Stackhouse Robert

Robert Stackhouse, born in 1942 in Bronxville, New York, is an acclaimed American artist and sculptor whose profound work has left a significant mark on the contemporary art world. Stackhouse’s artistic journey began with a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in 1965, followed by a master’s degree in studio art from the University of Maryland, College Park. His educational foundation laid the groundwork for a career characterized by a unique blend of drawing and sculpture.

Drawing is at the heart of Stackhouse’s creative process, serving as both a tool and an end in itself. His profound assertion that “drawing is an integral part of my work” illustrates the importance he places on this medium. Stackhouse’s approach to sculpture is informed by his background in painting; he perceives his sculptures two-dimensionally, conceiving them as pictures rather than volumetric structures. This perspective allows him to intertwine his drawings and sculptures in a continuous dialogue, capturing the essence of change, growth, life, and transformation through recurring motifs like ships, serpents, and shadows.

Since commencing his professional career in 1969, Stackhouse has maintained a remarkably consistent visual vocabulary and artistic approach. His work is often described as theatrical and expressive, a testament to the impact theater had on him during his college years when he designed and built stage sets. This theatrical influence is evident in his drawings, which can be as large as 12 feet tall and are characterized by dramatic lighting and centered imagery. Stackhouse’s drawings serve dual purposes—some advance his art in expressive ways, while others, like smaller drawings and watercolors, are created for commercial sale.

Robert Stackhouse’s extensive body of work encompasses expressive and functional drawings, sculptures, and prints, many of which are housed in USF’s Contemporary Art Museum. His ability to repeatedly produce significant work, even filling a museum to capacity with a retrospective selection, highlights his formidable contribution to contemporary art. Despite his achievements, Stackhouse remains driven by curiosity and a desire to evolve. At this stage in his career, he is contemplating a return to painting, drawn by the allure of “an unanswered question.”

Stackhouse’s career is a testament to the power of an artist committed to exploring the interplay between different forms and mediums. His work continues to inspire and challenge both himself and the art community, embodying a dynamic blend of creativity, inquiry, and transformation.