Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward (Ed) Douglas.
Edward (Ed), please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born in San Diego, CA, July 6, 1930, 7:00 pm in Logan Heights. Still living in the California bungalow in Normal Heights that my mother bought in the late 1930’s. Growing up in San Diego, I went to Hoover High School, SD Junior College, joined the Navy at 18, served on the SD Police Department, owned guitar shops (including starting “The Blue Guitar” in the ’60’s), formed San Diego’s first Bluegrass Band in 1961–“The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers.” Dabbled in Entertainment Management in L.A., worked as a General Contractor building restaurants in San Diego for “Food for Thought Corporation.” Spent a year wandering by myself around Europe in 1979. Lived in Telluride, CO, for about a year.
During my adventures, I was always involved in Artistic endeavors, but never took them seriously until 2010 when I began focusing on making ceramic tile art pieces. I am now a “Ceramic Tile Pop Artist,” having created over 100 Tile Art Motifs.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I believe there is art in everyone; every person can do an art piece– a painting, a sculpture, whatever–display their name on it, and it’s really nice. What separates them from the Professional artist is a “body of work.”
My approach is to do the Body of Work first. I’ve always been attracted to “Pop Art”–generally it is Contemporary.
My work is portrait size, already framed and ready to hang. If you see it and like it, you can buy it, put it under your arm, and take it home.
~ Every piece is one of a kind ~
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
At 88, I come from another era. The Electronic Age swept past me like a fast-moving train. If my cell phone doesn’t work, I can stop a five-year-old and he will show me how to fix it. The “Business of Art” is questionable, but the Artists aren’t. Just new aspects. Rock n Roll, politics, modern technology, skills, and it seems like everyone wants to be an Artist, and that includes me.
The Artist can point out the ills of the world, but can rarely solve them. Encouraging Artists is not the problem–giving them confidence is. I would direct my attention to the older, skilled Artists not to be selfish with their artistic talents.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
* Little Italy Art Walk– sidewalk display in front of Noel/Baza Art Gallery.
* “Them Thar Eyes”– displayed on Fence by Train Station in Solana Beach as part of Solana Beach Arts Festival.
* Most of my work is in my Residence/Gallery at home in Normal Heights. Viewable by appointment.
* My work is commissioned via “Word of Mouth.”
Contact Info:
- Address: 5034 East Mountain View Dr
San Diego, CA 92116 - Website: tileartmotifs.com
- Phone: 619-282-1715
- Email: eddouglas@cox.net
Image Credit:
Lynn Douglas; Sadie Shaw.
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