Eric with “Spirit Rising” sculpture at RCC 9/11 Memorial Garden,

For over a century, our region has been home to extraordinary artists. Local Arts Index highlights the work of individuals who continue our community’s rich creative legacy.

How Did You Become an Artist?

I have enjoyed drawing and making things since I was a small child.  I always spent hours and hours creating elaborate projects for school assignments and intricate costumes for Halloween (the Hallowwen obsession continues to this day!). Starting at the age of  9, I took clay sculpture and ceramics classes at The Rockland Center for the Arts.

“Self-Portrait,” Detail, Steel, Found Objects and Photos on Transparency Film

In college, I graduated with a BS in Chemistry, but I had a strong interest in studio art and decided to take figure drawing and clay figure modeling. In my junior year at Tufts University, I enrolled in a stone carving class at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. That evening class changed my life.

I followed that up with an intensive summer workshop in Vermont with the same teacher and when I came home I made the decision to pursue a career as a sculptor and to enroll full time at the Museum School.

What Kind of Art Do You Make?

“Munich 11 Memorial” at JCC Rockland, West Nyack, NY, Corten Steel and Stainless Steel

I create both abstract and figurative sculptures in a variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, bronze, marble and granite. In some of my artwork, I enjoy incorporating found objects and I am working on a series of photographs that are framed using found metal parts. I also create functional art including custom furniture, railings, mirrors and storefront signage.

Recently, I have been commissioned to create public sculptures in numerous locations in Rockland County including a sculpture for the  9/11 Memorial Garden at Rockland Community College and the Munich 11 Memorial for the Jewish Community Campus in West Nyack.

What’s Your Muse?

I am inspired by many things.  The materials themselves….marble, steel and found rusty objects speak to me and the more I work with them the more the properties of the materials themselves become a source of inspiration.

“Plow” Torso Detail, Forged Steel, Stone and Found Objects

I also am very compelled by ancient classical art, African tribal sculpture and primitive art.

When I work with clients to create functional pieces, I enjoy the process of collaborating to help designers, architects or residential clients realize works that will be lived with and utilized on a daily basis.

What’s Next?

I am currently working on some interesting custom steel coffee tables and an art deco inspired vanity base.

In terms of my more personal art I am beginning some new mixed media sculptures combining marble and steel as a well as a series of wall mounted sculptures that combine a variety of materials and found objects.

A number of Eric David Laxman’s works will be on display at the Outside In as part of Piermont’s first annual art festival, Saturday, June 22, from 11a – 7p.

To see more, visit Ericdavidlaxman.com

Laxman portrait photo credit: Collette Fournier

Local Arts Index is sponsored by Maria Luisa, 77 South Broadway and ML Gifts & Accessories, 75 South Broadway, Nyack, NY