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Schinkel Fine Art

ARTIST DUO BIO

The Mother/Son artist duo, Linda K. Rodney and Theodore M. Shinkle, together create original art known as Metalagram®. They were both born and raised in Metro Detroit, MI. Inspiration for their work is derived from the realms of art, science and technology and having studied, worked and traveled on six continents. Linda has a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Science & Arts from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law, Toledo, OH. Theodore has a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Economics from Denison University, Granville, OH.

Metalagram® was launched at ArtExpo New York 2012 to communicate their message. Their luminous art, known as Metalagram®, evokes varied dimensional possibilities. Viewers are invited to an interactive experience with these works. Metalagram® was developed from classic expertise, exploration and innovative uses of art skills, techniques and technology. Their one-of-a-kind artwork fuses metal art, created by hand, with digital media in an exploration of the multiverse within worldly elements.

Their works have been exhibited nationally and internationally in Solo and Group Exhibitions including at the Carr Center, Detroit, MI 2016, Cranbrook Institute of Science Museum, Bloomfield Hills, MI 2015, Grand Palais Museum, Paris, France 2014, and the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art, Las Vegas, NV 2013. The artists have collaboratively created works with others at numerous venues. They have been the visiting Guest Artists working with students in schools including at the Detroit Country Day School, Beverly Hills, MI and Central High School, Detroit, MI.

Awards include London England Biennale 2015, Chianti Star Festival, Tuscany, Italy 2014, Best of Show for Art, Innovation & Technology Beverly Hills CA Art Show 2013, Best of Show Amdur Productions, Greater Chicago IL 2013 and selected one of 50 Top Emerging Artist by Art Business News, 2012. Numerous articles and publications of their work include those in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, A & E Network, Art Business News, Ambassador Magazine, Style Magazine and Worldwide Art Books.

The duo has gallery representation in London, England, Detroit, MI and Miami, Florida. Metalagram® artworks are in the permanent collections of the Cranbrook Science Museum, Bloomfield Hills MI, Detroit Mayor Duggan, Detroit MI, Henry Ford Health System Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit MI, Mercy Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Rapids MI, and Detroit Country Day School, Beverly Hills MI. Several national and international business and individuals collect their artworks.

Artist Statement

Schinkel Fine Art features works that represent an introspective quest for cosmic, spiritual and dimensional knowledge. Metalagram® unravels familiar elements in our inhabited world laying bare inner emotions, struggles and sense of purpose. The works range from recognizable to deconstructed abstractions. Well-known subjects and symbols are often reduced to dynamic lines and energetic color fields. Irrespective of time or space, this world or another galaxy these luminous works prompt answers.

The Detroit Artist Duo uses tradesmen tools and materials to create their works. Their original artist process known as Metalagram® is a mixed media combination of 2D metal sculpture, digital media and an automotive finish made on aluminum. Scientists believe that ubiquitous aluminum was formed at the time of creation. This substrate needs human touch for stable use and it is their touch that brings Metalagram® to planet Earth.

Their Metalagram® artwork becomes a vessel, akin to an old-fashioned message in a bottle. Canadian philosopher Marshal McLuhan stated, “The medium is the message.” A symbiotic relationship is formed between Metalagram® artwork and its’ viewers. Perception and discovery are realized by those touched by Metalagram® regardless of time, space or location within the cosmos.

In "The Elegant Universe", noted physicist Brian Greene explains the multiverse theory, which states that there may be a vast number of parallel universes. We even may be living out different versions of our lives based on choices made. Similarly, Metalagram® evokes varied dimensional possibilities by inviting viewers to interactive experiences serving as bridges transcending elements of space and time.

The realms of art, science and technology influence their art. Working as a Mother/Son artist duo has been a natural development. Severe dyslexia and communication challenges are multi-generational within the family. Metalagram® juxtaposes resilience, classic training and self-exploration. Inspiration also arises from the works of Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Dali, Schinkel, Calder, and Richter.

Serving as a guide to the future while respecting the past, Metalagram® guides connections. Showing a way to connect the dots, Metalagram® promotes self-knowledge and an authentic ethos. Like our lives, multi-layered Metalagram® works suggest varying perspectives. Original Metalagram® works are created for this journey known as life. In varying light and from different viewing angles these works are to be experienced, discovered, re-experienced and re-discovered revealing hidden messages.