Mike Tino: Myths, Legends, and Modern Tales
Explore the intriguing connections between mythology, modern storytelling, and nature through the dynamic ceramic sculptures of artist Mike Tino.
Exhibit Dates: June 27 – July 26, Saturdays & Sundays, 1:30–4:00 PM
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 27, 6:00–8:00 PM
Artists Statement
Mike Tino is a multi-faceted artist whose creative journey spans visual art, music, and the culinary arts. Primarily working in clay, Mike sculpts evocative forms and creates more traditional vessels on the wheel. He prefers using atmospheric firing techniques and painting over traditional glazed surfaces. He likes to explore the possibilities of wood, metal, and, more recently, digital media as materials to create. His current sculptural work delves into the intriguing parallels between mythological creatures and modern movie tropes, examining their shared role as fundamental human storytelling devices. This interest in narrative extends to his more abstract pieces, which often depict the beauty of nature and celestial bodies.
With a creative practice spanning nearly 25 years, Mike's artistic path has been diverse. Following a significant period as the frontman of the rock band Beneath It All and fifteen years honing his skills in the food industry, he formally pursued his passion for visual art at Southern Connecticut State University. There, he earned a BA in Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics, along with an equivalent major in Art History and a minor in Sculpture (2009-2013).
Driven by a desire to share his artistic knowledge, Mike obtained his teaching certification in Art Education from Central Connecticut State University in 2016. He has since been a dedicated art educator at New Britain High School, where he currently teaches 2D Art Fundamentals, Digital Art, and Ceramics. Continuing his own academic growth, Mike is currently completing his MS in Art Education at Central Connecticut State University (expected 2025).
Inspired by legends, myths, folklore, television, cinema, and music, Mike Tino utilizes his art to highlight common human ideals and experiences through symbolic imagery. His work also serves as a vehicle for personal expression, exploring his own viewpoints, ideals, and vulnerabilities. Currently living in Berlin, with his wife and son, he strives to strike a balance between family, work, and his own creative ventures.
About Mike Tino
Mike Tino is a multi-faceted artist whose creative journey spans visual art, music, and the culinary arts. Primarily working in clay, Mike sculpts evocative forms and creates more traditional vessels on the wheel. He prefers using atmospheric firing techniques and painting over traditional glazed surfaces. He likes to explore the possibilities of wood, metal, and, more recently, digital media as materials to create. His current sculptural work delves into the intriguing parallels between mythological creatures and modern movie tropes, examining their shared role as fundamental human storytelling devices. This interest in narrative extends to his more abstract pieces, which often depict the beauty of nature and celestial bodies.
With a creative practice spanning nearly 25 years, Mike's artistic path has been diverse. Following a significant period as the frontman of the rock band Beneath It All and fifteen years honing his skills in the food industry, he formally pursued his passion for visual art at Southern Connecticut State University. There, he earned a BA in Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics, along with an equivalent major in Art History and a minor in Sculpture (2009-2013).
Driven by a desire to share his artistic knowledge, Mike obtained his teaching certification in Art Education from Central Connecticut State University in 2016. He has since been a dedicated art educator at New Britain High School, where he currently teaches 2D Art Fundamentals, Digital Art, and Ceramics. Continuing his own academic growth, Mike is currently completing his MS in Art Education at Central Connecticut State University (expected 2025).
Inspired by legends, myths, folklore, television, cinema, and music, Mike Tino utilizes his art to highlight common human ideals and experiences through symbolic imagery. His work also serves as a vehicle for personal expression, exploring his own viewpoints, ideals, and vulnerabilities. Currently living in Berlin, with his wife and son, he strives to strike a balance between family, work, and his own creative ventures.