Artist David Lee Edwards

"In the public arts I never forget that the composition is indeed for the public and that all themes represented must serve well the landscape in which they reside." D. L. Edwards

Edwards graduated from Shady Side Academy and earned a BA from Allegheny College. Edwards is a professional stone sculptor, woodcarver, painter and metalworker with over 20 years of experience in building design and is the founder of the inclusivist method. Inclusivist art is defined by compositions that include diverse techniques and styles and stresses the importance of the context in which the work is displayed. Inclusivism follows the tradition of those renaissance artists who where sculptors, painters, designers and draftsmen all in one. Knowledge and techniques gained from experience in various disciplines are included to form a holistic and flexible approach to transformative works.

Edwards currently serves on the advisory committee for the Arts and Technology Initiative of the Pittsburgh Technology Council.

With an extremely diverse collection of paintings and sculptures in notable corporate and private collection Edwards is best known for his public works. These include nationally exhibited life size outdoor chess pieces, public murals and giant art installations. In 2006 Edwards's three story tall inflatable Elephant "Pittsburgh's Painted Pachyderm" was sponsored by PNC Bank and was subsequently purchased by the Carnegie Institute. In 2007 Edwards was commissioned by the Urban Redevelopment Authority and The Northside Leadership Conference to design and paint a 2,300 sq. ft. mural celebrating the national historic district of Deutschtown on Pittsburgh's Northside. The artist's award winning creations have been exhibited at such notable venues as The Carnegie Museum of Art, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, PPG Plaza, Point State Park and The Pittsburgh Zoo. His art has been featured on TV and radio and in numerous newspaper, magazine and art publications.

Edwards actively promotes art education participating in various Pennsylvania Art Educators Conferences providing examples of interactive art projects for students and educators. Edwards accepts public and private commissions and teaches painting and sculpture workshops throughout Allegheny County. Contact the artist