Ed Templeton

A Life in Motion and Art

Ed Templeton is an American professional skateboarder, contemporary artist, and photographer. Born in Garden Grove, Orange County, California, USA, he grew up in various locations across Southern California before settling in Huntington Beach. His journey into skateboarding began in 1985 in Huntington Beach, inspired by the sight of a skater performing an ollie over a curb. This fascination led him to become a professional skateboarder, eventually signing with New Deal Skateboards in 1990. He later founded the skateboard company Toy Machine in 1994, a brand for which he creates all the artwork. In 2016, he was inducted into the Skateboard Hall of Fame.

Beyond the board, Templeton has established a reputation as a painter, graphic designer, and photographer. His photographic work has been recognized in various capacities, including winning the Italian Search For Art competition for his book Teenage Smokers. His artistic practice often explores themes related to human existence and the suburban outskirts of Orange County, California. He is also a co-editor of the arts magazine ANP Quarterly.

Artistic and Photographic Works

Templeton's visual output spans multiple mediums, including photography, painting, and graphic design, areas in which he has gained a reputation without formal training. He is a prolific photographer, often preferring film as his primary medium, and he also serves as a co-editor of the arts magazine ANP Quarterly. His photographic projects and artistic explorations have been published in several books, such as:

Questions & Answers

Where are Ed Templeton's artworks mapped by subject?

The Subject Atlas page maps Ed Templeton's artworks by subject.

How do I find works by Ed Templeton in a specific palette?

To find works by Ed Templeton in a specific palette, use the artist's By Palettes page.

In which historical period did Ed Templeton work?

Ed Templeton worked in the Contemporary period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

Can I browse Ed Templeton's works by medium?

Ed Templeton's works can be browsed by medium on the artist's All Medium page.

Test your eye

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which year did Ed Templeton sign with New Deal Skateboards?
Question 2:
What is the name of the skateboard company founded by Ed Templeton in 1994?
Question 3:
Which city is Ed Templeton based in?
Question 4:
Which photographic book by Ed Templeton won the Italian Search For Art competition in 2000?
Question 5:
Ed Templeton was inducted into which Hall of Fame in 2016?