ARTISTICBLOODLINE: THE STORY
Artisticbloodline: The Story
The Journey of Michael A. Samuel aka “Gleek”
Michael A. Samuel’s story begins in South Miami, where he spent his early years surrounded by both love and struggle. In October 1989, Michael experienced a life-altering loss when his mother, Patricia A. Samuel, passed away. He had just turned 13. Her passing left a deep void—but it also lit the first spark in a journey of resilience and reinvention.
After her death, Michael moved to Coconut Grove, specifically the Kingsway Apartments, a public housing project in one of Miami’s most dangerous and drug-infested neighborhoods. It was there, amid the chaos, that a young artist began to rise. Despite the environment around him, Michael found an escape through art, after-school programs, and later, basketball.
Encouraged by his grandmother, Rena Mae Samuel, who raised him with patience and belief, he was free to express himself—even drawing on the walls of their home. When others might have seen destruction, she saw raw talent.
BY THE NUMBERS
35
16
1990
18
Years
of Experience
Years of Shop Experience
Year I Started Tattooing
States Traveled to to do Tattoos
Artisticbloodline has a great deal of artistic experience at a variety of schools and positions. He initially focused on the theoretical side of art, but quickly found his passion and proclivity for improvisation and self-expression.
THE TRAVELING ARTIST
Artisticbloodline began his professional artistic journey when he appeared on the Atlanta art scene in 2006. Since then, he have participated in a number of collaborative projects and have exhibited his work throughout the world. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Artisticbloodline is primarily self-taught and has his own approach to - and definition of - art. He believes in constantly taking risks and believes that inspiration can be found wherever he looks. To find out more about his philosophy, feel free to reach out to him via email.
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