Artist and artwork photos courtesy of Renee Zellweger/SummerSchool SF
Based in Fresno, CA, Stan Bitters is a maverick sculptor and ceramist who helped define modernist ceramics in California. His work helped define Southern California architecture. Throughout his career, Stan's been actively engaged in advocating for the integration of art and architecture, and for the inclusion of art in daily life. His work is a testament to the importance of physicality to art, of deep engagement with material, and of the imperative to keep challenging the status quo, no matter where you are in your career.
Despite the fact that his work is widely collected, he hadn’t been widely shown. In fact, Stan Bitters, Modern Primitive held at Heath’s Boiler Room in 2014, was his first show in 35 years. Since then we have been collaborating on a number of projects, and Heath is proud to be carrying his iconic birdhouses, medallions, murals, fountains, and sculptures.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Santarina
This show, held at Heath’s Boiler Room in May 2014, was Stan’s first show in 35 years. As befits a monumental talent (and personality) with a monumental oeuvre, this comprehensive retrospective featured work old and new, including his medallions; large-scale murals; sculptures; push pots; fountains; and exterior screens. In addition, the show featured his signature birdhouses in new, experimental glazes created for Heath and the show. Modern Primitive was curated and produced in collaboration with Renee Zellweger of SummerSchool SF.