Meet Stan Edmondson of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stan Edmondson.

Stan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve spent my entire life in the visual arts. My father wasLeonard Edmondson, a successful mid-century artist in Los Angeles. I was inspired and mentored by ceramic luminaries such as Peter Voulkos, Ynez Johnston, Paul Soldner, Michael Frimkiss, and John Mason. Ignited by their magnetic work I had the freedom at a young age to pursue a vision that matched my aesthetic interests.
I work mostly work with clay, but am versed in bronze, printmaking, painting, and welding. My experiences with my father had a profound impact on me. I grew up in a pretty amazing world and am honored to be a part of it. I spent my childhood in museums and galleries, looking at every kind of art. Being the son of a surrealist was strange, and wonderful!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not smooth at all! First off I spent my summers working on a sheep ranch belonging to my mother’s family. I was herding, docking, shearing and driving tractors by the age of 11 and 12. This was hard work from sunrise to sunset.
Other obstacles along the way include:
mental health issues, childhood abuse, insecurity, substance abuse, poverty, divorce… you name it!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make my own clay and glazes. I build my own kilns. I make my own tools. I work large! I embrace the Bauhaus practice of weaving craft with fine art and the technical challenges of fabrication. I am inspired by 1960s-70s comics and anime – this is especially true for my figurative works inspired by the Japanese cult classic, “Gigantor,” in which a giant robot is built for war but transforms into a guardian of peace. I watched that show as a kid and he became my friend and I’ve been building Gigantors large and small ever since. Everything I make represents work I made as a child, I peaked artistically at the age of 8 years old. I am trying to hold onto that creative magic!

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Meditation, physical therapy, talk therapy, 12 steps, friendships, my art community, making art all the time!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stanedmondson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/STANEDMONDSON
• Other: https://vimeo.com/987686773?turnstile=0.OkivXKATl2bqdpMKix8CdgBoRP9XeCWAZm0F9Jabnp0itiqb8zVlFFT9OCutjMb07fhnmr8aerD7J6FUT-5PjIvqRZVJSe4DPWKis9H9O_FUNSybsxNAKP1qkKvF8JN8bqMO3BcvkIPFHi0BDW7aUEuvd_JGVDqSYD-hlCdGfuGsTri2MgP_lpr_0IVbzqFR5LjXhQlSI2cUof6kZBIZLKKQCDK2z9xgsZOzGyDSwS5sWmrINkFRHJlOA0FEZJkyuQFbYVVuLkm5vxeyDqgG7xp1cXuDCfaHRBlkncsorrlktKrgUo9_LpJglVFdAjAgqhRWXSIJsrajBi3tYWIKG2K2SeQViorO2MB7-jMs34QIQmDojVg8ID4aDkCj26TkWKivKw1xDA8B7KEOWPDB9X7z7Px-avZEhsCwPNUXriA56C7B7L3XdQZGdpEeRwc1ljnZbUjW43mcQfz544wY8n3STlvKoP54m2RgWZlcIgoDaL4eLS4b-oNQVYNChwSH6sja5qI5DvvnUJqsUcUDO1fO_zS0WwJMPrCDJc5osXpAanZKVWdPl2RAo82oTkRTMTs2-hUkJ7VQPcrKBqjfJjtzFewOQVnXj54c_Th8hNytuuLyqNV6FZtksLYN_yJDHE8Qyj6sCLZj8GE48MDWpZOC9BPQYmdH6AJihCxPSd8wMZTk7jeGvqwZMvAdLIhXn06qPJm3Ug94LRMZwikx7RXTu9CYA8ybvA-louEyLpcefVGPuRHex8TnjQj3eW4m2WoT9hwvaxKB-JIjsseYGcXeBYkEVxnwdpn3REJx5Ie1yCl5dDqGHxKUWaiZZsrrQhyWLG5z6pid1cdMi0uhBkho6N6QjrMSH6epXe_qtioq_JcuYU_3fo2i2VYOWiDiQCPNEP9moZNGNi4_UeETQLezXpCG0XSjQHRwBWpNqqKTQvZIDOzw3UT1CtVMgCeC.ERCHvMkHGPKUFSVn8p3JDw.f44d824754e78c35b8b38ad446c5b2194ee678c5b67e8e427a93a45c5eebad79

Image Credits
Photos by Yubo Dong