Art & Life with Mark Acetelli

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Acetelli.

Mark, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan, I moved out to Los Angeles in 2000. I’ve always been an artist in some shape or form. I was a musician for many years before I started painting. My Mother was an artist and when I started painting she really encouraged me to pursue it, I have been obsessed ever since. Over the last twenty years, I’ve dedicated my life to expressing what’s inside, the hidden and intangible emotions that now reside on canvas. I feel truly grateful to be able to do what I love everyday.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My paintings are inspired by an intensely personal introspective journey of life, from the ever-changing complexities of love, loss, birth, and death. The context of my work is what I call, “Absence and Presence” pertaining to how someone or something can be physically gone, but the essence still remains. Capturing the physical mixed with spirituality on canvas. My application of paint is an extension of that thought process. Continuously building up and tearing down, layer upon layer, adding and subtracting. A visceral dance between the conscious and the unconscious until the emotion is expressed. Painting the essence of something rather than a depiction. My message is about the human condition, that joy is sweetened by the memory of the pain endured to reach it.

How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
I define success as being able to support my family and enjoy life through my art. To keep creating and growing as an artist, father, and husband. Progress, not perfection. The art life is never a straight line or a merry go round, it’s more like a rollercoaster. There are tremendous highs and unbelievable lows. Constant refinement and evaluation, the hustle never stops. There are so many aspects; it’s not just creating art but also engaging in having a dialog with the audience and getting the work seen. It’s a business. I’ve learned to stay true to my convictions and integrity about my work. It ALWAYS has to come from a pure and noble place within myself. If not, then it is complete crap. For me, it must reside where truth, vulnerability, and emotion collide to manifest a true a work of art. Throughout all this navigation, there must be also balance for myself, family and my mind and body. I find that balance in solitude and gather strength from reflection and meditation.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My studio is located atop of the Bendix Building in downtown Los Angeles. I will be opening my studio on nights that the Bendix has openings and events and by also appointment. I’ll be posting more information for dates on my website and social media.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1206 Maple Ave. #1100F Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Website: www.Acetellifineart.com
• Phone: 310-880-1912
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Mark_Acetelli
• Facebook: Mark Acetelli Artist

Image Credit:
Photos by me and wife Lucia

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