stained glass series
paul edmonds
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my “stained glass” series is all about exploring the beauty and tranquility of nature. i’ve always been fascinated by the way light filters through stained glass, creating a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns. it’s like a window to another world.
when i started this series, i was going through a pretty tough time. i had just been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (mds) which progressed to acute myeloid leukemia (aml). i wanted to create something that would help me cope with my emotions and find some peace. it was a bit of a struggle to get started, as my energy levels were low; however, as i continued to paint, i found the process was not only therapeutic but also meditative. i would get lost in the colours and patterns, which would help me forget about my worries for a little while. it was like a form of escapism. through this series which i started in 2018, then picked back up in 2023, i learned that even in the darkest of times, there is always beauty to be found. that is what i want my paintings to convey, the idea that no matter what life throws our way, we can always find peace and tranquility in the beauty of nature. it has been, and continues to be a journey of self discovery and healing. 
stained glass no. 2
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stained glass no. 6
stained glass no. 2
stained glass no. 4
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stained glass no. 1
stained glass no. 5
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about the artist
paul edmonds is a self-taught artist who has been painting since the 1980s. diagnosed in 1988, he has lived with hiv/aids for more than 30 years and witnessed the beginning of the epidemic in the early 80s and how it plagued his community. diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2018, he continued to hone his craft. in 2019, he received a bone marrow transplant from a donor with ccr5 delta 32 mutation, which has now cured him of both hiv and leukemia.
born in a small town in georgia, edmonds developed a passion for art at a young age, but it wasn’t until the 80s after serious health issues, that he began to paint. his artistic style is characterized by its bold colors and abstract forms, which he uses to convey a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
born in a small town in georgia, edmonds developed a passion for art at a young age, but it wasn’t until the 80s after serious health issues, that he began to paint. his artistic style is characterized by its bold colors and abstract forms, which he uses to convey a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
despite his health challenges, edmonds has continued to create art throughout his journey, using his creativity as a source of strength and inspiration. in 2018 he created a painting he called “stained glass”, which would lead to the creation of a series of vibrant, “stained glass-inspired” works. he also likes to create collages and paints old pieces of furniture using very bold colours and designs.
edmonds’ art has been shown in numerous exhibitions at galleries, stores, offices, restaurants/bars and special events. his latest exhibition is at gladstone institutes in san francisco--an independent, nonprofit life science research organization affiliated with the university of california at san francisco; for their live streamed world aids day 2023 event supporting hiv cure research.
edmonds’ art has been shown in numerous exhibitions at galleries, stores, offices, restaurants/bars and special events. his latest exhibition is at gladstone institutes in san francisco--an independent, nonprofit life science research organization affiliated with the university of california at san francisco; for their live streamed world aids day 2023 event supporting hiv cure research.
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through his art, edmonds aims to inspire and uplift others and as his story raises awareness for hiv cure research, he remains dedicated to create art that is both personal and universal in appeal.
edmonds serves on the community advisory board for rid-hiv, one of ten martin delaney collaboratories funded by the national institutes of health in washington, dc, focused on hiv cure research. he has also spoken at the hope collaboratory’s annual meeting in san francisco and the hawaii to zero initiative in honolulu along with adam castillejo, the london patient, and marc franc, the düsseldorf patient. most recently, edmonds spoke to an hiv class at the university of california at san diego, inspiring future hiv scientists, researchers, doctors and activists. he has been invited to participate in aids 2024, the 25th international aids conference in munich, germany in july. edmonds has been with his husband, arnie house, for over 32 years. they live in the palm springs california area with their cat, missy. whether you are looking for a burst of color to brighten up your space or simply want to experience the joy that art can bring, he believes that art has the power to inspire, heal and bring people together. edmonds’ story is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in the face of adversity. his art serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and beauty to be found.
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paul edmonds (left) with husband, arnie house (right).
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