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"Art is a visual narration and mode of expression of shape, color and form, bestowing the viewer with
a dialogue different from that found in words.
It is a physical materialization of the thoughts, feelings and dreams that we have every day."
Gerard Basil Stripling draws on all aspects of life creating unique and meaningful contemporary
fine art bronze sculptures. Where many artists transplant to work and live in Southern California,
Basil Stripling grew up in the heart of Los Angeles. At an early age, he became aware that his passion
was to be an artist, and spent many hours drawing as his recreation.
In the mid 1980's, this passion took him to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where he
earned an AA degree in Fashion Design. Upon graduation, he began work in the design industry and met
famed costume designer Bill Whitten. Basil Stripling realized that Whitten, who designed costumes for stars
Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie and other music legends, could give him an
abundance of creative experience, thus they began working together.
In this ten year journey through the 1990's, Basil Stripling traveled all over the world honing his skills with
construction & delivery of costumes, set designs, building props & creating functional art. During his travels,
he visited every museum, gallery and artist studio possible. He would study for a few days at a time with
several different artists, learning their techniques and approach to fine art.
And with these experiences, Basil Stripling realized his passion to create art was only partly satisfied. He
began his own self taught approach to creating fine art sculptures in different mediums such as ceramic,
wood, steel and bronze.
Eight years ago, Basil Stripling made the transition to work full time creating abstract fine art sculptures.
They range in size and scope, as he is inspired by real life experiences. He also moved to Laguna Beach
in 2000. Basil Stripling took his knowledge of art and design and began working with architect
Andrew Miller in 2003 to create a modern addition to his home that resembles a contemporary piece of art.
In the last few years Basil Stripling has begun to focus on sculpting in bronze, where he has found the truest
form of art that flows from his heart, head and soul. His sculptures have also grown larger in size, awarding
him four Public Art pieces throughout Southern California, along with his growing base of private collectors
and corporations.
Basil Stripling was recently selected as an emerging artist to watch in 2008 by American Style Magazine.
His studio and home remain in Laguna Beach, California.
Contact Gerard Basil Stripling at (949) 395-1803 or www.gerardbasil.com
for more information.
RESUME
EDUCATION & APPRENTICESHIP
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, 1986
AA degree in Fashion Design
Bill Whitten, Costume Designer, 1987 - 1997
Apprenticeship with famed designer to clients Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Neil Diamond & Lionel Richie. Assisted with
construction & delivery of costumes, maintaining props, set design & building of functional art, while
traveling on world tours.
PUBLIC ART & SELECTED COMMISSIONS
“Repose”, commissioned by the City of Laguna Beach
Montage Resort & Spa at Treasure Island Park, Laguna Beach, CA, 2003
“Memento”, commissioned by the City of Laguna Beach
Lang Park, Laguna Beach, CA, 2004
“Alice”, commissioned by the City of Laguna Beach
Alice Court affordable housing development by Related Properties, Laguna Beach, CA, 2005
“Toward the Within”, temporary sculpture exhibition site commission by the City of Laguna Beach
Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, CA, May 2007 – May 2009
Kim Residence, Newport Beach, CA
Stoecher Residence, Orange, CA
Norman Residence, Sherman Oaks, CA
MacKinnon Residence, Los Angeles, CA
Merit/Andrew, Irvine, CA
AWARDS
The Architectural Foundation of Orange County; Art in Public Places Award for Special Recognition of “Repose”, 2006
“Laguna Beach Art in Public Places” in Laguna Beach, CA; Recognition for “Memento”, 2004
“Affaire in the Gardens” in Beverly Hills, CA; First Place Sculpture Award, 2003
PUBLICATION & MEDIA
American Style Magazine, 10 Artists to Watch - Emerging Artists 2008, August 2008
Orange County Business Journal, Arts Section, March 2008
Coastline Pilot Newspaper, Temporary Sculpture Exhibition, May 2008
Laguna Beach Magazine, House Imitates Art, Summer 2007
Laguna Lifestyles Magazine, Biography, 2004
EXHIBITIONS
Festival of the Arts, Juried Art Show, 2001 – 2008
July – August in Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Art Museum, “Palette to Palate 2008”
3rd Annual Art & Dining Experience, 10 artists are selected to participate, June 2008
Affaire in the Gardens, Juried Art Show, 2007 – 2008
2 days in May, Greystone Park in Beverly Hills, CA
Diane DeBilzan Gallery, Group Shows, 2006 – 2007
Spring & Winter Shows in Laguna Beach, CA
COMMUNITY DONATIONS & SERVICE
Laguna College of Art & Design Collectors Choice Awards, 2008
Laguna College Art & Design Board of Trustees, March 2008
Artist Benevolence Fund, 2001 – 2007
Mind Research Institute Orange & LA Counties, 2007
School Power Laguna Beach, 2005
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