Item – Ten10

Stan Bitters Vintage Mural

7'H X 6'W

This is a very special vintage ceramic mural by California artist Stan Bitters. The mural is signed (inscribed) and dated 1971. Bitters produced this piece when he was 35 years old. This was during the period after leaving the Hans Sumpf Co. to work independently, focusing on large scale architectural installations, and prior to authoring his book “Environmental Ceramics” which was published in 1976. The work is a fine example of technique and use of material. It has the large scale qualities of many of his public works in a more compact size. It measures 7’ tall x 6’ wide. The thickness of the tiles range from 3” - 9” (including the textured relief), which is quite dramatic for a piece of this size. The mural is mounted on modules on a powder coated stainless steel frame, allowing it to be relocated as needed. It can be installed indoors or outdoors, directly on a wall or on posts in the ground. Please see photos for reference. Fresno, California, artist Stan Bitters' career in ceramics has spanned more than six decades. Bitters’ influence has been present in the language of California architecture since the 1960s. His large-scale works include ceramic murals, sculptures, fountains, and garden pathways. These installations can still be experienced in public spaces including banks, hotels, schools, churches, industrial complexes, and shopping centers as well as private residences. Bitters graduated from UCLA in 1959 with a BA in painting. He also attended San Diego State University, and Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. It was at Otis that he met ceramic artist and instructor Peter Voulkos. Voulkos' radical approach to clay influenced Stan's artistic direction. After he completed his education, he was invited to become artist in residence at the Hans Sumpf Company in his hometown of Fresno, CA, where he was given the artistic freedom to pursue his direction of environmental ceramics. He left Hans Sumpf and continued to pursue his large-scale installations. In 1976 he authored the book Environmental Ceramics, about his artistic process. Bitters continues to work, and since he began working with Ten10 in Los Angeles in 2003, he has completed over 60 public and private commissions. In 2024, Stan Bitters was invited to and participated in the Venice Biennale. Please email for price and availability.