Michael Carini

Michael Carini
Carini.jpg Carini.jpg
Born	Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
🏳️ Nationality	American
🏫 Education	Loyola Marymount University (BA, Studio Arts; minor in Art History)
💼 Occupation
Known for	Painting, writing, teaching, public speaking
🌐 Website	CariniArts.com

Search Michael Carini on Amazon.Michael Carini (also known as “Acrylic Alchemy”) is an American artist based in San Diego, California. He is recognized for his large-scale abstract works, writing, teaching, and public speaking. Carini has exhibited in more than 100 shows across the United States and internationally, received over a dozen awards, and was named *Emerging Artist of the Year* by Art Design Consultants. His works are held in collections belonging to celebrities, businesses, and private collectors worldwide.

Early life and education

Michael Carini was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, and raised in San Diego, California. He later moved to Los Angeles to study at **Loyola Marymount University**, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts, graduating *magna cum laude*, with a minor in Art History.

While completing his degree, he apprenticed under artists Jane Brucker and Roland Reiss. During this period, he assisted Reiss at the Brewery Artist Lofts in preparing works for gallery and museum exhibitions.

He graduated *magna cum laude* from LMU, and during his time there received the **Scholar of Distinction Award in Painting**. He was also selected as the only student to serve on the Figure Drawing Selection Committee, which was involved in hiring a new faculty member. Additionally, he studied under Carm Goode, who is known for having created characters for the Otter Pops brand.

Career

After completing his studies, Carini returned to San Diego, where he established his studio and began building a professional career as a full-time artist. From the outset, he sought to create a practice that combined fine art with education, mentorship, and community engagement.

Over the years, Carini’s work has been featured in more than 100 exhibitions across the United States and abroad. According to his CV, his exhibition record includes participation in art fairs such as *Art San Diego* and *Spectrum Indian Wells*. His pieces have been displayed in galleries, commercial spaces, and private collections.

In 2020, Carini staged a performance in which he set his résumé on fire as part of his conceptual practice.[^a] He has also developed a broad portfolio of commissioned projects, art rentals, corporate installations, and collaborations with brands and organizations. His business, Carini Arts, has worked on custom work and experiential installations.

Through Carini Arts, he expanded his practice beyond traditional studio work: the company offers original artworks, prints, customized commissions, as well as classes, coaching, and immersive art experiences. Carini also provides lectures, live painting demonstrations, and collaborative workshops for individuals, groups, and institutions.

Artistic style and practice

Carini’s practice is rooted in a method he refers to as **“Acrylic Alchemy”**, a process he describes as transmuting materials through principles of equivalent exchange, creating works that explore transformation and renewal. He has stated that his development of this approach was influenced by a 2009 assault, which he has described as a turning point in his career.

His art is often immersive and labyrinthine, meant to engage both the senses and the emotions of viewers. In addition to producing original paintings, Carini has developed projects in experiential art, live performance, and installations. He also works as a public speaker, podcaster, and educator, positioning his work at the intersection of fine art and accessible creative experiences.

Carini’s works are held in global collections, including private collectors, celebrities, corporate offices, and galleries such as OMSA Gallery. Some of his known collectors include **John Lloyd Young**, **Mike O’Hearn**, **Elena Davies**, and **Jamie Madrox** of *Twiztid*.

Carini Arts

Carini Arts is an independently run studio and brand founded by Michael Carini in San Diego, California. Operating under the name *Acrylic Alchemy*, the business offers original paintings, canvas prints, embellished giclées, and art licensing. In addition, Carini Arts provides services such as private art lessons, mentoring for artists, live painting demonstrations, public speaking engagements, brand partnerships, and immersive experiential art events. The business emphasizes accessibility and aims to bring art to both private collectors and public spaces. According to Carini, its mission is “creating meaningful experiences through art that can enhance a room, environment, or personal journey.”

Awards and recognition

Michael Carini has received more than a dozen awards for his artwork. According to his biography, he was named *Emerging Artist of the Year* by Art Design Consultants. According to his CV, he has also won awards at juried art fairs such as *Art San Diego* and *Spectrum Indian Wells*. His academic honors include graduating *magna cum laude* from Loyola Marymount University and receiving the Scholar of Distinction Award in Painting.

Personal life

Michael Carini is neurodivergent and has spoken publicly about living with **Tourette’s syndrome**, which he considers both a challenge and an influence on his creative work. He has also advocated for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, describing these personal issues as key inspirations in his art. In addition, Carini has sustained a traumatic brain injury, which he has said has contributed to his personal and artistic development. He lives and works in San Diego, and his work is held in collections around the world.

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