my work but never tried making a living with that in mind. It has allowed me to create art without compromise.”

When Carl is not creating art, he enjoys composing music, practicing martial arts, teaching martial arts, looking at art and spending time with his family and friends. His martial arts school was started four years ago. “I have been practicing martial arts for a long time,” he explained, “and this building became available, so we bought it and were able to turn it into four things: a martial arts studio, a gym, an art gallery and my studio.”

What was the best advice Carl ever received? “Things change.”

What was the hardest thing he has ever done? “Renovating the building at 113 Poplar St. in Ambler for two years. I did the second floor almost completely by myself, including designing, demolition, electrical, plumbing and carpentry work.”

If Carl could meet and spend time with anyone on earth, living or dead, who would it be? “Albert Einstein – a balance of science and spirit.”

For more information about the exhibit starting June 2, email Lisa@cellinistudios.com or visit www.cellinistudios.com.