BIOGRAPHY

Stewart Luckman, Professor of Sculpture Emeritus at Bethel University is a sculptor, conceptual artist and former co-director of the San Juan Islands Museum of Art and Sculpture Park in Friday Harbor, Washington. He has outdoor public and private steel and stone commissions scattered throughout the Midwest and East on university and college campuses and various government and corporate buildings. 

Luckman has exhibited his work extensively for over 30 years and has received a number of awards and commissions, including the Jerome Foundation, Sculpture Space in New York, and the Minnesota State Arts Board. 

An outstanding collection of major stainless steel outdoor sculpture has been placed in cities across the Midwest.  In Western Michigan national recognition has been given to such pieces as Alexander Calder’s 'LaGrande Vitesse', Jud Nelson’s 'Man in Space' and Stu Luckman’s 'BallyViktor' and more recently 'Starr Wyndere.'

Another major work, Rokker V graces the University of Minnesota’s campus in downtown Minneapolis.  Luckman taught sculpture for forty years in the Midwest notably the University of Minnesota, Hamline University, Macalester College, the University of Wisconsin, Bethel University, and in the Graduate Program at the University of Iowa.

After a year’s sabbatical in Italy Stewart began a body of work in stone and marble in his studios on San Juan Island and in Edgewood, Washington.  His earlier large geometric and abstract work continues to emerge, in his stone carvings. His journey, shared through visiting artist programs at West Coast Universities allows him to continue mentoring emerging artists.

Luckman has turned to carving marble and his work has embraced this ancient and timeless sculptural material, while still seeking to address contemporary issues through the work.  As Luckman has stated, “Every day when I go into my studio I am reminded of the challenges I face in living and making, of peeling and bruising, of carving and polishing.  The stones in my studio become an invitation to my eyes and hands and after working, to the eyes and hands of others, through the metaphor of marble.”

Luckman’s work is included in private and public collections nationally and internationally.