The Unspoken Rules, which showcases the work of Joel Ember and Pete Hansinger, will be opening at Mulberry Art Studios in June 2025, with a First Friday Reception from 5-8 on June 6.
For Joel and Pete, collaborative painting is more than the sum of their artistic parts. “When we align, the painting becomes effortless,” they share. “Sometimes painting in silence – and at times talking through how they are progressing - and the final works seem to come from somewhere between ancient & primal, from a space that we both have been trying to tap into artistically.”
Collaborative painting is truth, friendship and creativity, captured on a canvas, preserving a single moment in time. It is an incredible thing to witness, and they believe it is so much more than they could create on their own. As abstract painters they want the viewer to feel the emotion of the paintings, but also to understand the time and dedication it took to produce these works.
Pete is a self taught artist, who grew up in New Jersey. He first discovered his love for painting in University where he studied graphic design. He used his learned design skills to paint on the side. He started painting at 20 years old and fell in love with the freedom of expression right away. He has participated in group shows in Brooklyn, NY and Philadelphia, PA.
As an abstract painter the thing Pete loves most is the battle between composition and emotion. When a piece is too precise it seems to lack some emotion but when too chaotic it seems to lack discipline. The balance between strong emotive brushstroke and a clean composition is what he strives for in his work.
Pete is a multidiscipline artist who also writes and produces music as well. Artistry has been within him since he was a child.
Joel is a self-taught artist, who grew up in Pennsylvania. Painting for 44 years, Joel has completed over 550 paintings. He creates in many mediums, including acrylics, oils, photography and mixed media. Joel has had both solo and group shows in Lancaster, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Soho, Brooklyn, and Colorado Springs. While living in Tampa, he worked as a muralist in Ybor City, the City’s Cuban quarter.
He previously had one collaborative show with Jeremy Colon of Lancaster in October 2005. After a long break from this type of art, he met Pete and was blown away by his pure talent & painting style. Joel began to collaborate on art with Pete in October 2024 , and is very proud to now have the chance to paint with him. Their first collaborative project was a 17’ commissioned installation, 8 paintings wide, completed in January 2025. Their art opening on June 6, 2025 at Mulberry Art Studios, will be their first show together, and it will feature over 20 new paintings completed during 2025.
Mulberry Art Studios is located in historic downtown Lancaster at 21 North Mulberry St. Guests who are unable to come for First Friday, can contact Stephanie.MulberryArt@gmail.com to arrange a time to view the artwork.
