Michael Eckerman

Michael Eckerman is a renowned stonemason and artist based in Santa Cruz, California. He has been developing his unique style of stonework since the 1970s, spanning a career of over 40 years.12

Artistic Style and Approach

Michael's work is characterized by its flowing, organic forms that deviate from traditional stonework designs. His style is heavily influenced by natural phenomena such as:

• Tectonic upheavals
• Lava flows
• Wind and water movements

This approach results in stonework that appears fluid and harmonious, often mimicking the movement of water or other natural forms.2

Creative Process

Michael's creative process is notably intuitive. He rarely uses detailed plans or drawings, instead allowing the stone to suggest its form. He often works with locally sourced materials, adapting his techniques to different types of stone, from granite in the Sierra to lava rock in Hawaii.23

Notable Works

Some of Michael Eckerman's notable projects include:

• The "Safebreak Wave Wall" in the Santa Cruz Mountains
• "Convertibles," a public art project for the city of Menlo Park, California
• Various fireplaces and chimney stacks
• A series of stone dog sculptures
• Numerous installations for surfing enthusiasts23

Family and Collaboration

Creativity runs in the Eckerman family. Michael's wife Karen is an arborist, while his sons have also pursued artistic paths:

• Wes Eckerman explores photography
• Ea Eckerman creates graphic art and sculpture13

Together, Michael, Ea, and Michael's daughter Rosie form Eckerman Studios, a multi-media art collective.1

Background and Influence

While Michael didn't undergo a traditional apprenticeship, he gained valuable knowledge about structural integrity and stonework principles through collaboration with Ken Kern, an influential builder from the 1960s and 1970s. One of his earliest building projects was a cabin he constructed with a friend in Quebec in 1969.3

Michael Eckerman's work has gained recognition in various circles, including the surfing community, and has been featured in publications such as The Surfer's Journal.23