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Detroit Metro Times Schinkel Fine Art Article - October 2024
For eight years, Linda and Theodore “Teddy” Schinkel have been working to transform the historic Moross House in Detroit’s Rivertown district into an art gallery.
In early October, the mother-son duo behind the internationally acclaimed art and design firm Schinkel Fine Art finally opened the space to the public with their inaugural show, Threads of Connection.
The exhibition showcases over a decade of their collaborative work, featuring their original “Metallaverse” concepts that blend metalwork with detailed painting, colorful lighting, and other media.
See rest of Metro Times Detroit Article: Metro Times Schinkel Fine Art Article
PRESS RELEASE: SCHINKEL FINE ART TO HOST INAUGURAL EXHIBITION AT NEWLY
RENOVATED GALLERY AND EVENT SPACE - October 2024
"City in the GarDen"View our ExhibitionThreads of Connection Online
Threads of Connection offers a comprehensive survey of the mother-son duo’s practice, which sits at the intersection of hands-on artistry and new media.
DETROIT, MI – Schinkel Fine Art—an internationally acclaimed art and design firm led by mother-son artist duo Linda K. Schinkel (Rodney) and Theodore M. Schinkel—is announcing the grand opening of its newly renovated studio, gallery and event space at 1460 E. Jefferson. The Schinkel’s will hold the space’s inaugural exhibition, Threads of Connection, featuring a comprehensive survey of their own collaborative work, on view from October 3 to December 15, 2024 with a public reception on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5 to 9 p.m. The exhibition will take place across the house’s interior as well as outdoors in the “Detroit Secret Garden,” with both spaces available for future event rentals. Twenty-five percent of proceeds from sales of a special limited edition print debuting at the exhibition will benefit Conceptions Connect, the Schinkel’s charity arm founded in 2019. Its mission is to empower, energize and enlighten through collaborative art projects.
The Moross House is the oldest brick dwelling in the city, and was operated as the Moross House Museum by the Detroit Historical Society and Detroit Garden Center from the 1970s to 2005 and is a National Historic Registered property. The University of Michigan certified the garden’s wisteria as one of the oldest–if not the oldest–wisteria in the Midwest. Schinkel Fine Art gallery and Detroit Secret Garden rekindle the space back to the city of Detroit as a renewed historic vessel for art viewing and engagement.
“We are honored to inaugurate our newly renovated studio, gallery and event space at the Moross House with Threads of Connection,” said Linda K Schinkel. “The renovation of this space has been a labor of love for the last eight years. We envision this exhibition at Schinkel Fine Art as the first in a series of events and installations that serve as alchemy—a portal to self-reflection, empowerment and deeper connections to each other, the environment and the universe.”
“Our practice is rooted in explorations of the sublime to catalyze curiosity, empathy and personal growth,” said Theodore M. Schinkel. “A defining element of our practice is how the viewer becomes a collaborator with the work. We are endlessly inspired by the connections formed by making art that deeply resonates with others.”
Since 2010, the Schinkels have shared a practice with various combinations of hands on metalwork, mirror-making, drawing, photography, painting, printing and digital technology. Working generativity, the artists explore both figuration through investigations of the natural and built environment and frenetic, abstracted color fields, all grounded in the painterly quality of the hand-made aluminum that defines their work. Linda brings to the practice a background in painting, drawing, craft and photography. Teddy offers state-of-the-art integration of physical and technical prowess using a wide range of hand-on tools and new media, such as digital painting, animation and AI in various layered combinations.
Together, Linda and Teddy developed the Metallaverse, a trinity of innovative artmaking and craft techniques, comprised of Metalagram, Metalamirror and Metalamix, all portmanteaus speaking to the processes and materials involved. Metalagram is the technique that catalyzed the trinity; the sculptural, 2D works feature carefully hand-crafted aluminum layers and etching to appear 3D, inspiring close study by the viewer to reveal hidden messages. Metalamirror, a composite of a Metalagram layer and an aligned handmade silver mirror, was developed next to incorporate the viewer’s reflection and one’s environment into the artwork to expand perspective. The Schinkels then created Metalamix, combining the multilayer process of the two previous art forms with various new media, including digital painting, photography, video, animation and AI—engendering multifaceted layers of investigation and comprehension. Dynamic lighting and music amplifies interaction with the work, promoting a deeply memorable experience. Across the trio of techniques, the artists explore themes of unification, existence and hidden potential.
Taking on metaphorical as well as material importance, the artwork in Threads of Connection provides a comprehensive survey of the duo’s outsider arts & craft practice. The wide range of works from the Metallaverse will be featured, including a sculptural Metalagram mobile, Metalamirror works, limited edition Metalamix works, digital Metalamix projections and a collaborative nine-panel work, Cultivation in the Garden, created with Detroit Public High students at Cranbrook Horizons Upward Bound.
