Echo Park Muse Leo Politi Remembered

Artist and author Leo Politi loved Los Angeles. That love shows through his work.

A resident of Angeleno Heights for decades, Politi was famed for his children’s books, murals and other works of art.

His life and work was celebrated and discussed at the Studio for Southern California History on June 18 with the panel “Remembering Leo Politi.”

Family Members at Panel

The panel included moderator Max Benavidez and panelists Ellen Daigle, Ann Stalcup, Frank Yan and Fabricio Esparande. Members of the audience included Politi’s daughter, Suzanne; Mary Yan Joe, the inspiration for the book Moy Moy; and former Castelar School principcal Bill Chun-Hoon.

“It’s an honor to be here,” said Benavidez, adding that “this panel itself is historic.”

A Local Genius and Eccentric

Benavidez hailed Politi as “a genius, a visionary.”

Politi’s work celebrated children of different ethnic groups who were seldom portrayed in popular culture.

He also cherished Los Angeles history and sought to preserve what he could. His book for adults, Bunker Hill Los Angeles, was a history of the neighborhood that was quickly fading. His children’s book The Poinsettia chronicled the various festivals of Los Angeles.

The panelists commented on Politi’s work, aided by numerous printouts of book covers. They also shared remembrances of the man himself.

Locals Remember Politi

Frank Yan was a child in Chinatown who would see Politi sketching as he sat outside the Castelar School. “I would pester him,” Yan recalled, showing off a photo of him lounging across Politi’s back as he worked. The only way to appease the boy was with “horsey rides,” which Politi provided.

Family friend Ellen Daigle recalled Politi as “the most eccentric” yet “the most radiant” person she’d ever met.

Ann Stalcup, who has authored a children’s book about Leo Politi, first met him as he worked on Olvera Street. After seeing photos of his mural The Blessing of the Animals, she said, “I just had to meet him.”

Bill Chun Hoon was asked to share his remembrances as well. He recalled that Politi was “sketching all the time” and that he “loved children.” The subjects of his work were multicultural and included children, animals and nature. “His heart was with people,” Chun Hoon said.

A Revival of Interest in Politi

Benavidez concluded the panel by saying he hoped there would be “a revival of interest” in Politi and his work, which celebrate the people and history of Los Angeles.