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.
Pair of Ceramic Stools/ end Tables Stan Bitters 1975c
By Stan Bitters
Located in Chicago, IL
Stan Bitters Ceramic Mushroom Stools / Side Tables, Pair 1970's Handbuilt ceramic Glazed tops, unglazed stoneware bases A rare and visually compelling pair of ceramic mushroom stool...
Ceramic
Pair of Paul McCobb End Tables
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Denton, TX
A pair of walnut tops with aluminium base side tables from the Erwin collection designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin furniture.
Aluminum
Pair of Danish Modern End Tables
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish and straightforward pair of Danish Modern rosewood end tables with square tapered legs and black composition tops framed with a low beaded rim. From the famed Copenhagen department store, Illums Bolighus, marked under each top. The perfect end tables next to your sofa, or placed in front as moveable coffee tables.
Rosewood
$390Sale Price / set|76% Off
H 18.5 in W 15.25 in D 15.25 in
Pair of Modern Kada Metal Folding Square Danese Milano End Tables or Stools
By Yves Behar
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Danese Milano Kada foldable stool / side table designed by Yves Behar. To use as a stool or side table, top or seat is removable and can be used as a tray. It is made of black and wh...
Metal
Pair of Mid Century End Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a smooth top and a sculpted apron adorned with a sleek brass accent. Made from Acacia to ensure durability and a rich, luxurious espresso finish. The tapered, slightly fla...
Brass
Pair of Burr Elmwood End Tables
Located in Bronx, NY
A pair end tables with two drawer veneered burr elm wood top on stained wooden legs finishing in bronze sabots.
Elm, Oak
Pair of Regency Style End Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
English Regency style mahogany and exotic wood veneer end table with brass line inlaid details on turned gilded acanthus capital supports with fluting...
Brass
$7,950 / set
H 23.5 in W 28.5 in D 20.5 in
Exceptional Restored Pair of Bamboo Display End Tables, circa 1975
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning pair of restored bamboo display end tables, circa 1975. Stout mahogany frame construction completely veneered in bamboo. Clever display co...
Bamboo, Mahogany
Pair of Faux Bamboo End Tables of Coffee Tables
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of Faux Bamboo End Tables of Coffee Tables. Gold painted tables with clear glass tops and crossbar base. Nice size and solid construction. Use...
Metal
Pair of Mirrored End Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mirrored end tables from the 1970's Located in NY. Original condition.
Metal
Pair of Mastercraft Style End Tables
By Mastercraft
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant pair of Mastercraft style Mid-Century end tables features intricate eight legged octagonal design. Burl wood tops with inset glass look great in any seating setting, for...
Burl, Glass
Gorgeous Pair of Ceramic Chinese Garden Seat End Tables
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely pair of pastel figural decorated garden seats that make a marvelous set of drinks tables. Gayle
Ceramic
Pair of Oval Mahogany End Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair oval partial ebonized mahogany marble top oval end tables surrounded by bronze.
Mahogany
Pair of 4-Drawer Mirrored End Tables
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom 4-drawer mirrored end tables. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes and hardware.
Mirror, Wood, Glass
Pristine Pair of Cane and Chrome End or Side Tables, circa 1975
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb examples produced by the Design Institute of America, Circa 1975. Tubular chrome frame with cane insert and glass top. Excellent Vintage Condition. The price noted is for t...
Chrome
Pair of Bronze Hexagonal End Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of midcentury end tables are perfect for any living room or office space. The well-aged bronze base has loads of character, and help to make this set truly one of a kind. C...
Bronze
Stan Bitters Mushroom Stool, Glazed Ceramic, Mid-Century Modern, USA
By Stan Bitters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mushroom stool or side table by Stan Bitters, USA. This piece features a round glazed ceramic top with floral motif and an unglazed stoneware base. Perfect as a petite side table, fo...
Ceramic
Stan Bitters Ceramic Mushroom Stool or Side Table with Adolf Odorfer Glaze
By Stan Bitters, Adolf Odorfer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mushroom stool or side table form by Stan Bitters, USA. This piece features a round ceramic top with bamboo glazed motif by artist Adolf Odorfer. The top rests on an unglazed stonewa...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stan Bitters Ceramic Mushroom Stool or Side Table
By Stan Bitters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mushroom stool or side table by Stan Bitters, USA. This piece features a round glazed ceramic top with floral motif and an unglazed stoneware base. Perfect as a petite side table, fo...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stan Bitters Pair of Ceramic Sculpture Stools or Tables
By Stan Bitters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A nice pair of ceramic designs, with glazed star pattern. These can be used as garden stools or tables.
Ceramic
Ceramic Table and Stools by Stan Bitters
By Stan Bitters
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Delightful petite ceramic table and pair of stools by Stan Bitters. A California native, Bitter's work as a ceramic sculptor was critical in shaping the organic modernist movement in...
Ceramic