Enduring Sculpture in Bronze & Stone
Internationally-renown for sculptures that capture the subtle nuances of his subjects, Mike Leckie creates timeless pieces to enjoy for a lifetime. Remaining true to his love of the old masters, Mike creates quiet sculptures that gently capture the heart.
One of Mike’s greatest honors is hearing about the long-term appreciation of his work, an appreciation that grows over time as people live with the work.
Mine are not loud ‘look at me’ pieces. The moment you set your sculpture in its new home, it should look as if it has always belonged there. As you pass it – day after day – you find it filling a place in your heart – just as an good friend should.
The artist shapes bronze and hard stone into positions so natural they appear as a fluid moment of facial expression and body language. From the reticence of a shy maiden with downcast eyes and skewed shoulders to the soft smile of a young girl immersed in the world created by her book — each express shades of rich complexity and compassion for the model.
Mike’s art can be found in private homes and public spaces honoring private citizens, international heroes, Olympians and hall of fame sports icons. Talk to Mike about creating an enduring, iconic portrait of your own hero. He will work with you to find the right scale and best materials.
A Lifelong Passion
Leckie’s sculpture has been acquired by private collectors, major corporations and prestigious foundations.
“Marble is alive and it’s a joy to work with; it almost asks – what would you like me to become?”
For more than 30 years, Mike has been a professional sculptor in both bronze and stone. His first figures and portrait sculptures were at the age of ten, carving from softer materials such as cork and balsa wood.
Stones carry with them a unique energy. When I get a concept of the figure, I have to hold myself back. A single ill-placed tap or pressure can ruin the entire piece. Stone is not a forgiving medium, but when you understand it, it comes alive.
Important Pieces in Bronze and Marble
“The First Ladies of Diversity” – Bronze portraits of Mary McLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt. This desktop bronze depicts the beloved American civil rights activist Mary Bethune and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Mike has also produced the design for a national monument featuring these two friends.
“Mother” Bethune was known for her commitment to education and founded Bethune-Cookman University. She worked to better the lives of African-Americans and immigrants. This award was commissioned by the the Mary McLeod Bethune Humanitarian Network.
“The Reading Girl” – Monument in marble, commissioned by the Public Library in Albany, Oregon. She sits at the entrance to the library, where she delights patrons. Mike said at the dedication, “This piece is about educating women, you start by educating girls.”
The Library Commission says it chose The Reading Girl for a number of reasons, including her human-like qualities and the emotional connection she makes with anyone viewing her. Patrons leave Valentine’s gifts and flowers for The Reading Girl year-round.
“The Sidney” – Bronze portrait, commissioned as the award to honor “Excellence in Advertising” by the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America. New York Philanthropist, known for his support of education, Sidney Frank, of the Sidney Frank Importing Co., brought Jagermeister Whiskey and Grey Goose Vodka to the USA.
An Oregon Sculptor
Mike has shown in galleries all over the world. He works and lives outside Eugene, Oregon on property he’s owned for almost 40 years in a house and studio he built himself. When not sculpting, he spends time in the beautiful outdoors with his dog, Lilly and his small herd of cows.
Impressions of a Mike Leckie exhibition:
As one enters the gallery, the eyes go directly to the brightly lit figure of a young woman, with her hair and dress kissed lightly by a soft afternoon breeze.
Next to her, another young woman perched momentarily, with her leg extended, as she pauses to tie back her hair with a slight filigree of ribbon.
These bronzes at first glace, reflect a classic sculpture background, but surprise with an edge so obviously modern, at close examination.
The first piece is the goddess, Nike. She bends slightly , taking a second to tie her sandal strap, while glancing back over her shoulder, to see how close the boys are she is racing. In her face one can see the self determination enhanced with anxiousness at the delay.
Further back in the gallery where Nike has paused in her race, one finds the fragmented pieces Leckie refers to as his survivor series. Again the mature mastery of classic sculpture is apparent, but these bronzes have parts missing from the torso, arms legs and heads. Leckie shows them erect and strong in their ability to survive all that life throws at them and still continue to meet each day with a fearless dignity and reliance.
Unlike so many contemporary figurative sculptures, that seem commercial and rehearsed, Leckie’s figures are caught in just a brief instant of time. This is the difference between dry perfection and gifted inspiration.