Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Stone.
Adam, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born on Hollywood Blvd in 1966. I come from a hyper-creative family of professional fine artists. Both parents were early pioneers in the burgeoning realm of LA-based street art festivals in the 70’s. My mother, Carole Shultz started experimenting with clay figures in the bathroom of our rented Duplex on 4th Street in West Hollywood. Often using myself and my younger siblings as reluctant models. The family then moved to a home that we rented in the Miracle Mile on Spalding just South of LACMA. Now sculpting in the kitchen, she soon created a body of figuratives and animals and began selling them in weekend pop up street art events all over the city.
Growing up in this “street artist” lifestyle provided an invaluable source of inspiration, knowledge and business savvy that to this day I still draw from. As a child, 25 cent Marvel and DC comics were my first introduction to the world of figurative art. I’d buy them and take them home to copy the characters to the best of my ability. I loved to draw yet was very hyper critical of myself early on.
Not long after enrolling in Fairfax High School at 16, I lost focus. I had a car and a newfound freedom to explore the city with, I started experimenting with drugs as well as got distracted by much of the shiny and pretty things now floating in and about in my teenage world. Unfortunately, these beautiful “distractions” were rarely seen in the classroom and as a result, neither was I. After taking a GED exam to exit school early I found myself at Santa Monica College where I took courses that seemed of interest to me. But, I still hated all things structured and struggled with finding my own way.
I was always painfully shy. It was suggested I enroll in a Speech class to help overcome that personality quip. The class filled up before my chance to enroll so I was arbitrarily placed into a Theatre class instead. It was absolutely terrifying and I hated everything about it. But, after the semester was over the teacher asked me to audition for a play he was directing in an Equity waiver theatre in Studio City over the Summer. I wasn’t thrilled about it at all and rejected his offer. He somehow talked me into going to the audition and that ultimately led me to the beginning of a very exciting, life-altering and completely uncharacteristic path. I was cast in the play and soon after had an agent. On my first interview I booked a guest role for a show called “Bronx Zoo.” I remember being awestruck on the set when discovering my very first filmed scene ever would be with the dude who played the drummer in the movie “Eddie and The Cruisers. He took me aside and gave me some “sage like” advice to take this path seriously. I enrolled in a beginning acting class at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.
Simultaneously, my father, Jack Shultz, who at the time was likely one of the US’ most collected street artists gave me some quick lessons in pouring, manipulating paint on plexiglas. I started making a few bucks by setting up my (very naive) abstract paintings on the Boardwalk in Venice Beach on the weekends. I’d sell my paintings for whatever I could get for them…Sometimes I’d sell or trade a piece for a bag of weed and sometimes I’d go home dejected and empty handed. After a couple of Summers on the Boardwalk, I began to experiment with different mediums and subject matter. Over the course of a few weeks, I created a series of large scale original paintings on plexiglas and signed up for an art festival that was to be held on the steps of The Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. I sold a number of those early pieces that weekend for more money than I ever imagined I could get. I was 18 years old and I now had a more clear direction.
While continuing to study acting, I began regularly participating in the very same local art festivals that my parents began their journey with. I somehow sold nearly everything I did. I was actually born color blind. I needed to work with very bright primary colors just to be able to see and differentiate them. I was young, naive and hungry. I wanted to become as good as I possibly could. Not long after my journey began, I’d find myself showing alongside my younger brother JD Shultz and my sister Rachel Shultz who began selling their own artwork respectively. For many years, I’d do 20-25 art shows per year. Over the years, while learning to paint on the job-my skills began to grow. My themes and subjects have evolved from heroic portraits of Musicians, Athletes to Contemporary takes on classic fairytales…to animals and Urban dreamscapes. Over the last few decades, I have traveled much the US selling my artwork in many of the most prestigious juried fine art festivals nationwide. Occasionally, working with art dealers, designers on specific projects but primarily representing my work independently. I’ve been incredibly fortunate in that I had a tremendous support system early on that enabled me to learn how to paint but also provide a steady income to support my acting classes. I had no idea that in the decades to come I’d sell hundreds of original paintings in both public and private collections Internationally. These days, I will occasionally get work as an actor but my primary focus has been my fine art work.
Over the last decade, a great deal of my work has been commissioned by both new and loyal collector’s. I’ve always enjoyed that process of creative collaboration. Working primarily in 2D for all of these years, I’ve always wondered about the possibilities of bringing my work into the 3D realm. After tinkering in clay for over a year, in-between commissions, exhibitions and traveling shows, I’ve recently completed my very first sculpture “The Giver” and cast it in Bronze. The 2nd one is now in the works. The learning process never ends. These days, after so many years cultivating my work and skill set I have a confidence that enables me to work more impulsively. I often begin painting before I even choose what direction or subject matter to focus on. Rarely working from a detailed sketch, I love the element of surprise amid the wild dance of discovery. You can see more of my work on my website (adamstone.com) as well as follow me on Instagram at (Adamstoneart).
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve been super fortunate that the road has been, for the most part, smooth. There are always times where life throws those curve balls and you have to learn to adapt. A rejection for a proposed project, a sale that ultimately falls through, etc…Interestingly enough, one of the most frustrating obstacles I face…on its flip side, is also one of the most addictive processes of being a painter. As in most creative ventures, problem-solving is always part of the equation. There’s a daily wrestling match between myself, my impulses and what appears on the canvas. There are times when the problems get fixed easily by a sudden brushstroke or addition of a certain color and then there are times when you learn to limp away. Come back with a renewed perspective.
What else should our readers know?
You can see available artwork (Originals, Limited Edition Prints) on my website (adamstone.com). I also do a great deal of custom commission work. Send all commission inquiries to adamstoneart@yahoo.com.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Again, I was so incredibly fortunate to have the family love, support and guidance that I did. Having artists for parents was extremely instrumental in my formative years. They were always there to help. To guide me back on the path if I strayed. I just had to watch and listen. They had an incredible love affair and creative journey together. They’re both gone now. Now, myself as well as my younger siblings are doing all we can to pay homage to the legacy that we were so fortunate to be bestowed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.adamstone.com
- Phone: 213.864.2593
- Email: adamstoneart@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamstoneart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdamStoneArt
Image Credit:
Image of me painting in studio: By Kimberly Christopher
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