S.I.R.
Manifest Scholar in Residence
2020/2021
Ed Erdmann
Ed Erdmann is a United States artist based in the Midwest. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin Stout. Erdmann's work investigates the landscape and its relation to human mortality, grief, and myth. Through exploration of natural forces Erdmann looks for ways of integrating those forces into his work. His work calls upon the land artists and color field artists, while challenging traditional landscape paintings. The wind, plants, trees, rivers, and soil all are active elements that find their way into Erdmann's paintings and drawings. His work has been shown in solo and group shows regionally in places such as: Wisconsin Public Radio, Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati OH, and The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art in Madison WI.
Artist's Statement:
"Time has power. Like Sisyphus, the Earth is bound to cycles. The landscape speaks softly. Time is an arrow. Once it is loosed from the bow it will not stop until it hits the ground. Our human mortality acts in the same way. The landscape speaks honestly. Death is real. We, in varying degrees, have to wade through the mucky banks of mortality. All things need time to grow and become what they are. My work grows and changes through the restriction of control within the seasons. The weather calibrates the work that I make.
This work is based in observation. It is often a quiet and personal action. Through walks I find connections to landscape and meditation in the stillness. The repetition and changing nature of seasonal weather guides the choices and materials that I use.
Like a prayer, I repeat patterns, forms, and actions."
The images pictured at right are a sampling of those submitted with Ed's application.
As Scholar in Residence Ed will be based at the Manifest Drawing Center in the SIR studio there.
See more and learn about Ed's work here:
http://ederdmannart.com
The Scholar In Residence Program (SIR) at Manifest contrasts with the Artist In Residence Program (MAR) in a number of ways. Primarily the SIR is intended to support the study, practice, and exploration of the artist in one or more focus areas. This may be related to theory, aesthetics/criticism, teaching, studio/curricular operations, or studio-based art making. The nature of each resident's interest and focus will naturally determine the kinds of documentation provided across the year.
Information on how to apply for future SIR or MAR awards can be found here.
