Kimani Shillingford

Life has been an unlikely journey for Artist Kimani Shillingford. Raised by a single mother, Kimani always dreamed of great things. An energetic and bright youngster, he showed an early affinity for the arts and performance. Performing for family and friends, drawing, singing, painting, and writing took up most of his free time outside of school. Raised in the church, God became the foundation that would mold him into the artist and man that he is today. A Business/Pre-Law graduate, Kimani initially sought out a career in the corporate sector, but during this short detour the yearning to express his creativity and utilize his God-given gifts became too loud to ignore. In the relatively short time since abandoning this first career and venturing into the Arts full-time he has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. Seeing initial success in major advertising and television campaigns worldwide for numerous brands, Kimani switched the focus of his energy to honing his acting and fine art talents. Since that time he counts lead and supporting roles in a number of independent feature and short films and on stages in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles as highlights of his diverse career. He appeared on-screen alongside industry veterans in the first black Shakespearian film H4 and starred in the narrative short film Kickstart Theft working alongside an Academy Award-winner. Kimani also filmed a small, yet memorable, role in the Warner Brothers blockbuster Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. His studies have included method work in New York City and in Los Angeles. Recently Kimani again switched his focus from his performance work and is now dedicated to exhibiting his fine art. His paintings hang in clients' homes on both coasts and he is working on an autobiographical novel, a book of his photography, and a book of poetry. Kimani volunteers his time regularly with children and other important social and humanitarian causes. These creative and humanitarian projects and an intense love for travel has taken him around the world. However, one thing has remained constant; his love for God and belief in Jesus Christ without whom none of his extraordinary blessings and accomplishments could have been and which continues to give him a unique perspective when approaching life and his Art.