Many of the works are influenced by the city of Detroit, from famous landmarks to documentation of the city’s rich culture. This creates a parallel with the exhibition’s location at a historic Detroit landmark and recalls the city’s legacy of innovation and the artist-led craft movement. Les Nabis, the late 19th-century movement of artists who believed that art is a synthesis of metaphors and symbols deeply rooted in the artist’s soul, also influences the Schinkels. Aiming to deliver a metaphysical experience, the duo’s body of work encourages awareness of connections with self, community and the cosmos.
Linda and Teddy have long embraced art collaborations with youth, peer artists and their community writ large. This is the impetus of their charity,
Conceptions Connect, having partnered with
Kids Kicking Cancer, Beyond Basics, Detroit Public Schools, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Detroit Country Day School,
Carr Center
and
Cranbrook Horizons Upward Bound. These partnerships deeply inspire their practice and speak to creating the sublime to further self-reflection and empowerment embedded in the work.
DETROIT DESIGN - Fall 2020 - Partners in Art
A mother-and-son duo revive historic Detroit landmark | Photography by Theodore M. Schinkel
By Jeanine Matlow
For Linda Schinkel Rodney and her son, Theodore M. Schinkel, there were similarities between the Greek Revival style of the Moross House they are currently renovating and the visual aspects of their mixed-media Metalagram art, which put them on the map. Both share industrial aspects that are somehow refined, while the transition from the home’s urban interiors to the Secret Garden backyard connects the natural landscape to the organic elements in their work.
Said to be the oldest brick dwelling in Detroit, the historic house, built in 1840, once owned by the city and occupied by the Detroit Historical Society and Detroit Garden Club, was already set up as a live/work space. Schinkel Fine Art’s self-taught duo plans to keep it that way, with an apartment for Theodore, a studio space on the second floor, and a showroom on the main level.
“The Historical Society told me that when the city owned the home, they operated it as a museum,” Linda says. “They showed and exhibited Detroit memorabilia, including portraits of Moross family members that originally hung in the home. The Historical Society still has those portraits in their storage. We also have artifacts originally dug from the backyard when the Garden Club renovated the yard in the 1970s. The Historical Society told us they’d loan the portraits to us to exhibit in the home, which we likely will do in the future, perhaps for a special exhibit. We are inspired by the legacy of the home, which already had and will continue to have an ongoing influence on our work.”
As restoration and repairs continue (Grosse Pointe Woods’ Tamara Kessler & Associates is working with the duo), the showroom and studio remain open by appointment. “We bought the house to express who we are and to create a good ecosystem,” Linda says. Adds Theodore: “It had good bones and acts as a canvas for the art; they make an impactful pairing.”
As Theodore explains, the garden likely has the oldest wisteria in the Midwest, according to the University of Michigan, and he and his mother hope to make it an even more prominent feature. “It’s an evolving art installation in itself,” he says. Outdoor space on the side of the house could house an additional gallery.
"We began experimenting, using our strengths, and came up with our 2-D mixed-media sculptures."
-Linda Schinkle Rodney
The mother and son communicate through their creations. “We want to empower, enlighten, and energize,” Linda says. “People feel connected to the home’s history, and art develops critical thinking and awareness. It helped Theodore, who struggled with literacy from dyslexia.” Their new charity, Conceptions Connect, works with schools and communities through art education and more.
Their 2-D mixed-media sculptures were born after Linda had been creating and exhibiting mixed-media photography and painting work, and Theodore had been working in the film industry. Theodore asked if Linda wanted to create works together. “Then we began experimenting, using our strengths, and came up with our 2-D mixed-media sculptures,” Linda says. During his downtime between gigs, their creative minds collided as they printed on aluminum, which has more dimension than paper or canvas, with the potential for a variety of patinas, engraving, and more.
Inspiration comes from theater, music, museums, and human nature as the mother and son meld Old World techniques and 21st-century technology for the art they say found them. Perhaps their artistic inclinations come from their familial ancestor, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a prominent German architect and painter. Now they’ve found the perfect place with a personal connection: Linda was born down the street, and her parents met on Belle Isle. “It’s really a legacy statement for us to be in Detroit,” she says.
Health, Happiness, and Love
"Naked Beaus" found the picture-perfect home amid the prestigious Anabelle and Robert Di Pilla art collection at their residence located in posh Turtle Lake, Bloomfield Hills, MI.
The Di Pillas, 2017 Co-Chairs of the Detroit Institute of Art FashBash, tell us how living with this Metalagram artwork adds to their lives.
Anabelle says she sees and feels different stimulating sensations from the multi-layered artwork as lighting changes throughout the day. Given that Anabelle and Robert, like all of us, are at home a lot more these days, that's a very good thing.
We're thrilled with how "Naked Beaus" resonates with the Di Pillas and has an important place in their substantial art collection. This photograph, taken in Anabelle and Robert's home, emanates with health, happiness, and love.
Summer 2020 and Derby For Kids
This summer of great reflection is certainly memorable. We actively search for silver linings, and there are many. Time is one of our greatest assets, right up there with health. We’re finding more time for things we like best. These include exploring, creating, and refining our art. While we have not been able to follow through with 2020 plans, we remain committed to creating and exhibiting in our studio and showroom in The Moross House, the oldest brick dwelling in Detroit.
