An icon of modernist ceramics since the 1960s, Stan Bitters constructed rough assemblages of clay slabs and spoked wheels into massive murals and tall totems, upsizing his medium to an architectural scale.
Like Toshiko Takaezu, Peter Voulkos, Paul Soldner and others, Bitters was part of a small group of American artists during the mid-20th-century who embraced imperfection in their pottery.
Working in ceramics, a material that during the last 100 years was relegated to the supposedly lesser artistic realm of craft, Bitters and these other artists made bold, chunky pieces that served as a counterpoint to the smooth lines and overall slickness of modern and postmodern movements like Bauhaus, constructivism, minimalism, Op art and Pop art.
Hailing from Fresno, California, the self-proclaimed “old hippie” Bitters earned his bachelor’s degree in painting from UCLA. He also studied at what became Otis College in Los Angeles under Voulkos — the bad boy of American ceramics.
Voulkos almost single-handedly spawned what came to be known as the California Clay Movement and flouted pottery’s approved techniques. He transformed clay into a vibrant, highly expressive artistic medium, and Bitters’ funky, fractured style certainly shows it.
Bitters later became associated with organic modernism and created ceramics for Hans Sumpf, a maker of adobe bricks and furniture in Madera.
“Known for his Abstract Expressionist style, Bitters is a steadfast champion of environmental ceramics — the melding of natural, organic clay forms, sculptures and architectural elements into urban spaces to complement, transform and elevate their surroundings,” says Greg Nielson, of Dwell Floor Five, in Studio City, California.
With their sputtery glazes and graffiti-esque glyphs, Bitters’s works exude raw, countercultural energy.
Find Stan Bitters decorative objects, garden ornaments, planters and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Stan Bitters Mid-Century Modern Lantern, Glazed Ceramic, USA, 2017
By Stan Bitters
Located in Berlin, DE
This black lantern in glazed ceramic is handmade by Stan Bitters. Warm light soaks through the different openings. One model A / E27 Bulb 40 watts. To be on the safe side, the lamp...
Ceramic
Stan Bitters Ball Lamp, Spray Metal, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 2017
By Stan Bitters
Located in Berlin, DE
This ball lamp in spray metal is handmade by Stan Bitters. Warm light soaks through the different openings. One Model A / E27 Bulb 40 watts. To be on the safe side, the lamp should b...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Glass and Brass Pendant Light Lantern
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wonderful design and cool looking midcentury ceiling lamp. The total height including chain and ceiling plate is:26" - 66 cm.
Brass
$4,113 / set
H 11.03 in Dm 11.62 in
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Red Green Metal Kalmar Lanterns Vienna
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This pair of metal lanterns was designed and made in Vienna circa 1960 by J.T.Kalmar. In the midcentury period the lighting firm Kalmar manufactured and designed the most innovative...
Metal
Sold|$1,788
H 20.08 in Dm 11.42 in
Barovier & Toso Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Glass Table Lamp, 1970s
By Leucos Design Lab
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Barovier & Toso table lamp in blown Murano glass and "Incamiciato" with Murrine, the structure is in brass. There was a mistake in the description, the lamp is Barovier & Toso
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Hanging Lanterns
By Gio Ponti
Located in North Miami, FL
Attributed to Gio Ponti, accent lamps in original condition, with etched frosted glass and brass trim throughout. Vintage condition and as beautiful as the day they were made. Newly...
Brass
Metal and crystal lantern French 1950s Mid-century France Design
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Metal and crystal lantern French 1950s Mid-century France Design
Crystal
Rare & Stylish Mid-Century Modern Glass & Metal Lined Pendant / Ceiling Lamp
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Lisse, NL
Timeless and good size mid-century pendant. This rare ceiling lamp from the mid-century era could be the perfect lighting solution for an entrance or any other small living space. T...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Venini Attributed Murano Chandelier
By Barovier, Barovier&Toso, Mazzega, Venini
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-Century Modern Venini attributed Murano chandelier. Mid-Century Modern Venini attributed Murano glass chandelier. This unusual Murano glass chandelier, lantern or pendant has be...
Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$4,234
H 89.77 in W 74.02 in D 18.9 in
Mid-Century Modern Arc Floor Lamp with Marble & Chrome, Italy, 1960s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Mid-Century Modern Arc Floor Lamp with Marble & Chrome, Italy, 1960s A stunning and XL vintage Italian arc lamp from the 1960s, featuring a luxurious Carrara marble base and a c...
Carrara Marble, Chrome
$3,970 / set
H 14.5 in Dm 11 in
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass Pendants / Lanterns attr. to Stilnovo
By Bruno Chiarini, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Two Italian Mid-Century Modern satin milk glass fixtures / pendants / suspension lights / lanterns by Bruno Chiarini attributed to Stilnovo, circa 1960. The pieces can hang as suspen...
Brass
$6,700 / item
H 27.96 in Dm 10.24 in
3 Mid-Century Modern Lantern in Brass and Opaline Glass, 1950, Stilnovo Attr
By Stilnovo
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Beautiful pendant lights / Lanterns in lacquered metal, brass and opaline glass, attributed to Stilnovo and very much in the manner of Angelo ...
Brass
$6,352 / item
H 43.31 in W 9.06 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Silk Wall-Lamp with a Pulley Shanghai, Re Edtion
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Extraordinary wall-lamp with a pulley, measures up to the clients request. Comes as well with no pulley. Different kind of shades are available Most components according to the UL ...
Brass
$600Sale Price|52% Off
H 18 in W 7 in D 7 in
French Mid Century Black Metal and Polished Brass Lantern
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
A four panels black metal and polished brass lantern. Two light.
Metal, Brass
Stan Bitters Ceramic Lanterns Bronze Glaze Cylinder Shape 2 Sizes
By Stan Bitters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stan Bitters ceramic lanterns cylinder shape, bronze glaze, no hole at top and no electrical wiring. Set of 10 consisting of 5 x large at 14"H x 6...
Ceramic
Stan Bitters White Glazed Ceramic Lantern, USA, 2017
By Stan Bitters
Located in Berlin, DE
This white lantern in glazed ceramic is handmade by Stan Bitters. Warm light soaks through the different openings. One model A / E27 Bulb 40 watts. To be on the safe side, the l...
Ceramic
Stan Bitters White Glazed Ceramic Lantern, USA, 2017
By Stan Bitters
Located in Berlin, DE
This white lantern in glazed ceramic is handmade by Stan Bitters. Warm light soaks through the different openings. One model A / E27 Bulb 40 watts. To be on the safe side, the l...
Ceramic
Stan Bitters White Glazed Ceramic Lantern, USA, 2017
By Stan Bitters
Located in Berlin, DE
This white lantern in glazed ceramic is handmade by Stan Bitters. Warm light soaks through the different openings. One Model A / E27 Bulb 40 watts. To be on the safe side, the lamp s...
Ceramic
Stan Bitters Ceramic Lantern in Copper Green, USA, 2017
By Stan Bitters
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent handmade Stan Bitters ceramic ball lamp in copper green. Warm light soaks through the different openings. One model A / E27 bulb 40 watts. ...
Ceramic