Yoga on the Beach, Ed Whitmore, 2018, mixed media, 17 x 34 in. / 43.18 x 86.36 cm.

Ed Whitmore: Master of Mixed Media Sculptures

May 17, 2024 Gavin Coates

Featured image: Yoga on the Beach, Ed Whitmore, 2018, mixed media, 17 x 34 in. / 43.18 x 86.36 cm.

Ed Whitmore's mixed media artworks are a rich tapestry of materials and meanings, weaving together elements from nature, history, and literature to create thought-provoking sculptures.

Ed Whitmore is a mixed media artist known for his complex assemblages that blend historical, natural, and literary elements to explore themes of decay, creation, and the human spirit.

Each piece is a narrative, crafted not only with traditional artistic tools but also through the use of found objects, metals, and stones, each adding layers of depth and texture to his work.

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Things Fall Apart (2019)

Things Fall Apart, Ed Whitmore, 2019, mixed media, 17 x 34 in. / 43.18 x 86.36 cm.

"Things Fall Apart" is an intricate assemblage within a vintage letterpress tray, featuring oxidized copper and bronze, augmented with ruby and larimar slabs. The artwork draws its title from W.B. Yeats' poem "The Second Coming," reflecting themes of chaos and disintegration. The use of oxidized metals and precious stones creates a visual representation of beauty emerging from decay, embodying the poetic tension between creation and collapse.

Earth Mother Goddess Shrine (2020)

Earth Mother Goddess Shrine, Ed Whitmore, 2020, mixed media, 36 x 16 in. / 91.44 x 40.64 cm.

This piece pays homage to the ancient Venus of Laussel and embodies the essence of the Earth Mother through its form and materials. Hand-carved and painted with oxidized metals to create a patina, the artwork is ornamented with jasper and agate, which are believed to hold spiritual power. Whitmore’s work not only connects with prehistoric art but also invites contemplation on the enduring nature of maternal symbols and their spiritual significance.

Apocalyptic Vision (2023)

Apocalyptic Vision, Ed Whitmore, 2023, mixed media, 72 x 36 in. / 182.88 x 91.44 cm.

"Apocalyptic Vision" presents a naive bridge, carved into a large plank of wood, under siege from polished olive wood chunks that fall like meteors, damaging the structure. This dynamic scene is crafted with agate foundations and vintage rusty railroad spikes, creating a sense of impending destruction. The piece powerfully captures the fragility of human creations in the face of natural forces, evoking a sense of inevitable change and the apocalyptic themes it suggests.

Ed Whitmore’s works are profound explorations of material, history, and metaphor, challenging viewers to find connections between the physical materials and the larger themes they represent. His sculptures are not merely decorative but are profound statements on the human condition, history, and our place within the natural world.

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