PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Artist Clete shields has been awarded a solo exhibition at Kelly Weber Fine Art (201 gallery). Mr. shields is a sculptor of the highest caliber, working in the traditional mediums of clay, plaster, and bronze. While working as a caricaturist in Las Vegas, a ball of clay was given to Clete, and this began his lifelong pursuit. A coinciding interest in animation caused a return to his original roots in Southern California. Classical influences brought on further independent study and the great fortune to apprentice under Henry Alvarez; who so generously displayed new perspectives of the creative and professional nature sculpture can offer. Clete maintained a commercial portfolio while continually exploring techniques and mediums. a brief internship with figurative sculpture sensation Richard Macdonald preceeded his current career of commissioned bronze sculptures for clients in the film industry such as Kevin Smith, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino, Samuel L. Jackson, and others.

This exhibition is a ten year culmination of works, beginning with a whimsical and ornamental adaptation of classical allegory and myth in order to apply their interpretation in these exaggerated times. Then working through an examination of animal life, and self portraits. Also included in this exhibit is a year long project in which Mr. Shields sculpted a self portrait each day for one year, hence the title of his exhibition “three sixty five.”