Bicycle Man with Wine

Jim Lewk was born in Troyes, France, in 1940 and raised in New York. His interest in art began early, and after moving to Miami he studied at the University of Miami, Florida State University, and in several European countries. By 1970, Lewk was working full time as a metal sculptor, building a career around a style that remained intentionally individual rather than closely tied to prevailing art movements.

Lewk is best known for hand-made copper sculptures with welded construction, patinated and polychrome finishes, and a strong sense of personality. Many pieces incorporate hand-blown glass, while others are mounted on fossil coral from Key Largo, creating a contrast between bright, playful forms and ancient natural material. His figures often suggest musicians, athletes, professionals, and everyday characters, with elongated proportions and lively poses that give the work a humorous, animated quality.

Over the course of his career, Lewk has received more than 300 awards from juried art shows and has exhibited in more than 100 galleries and museums. His work has also been featured in publications including Holiday Magazine, Interior Design, Directions, and Southern Living. Despite that long exhibition history, Lewk has continued to describe himself as something of an outsider, favoring a personal visual language over trends and producing sculpture that is immediately recognizable for its craftsmanship, wit, and distinctive use of metal and glass.