From February 2 to May 5, 2024, Ed Templeton uncovers a new exhibit at the Long Beach Museum of Art which delves into the raw beauty of adolescence and the thrill of skateboarding. Templeton is a proud product of Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) and is showcasing photographs that echo the essence of growing up in the city renowned for its surf and skateboard culture, as well as taking that community with him around America. In a recent interview, the artist shed light on the profound influence of his hometown on his creative journey.
When asked about how Huntington inspired his work, Templeton expressed that growing up in Huntington Beach was crucial to his creativity due to the culture of surfing and skating. With skateboarding being the foundation of the community he had, it was easy to express himself.
Reflecting on his high school years and their impact on his artistic journey, Templeton emphasized the significance of his high school art class.
“I am considered a self-taught artist because I didn’t go to college for painting or photography, so my high school art class is the highest education I have in the arts! I do think that some of the skills I learned in my high school class stay with me to this day. I feel like everything I have learned has been through trial and error and from talented friends who taught me through example.” Templeton says.
Amidst fond recollections of high school days spent skateboarding around the campus, the artist reminisced about the memories he created among fellow skaters.
“For us skateboarders, the high school was also our favorite skate spot so we spent all day at school, went home for a snack, and then came back to school to skate! I spent crazy amounts of time on the Huntington Beach High School campus,” Templeton says.
Offering advice to budding artists and photographers from Huntington Beach High School, the artist encouraged getting outside and visiting the Getty Center, Orange County Museum of Art, the Hammer Museum, the Broad Museum, or even the Museum of Contemporary Art.
“The most important thing is just to start making art and learning through trial and error. You will make a lot of bad art but over time it will get better as your mind sharpens and your understanding of the world expands.” Templeton says.
As the exhibit unfolds, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the nostalgic allure of adolescence through the lens of a local artist, whose journey from high school skater to self-taught visionary is a perfect example of the limitlessness art has.
The exhibit “Wires Crossed” by Ed Templeton at Long Beach Museum of Art is a perfect activity for anyone interested in skating, art, or for someone looking to learn more about the life of skaters in the 90s. Admission is $12 and the exhibit runs from February 2 – May 5, 2024. You can buy tickets here.