The Children’s Foundation is hosting the Fourth Annual Derby for Kids. This fundraiser coincides with the Kentucky Derby, re-scheduled from early May to September 5. Funds raised at the event support a pediatric brain cancer research study with Dr. Jeffrey Taub and Dr. Rajen Mody at the University of MI, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and Hurley Hospital of Flint. Schinkel Fine Art donated the “Little Green Boat” Metalagram, shown above, with a wood frame and linen liner. You can get involved and support this ground-breaking work by bidding at the online auction at https://e.givesmart.com/events/gOg/.
“Little Green Boat” was inspired by an iconic boat in Leland, MI. We were boating at sunset and came upon this setting. The natural lighting enabled us to uniquely catch the hard edge reflection in the water. See how the Metalagram process accents and adds life to this artwork. One wonders where the owners went after docking at this site, which was poised for a contemplative experience. We’re wishing you a late afternoon of delight!
Schinkel Fine Art studio and showroom are currently open by appointment. We are taking all COVID-19 safety precautions to ensure the safety of our visitors, customers, and workers. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at
linda@schinkelfineart.com or call/text at
(313)-924 1561 to visit SFA at The Moross House. Let us know if we can do anything for you. We’d love to hear from you. Happy last days of August!
Metalagram at the Four Seasons Miami
"Linda and Theo, I love my new artwork! I'm so glad it was installed in early 2020 in my new Miami apartment at the Four Seasons. Frequently, my visitors remark about how your artwork, in particular, makes them feel. The energy you put into your work and the story behind this Metalagram resonates through. I'm so happy to have this artwork as part of our collection." Connie S., Miami, FL June 2020
Inspiration from Karl Friedrich Schinkel
Karl Friedrich Schinkel, 1781-1841, was the most prominent artist in Germany during his lifetime. He is an ancestor. Karl Friedrich Schinkel's prolific artistic legacy greatly inspires our artwork.
Karl Friedrich Schinkel's "Rock Arch" (left) is rooted in our piece "Night Vision" (right).
Karl influences our works in many ways, as he was a visionary, light years ahead of his time. In 1992, the Art Institute of Chicago had an Exhibition of Karl's works. It was the first Exhibition of his works in the United States. The majority of Karl's artwork was in former East Germany. The wall needed to come down in 1989 in order for his works to travel to the United States.
Shortly after that time, the Art Institute of Chicago commenced organizing the Exhibition. This is how we learned of our familial relationship with the leading artist, set and furniture designer, and architect. All family members in the US, only about 50, were invited to a day filled with lectures, celebrations, and the Exhibition. Theodore, all of an impressionable six years old, and Linda attended.
When we acquired the historic Moross House in 2016, the oldest brick dwelling in the city of Detroit, we became more aware of the historical influences on our works.
As was often the case, the family surname was anglicized, and the Germanic Schinkel spelling became Shinkle. Despite the tediousness of name changing, we now use Schinkel in honor of our foremost artist ancestor, Karl Frederick Schinkel.
Why Mind Matters
Connectedness begins with one's mind. It leads, inspires, and challenges one to make a mark, leave a footprint, and connect with the world and all that's in it. Mind Matters distills this message visually, thus communicating with viewers.
The diverse elements included in this work include: photographing the Port of Miami globe at the darkest hour of the night, coloration in concert with the Visual Director at Escada (the German women's luxury brand), compositing in a woman's face and head - specifically the area where gray matters reside - masterfully creating the work with our hands by sculpting the metal, then printing and painting.
This Mind Matters Metalagram embodies the soul of our work, beckoning one to seize the day in a way that truly matters, not only in one's mind but also for mankind. Mind Matters has been and will continue to be on a yearlong Solo Exhibition at Escada boutique in Scottsdale, Arizona, September 2017 – 2018. If you're in Arizona or going there, experience "Mind Matters" while you can!
Mind Matters at Work
Mind matters in the creative process. As an artist duo, we create artworks that speak to our souls. These are our innermost thoughts, populating our thinking and feelings. We communicate these through our artistic medium.
In our work, there are two individuals creating and communicating together. Collectors are curious how one voice can be made from two. Basically, how two can equal one. Here's a quick explanation: we begin with a discussion of shapes, images, and colors that resonate. Then, we decide whether we have an image to work with. If yes, we build upon what resonates and decide how best to communicate this visually. Often, we have what we need to begin. If not, we will make additional raw materials. Sometimes, we intentionally stage a scene. Other times, we head into the field to photograph shapes, both negative and positive, as well as scenes and places. We then use all of our senses to become one with our work harmonically.
"Mind Matters," recently exhibited at the DiPilla Showhouse, complimented the dress Linda selected for the Showhouse Event. Linda explained that she had subconsciously decided to wear this dress. It wasn't until Linda stood by "Mind Matters" and looked at the image someone snapped that she understood how deeply her mind matters to their work.
See the adjacent image. You decide if "Mind Matters" and Linda's dress harmonically telegraphs the duo's alignment with feelings and the way their minds matter.
