Jonathan Stemler is a local artist who was born and raised outside of Philadelphia. He grew up on a farm which has been foundational and inspirational in his artistic endeavors. Currently he resides in Green Lane, Pennsylvania with his wife Kimberly and their three sons Asa, Avi, and Mihaly.
He attended Antonelli School of Art and Tyler School of Art but left both before graduating because they were interfering with his artwork. While he calls himself a painter at heart, everyone knows him as a sculptor because he cannot stop. He cannot stop collecting, welding, balancing, sculpting. His materials of choice are metal, rock, wood, and quite recently paper. Throughout his art career he has slowly but steadily developed a visual language through his pieces—one of universal truths.
Much of his work is kinetic; it is playful, significant, and beautiful. It is to be accessible intellectually and artistically to all audiences. Both jon and his work are absent of loftiness, condescension, and pretense. Instead, one finds both the artist and his work to be humble, simple, and powerful.
His machining business lends himself to other artists, he is known for supporting others by fabricating and installing pieces. He has also designed and created “machines” to assist artists in their process. As much of his current work is large exterior pieces, his present goal is to return to his studio to create smaller and more intimate pieces.
He most recently showed at the Michener Museum where he and his brother collaborated on 5 large outdoor kinetic sculptures. Public collections include an installation at Eastern State Penitentiary since 2003.
Kimberly & Jonathan Stemler Interview, Studio B, Boyertown, PA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1PCIdenib4&t=33s
