Artist Michael Stearns: Living In Color

Between 1964 and 1966, Stearns served in Vietnam and Japan as a photographer while on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Following his time in the service, he was a partner in a ceramics studio, Opus ll, where he taught ceramics as well as drawing and painting.Stearns was a fire captain and paramedic with the Los Angeles County Fire Department from 1967 to 1988 and was a consultant on the television show Emergency!Michael studied at California State University at Los AngelesIn 2002 he opened Gallery 33 in Long Beach, California. It exhibited artists such as Lori LaMont, Todd Brainard, Richard Lopez, Elizabeth Washburn, Adam Normandin and Roderick Briggs. The gallery closed in 2008.In 2012 he moved his studio and gallery to San Pedro, under the name Michael Stearns Studio 347 and later to Michael Stearns Studio at the LOFT.As a sculptor Michael works with cardboard and newspaper as a way to bring nature and urban society together. In Michael’s artist statement, he explains how his work exemplifies his spirit. It reads in part:"In my work I dig deep into the origin of life and explore the universal questions; how did we arrive and what is the force driving this existence?I strive also to invite the observer into this place of examination.As a painter, I work with organic shapes and mostly bold colors to intensify the imagery. In my sculptures I incorporate natural materials along with urban components, creating communication out of discord."https://www.michaelstearnsstudio.com/