Philosophy & materials
Aaron Laux is a sculptor whose work explores the relationship between human experience and the living world through material, process, and deep time. Working primarily with wood, stone, glass, and found natural elements, his practice is rooted in direct engagement with the land and the physical act of making.
Formative years
After studying at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Laux apprenticed with artist Steven Spiro, spending nearly a decade refining his woodworking and sculptural techniques. This formative experience established the technical foundation and material sensitivity that continue to define his work. In his twenties and early thirties, Laux lived off grid in a self-built yurt, immersing himself in ancestral knowledge and survival arts. He developed a deep connection to stone tool and fire making, experiences that continue to inform his work and shape his understanding of art as something embedded within the rhythms and systems of the natural world.
Process & influence
Laux draws inspiration from flowing water, shifting geology, plant growth, and erosion. Through carving, layering, and assembling materials, he creates works that feel both ancient and immediate. Rather than representing nature, his work exists in conversation with it, reflecting the interconnected systems that shape the environment and human life. His curiosity about how different cultures relate to the natural world has also shaped his practice. Travel, including a year living in South India, expanded his perspective on material, community, and the role of art in daily life.
Scope of practice
Laux’s work spans sculptural installations, public art, architectural commissions, and community based projects. He has created large scale commissions for healthcare and corporate environments, as well as public art projects addressing environmental themes. He is particularly interested in bringing art into settings where people may not expect or seek it, creating spaces that invite reflection, grounding, and connection.
