Magnus Engström

The Stone Man

Magnus got his stage name, Stenmannen, from Burgsvik market on Gotland, where he has stood every Saturday in July for about fifteen years. His sculpture lottery is a popular tradition. Guess the weight of my stone sculpture! The one who guesses closest gets to carry the work home.

Limestone from Gotland, with its many millions of years of history, is his favorite. In this eternal material, which carries memories of the earth's primeval times, he creates expressionist works with people and animals at the center. His inspiration comes from friends, acquaintances and all kinds of mythological creatures. The results range from sculptures to ornaments, portraits, tombstones and garden figures. Clients include private individuals and galleries as well as public institutions.

Wood is also a material that Magnus likes to draw inspiration from. His works vary in size from portrait busts to totem poles and the magnificent wooden portal that forms the entrance to Lill-Skansen in Stockholm. He has also created theater props and a life-size Madonna sculpture that is now in New Orleans. The Madonna sculpture was commissioned by a Catholic parish and blessed by former Pope John Paul II.