Rising Stars: Meet Edem Elesh of Highland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edem Elesh.

Hi edem, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Let me start off by expressing my humble thanks to Voyage LA for offering me this 5th interview. It is again a great honor.
I have recounted my story in detail in previous interviews, which I’m sure can be searched, so I’ll just hit the crucial details this time.
I am an L.A. native. Though born in Garden Grove, my single digits were spent in Los Feliz. From there my brother and I were shipped off to boarding school in the U.K. First attending Lockers Park prep school in Hemel Hempstead, then Harrow school in Middlesex. From there I enrolled in UCSD. It was here I met Brett Smith with whom I have created music to this day. Bands of note are Landscape of Sound, LA’s original Drowning Pool Music, and our current project KinderCrowdControl. I spent an exciting 10 years as a professional musician under the Independent Projects Record label, helmed by Bruce Licher. The headquarters were located in the historic Nate Starkman building on 6th and Mateo. This building remains a favorite movie location and has appeared in numerous films. Drowning Pool 1984 is still revered to this day. Perhaps a story for another time…
In 1990 I was accepted into Art Center College of Design in Pasadena where I had the privilege of studying with the great Roland Young (RIP) who was the art director at A&M Records during the 70s and 80s. He ensured I included my music as an integral part of my career as an artist.
After graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, I began my art career. I formed 56design in 1995 and have helmed this design firm since then. One of my first clients was Roger Corman (RIP). I was his art director for 5 years. Great days and I remain very proud of this association.
My Fine Art career has always been lucky. In 1997 I found my first patrons. In the same year I was represented by Don O’Melveny in West Hollywood. After a successful run with him, I was taken on board by Lydia Takeshita of LA Artcore Gallery in Little Tokyo. It was she who offered me my first opportunity to join two international exchanges to Japan and Thailand in 2008. I can’t stress the importance of these exchanges to the formulation of my art and world view. The same year found me represented by Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts in Downtown Los Angeles. Petra Wright remains my art representative (and colleague on the Board of Directors of the iaa-usa.org) to this this day. The following years found me traveling the globe as an internationally recognized fine artist, exhibiting regularly domestically, making music with KinderCrowdControl, and running my 56design firm. I am proud to be included on the iaa-usa.org Board of Directors where I hold the position of Co-Chair of the International Exchange Programs.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Interesting question. As an artist I have always been lucky. I have moved from one great gallery to another. I have many patrons and colleagues who support my work, which has resonated with viewers for several decades. I’ve found that when I create art, I create luck. To this end I have coined my method “Process and Providence”; by making art (process), I open the door to opportunity (providence). The struggle is always the same for everyone; believe in your art. If a system is proven to work, work it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make art which is true to myself. Gathering ideas directly from my life experiences, I create my unique art, design, and music. Our distinct voices are what define us and lead to the crucial exchange of concepts and techniques. I am known for creating very innovative art and music. What am I most proud of? Everything I’ve done, and that I continue to do it. If I am to be specific, I am especially excited about my latest fine art work combining California surf culture beach towels with my aluminum surfaces.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes, join the iaa-usa.org and become part of a domestic and global organization that offers opportunities to connect with other artists and exhibit, attend residencies, and build a career. What has worked well for me is keeping the faith and moving forward. One step at a time.

Pricing:

• Contact me please. Every client and collector has different budget scenarios.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.edem-art.com/ and https://kindercrowdcontrol.bandcamp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edemelesh/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.elesh.94/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edem-elesh-b4b24219/
• Youtube: Edem Elesh
• Yelp: Edem Elesh
• Other: https://www.56design.com/