Stephen Hickman Obituary

Stephen Hickman

Red Hook - Stephen Forrest Hickman, 72, of Red Hook, NY, died of natural causes at home with his beloved wife Vicki at his side. In addition to her, his survivors include his daughters, Aurora and Zara, and his brother Lance.

Artist, illustrator, sculptor and author, Hickman was best known for his work in science fiction and fantasy, with over 350 book and magazine covers to his credit. His works illustrated the stories of Robert A. Heinlein, H. P. Lovecraft, J. R. R. Tolkien, Orson Scott Card, Neil Gaiman, George R. Martin, Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton, Larry Niven's Man-Kzin Wars novels, and Steven Brust's Dragaera series. His most widely circulated effort was a series of space fantasy postage stamps done for the United States Postal Service.

Hickman was honored with a Hugo Award (1993, for Achievement in Science Fiction and Fantasy), five Chesley Awards, two gold awards from the Spectrum Anthology, and multiple Best of Shows at the World Fantasy and Science Fiction Conventions. He was equally adept at images of high action and calm reflection. He could balance deeply researched technical details with heart-breaking beauty. He had an eye for what was exquisite in a subject and worked to create worlds of wonder and grace that provided glimpses of the ethereal. Many of his most haunting paintings were scenes of life in an imaginary world he created that was also realized in his novel The Lemurian Stone.

Hickman was born in Washington, D.C., the son of John F. and Mary Lee Hickman. With his father in the foreign service, he was already a world traveler before high school, having lived in Manila, Philippines and Karachi, Pakistan. He also lived in Texas and Arizona before his family returned to the Washington area, settling in Alexandria, Virginia. Hickman's father regaled him with tales and stories to which Hickman credited him with inspiring his interest in literature and writing. Hickman's mother introduced him to painting and encouraged him to be original in all things. Both parents were supportive of his creative endeavors.

Hickman read broadly and often quoted two favorites, Mark Twain and H.L. Mencken. He was a master builder of models and boomerangs, customizing them in ways that enhanced their authenticity and aesthetic qualities. He delighted in playing guitar, especially the blues, and was devoted to the work of Robert Johnson.

Stephen touched many lives through his creativity, vision, and mentorship. His encouragement and support were the cornerstones to a variety of pursuits and career-long passions. His legacy will live on through those students, aspiring writers, artists and illustrators.

For Hickman, the highest accolade was "sublime." For him, that which was sublime reached beyond the quotidian, touching a beauty that might be. As he wove together strands of humor, humanity, intelligence, and creativity, he lived a life that must itself be termed sublime.

Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, NY.

To sign the online guest book, please visit www.Burnett-White.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Poughkeepsie Journal from Jul. 17 to Jul. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Hickman

Sponsored by Burnett & White Funeral Homes - Red Hook.

8 Entries

Rick Tucker

July 11, 2022

I am an artist and not a terribly successful one. As an artist, even as a very young one, I sought out other artists and the easiest place to look for the artists I like was to look at the work of illustrators. Bookstore and book racks were their museums. I discovered Stephen's work on book covers. the earliest work was an image of bug-like invaders and a cover on the anthology Weird Heroes. From there I was hooked. His Lord of the Ring prints, his Steven Brust Jehreg covers, magazine covers, fandom magazine illustrations ...suffice it to say, the man was prolific, distinctive and always designed and executed artworks to keep me looking. I also have the two books collecting his art. In the age of social media he interacted with us, the people who loved his work. After missing two opportunities to acquire two statues he created I finally got the opportunity to participate in his revised Cthulhu statue. I had no idea how ill he was but I always noticed in his photos and how thin he looked, and suspected something was off with his health. He otherwise hid it well. After finally getting in touch with him it was only a couple of years later that he dropped off of social media. Having that statue on my shelf shelf is an odd testimony to his lasting legacy, but horrible as the creature looks, it's easy to see the love put into creating such a creature. The thing of beauty, the tree planted in his memory is the most fitting epitaph for this fine artist and wonderful human being with such a driven spirit and the skill to create worlds to escape into, or to flee from them. He is missed and will always haunt me in a good way.

Walter von Schonfeld

November 25, 2021

I'm deeply sadden to learn of Stephen's passing. I've been a fan of his wonderous art for decades. RIP

Rich Harr

July 20, 2021

I had the great privilege to have known Steve for many years along with his beautiful and wonderful wife, Vicki.
These were two people who truly made up 1 individual. Steve was a talented guitarist and a truly phenomenal artist.
I am relieved that Steve is no longer uncomfortable. To Vicki, my sister...no one can ease the grief...but I promise you that your days will eventually begin to brighten and happy thoughts will start to follow. All my love always.

Ron and Judith Miller

July 20, 2021

We knew Steve for more than forty years. He was a welcome guest in our home many, many times and when we couldn't visit we had long conversions by phone. He was not only an extraordinary artist---we are fortunate to have some of his work hanging on our walls---he was a good friend and a good human being, which is probably the best that can be said about anyone. His loss to us---and to the art community and to the world at large---is a terrible one. His family has all of our love, sympathy and support.

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Rick Tucker

Planted Trees

Becca Kent

July 18, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. I could mention his art, the love and brags with pride of what Zara has been up to, his knowledge of great places in the world, and the fun factoids he had at the ready about anything, but I declare what stands out on the Personal Steve, was he definitely was a skilled linguist and he enjoyed a good bout of "punny" bantering, and with this we all had many a good laughs (& some groans...)
You are forever loved, and the world is a better place because you shared your world and your stories with us.

Camille M Norvell

Planted Trees

Darrell Midgette

July 17, 2021

I am deeply sorry for the pain of your loss. No one else can tell you what kind of person Stephen was, because you each already know, better than anyone else. For my part, I was both honored and privileged to have known Stephen, and will always remember the brief but full visits we had over the years. I wish the world had him a while longer, but will simply treasure and appreciate the time it had. I wish you great joy in his memory and the lessening of sorrow as tomorrows become yesterdays.

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