Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1922, Herb Goldman began training at the age of twelve as apprentice-assistant to Samuel A. Cashwan, Detroit Sculptor. Mr. Cashwan taught at the University of Michigan and was head of the State of Michigan sculpture division for the WPA of the Federal Arts Project. At this time Goldman was too young to become a member of the group, however, he had the opportunity to learn techniques for executing large works of sculpture in various materials from European trained master carvers and casters. These include: modeling for terra-cotta, plaster concrete, terrazzo, numerous mold-making methods and finishing techniques, various methods for carving wood and stone, and enlarging methodology. Goldman studied with Mr. Cashwan for seven years while attending The Detroit Institute of Art and a professional school, The Society of Arts and Crafts.
In 1940 Goldman graduated from Cass Technical High School having taken a combined art and college preparatory curriculum in design, painting, drawing, printmaking and art history. From 1940-1942 Goldman worked in New York City for a mold and model making shop where he gained technical experience in plaster turning and casting, wax casting and modeling, bronze chasing, grinding, polishing, and mold finishing along with construction of complex piece molds.
During this time he continued his studies at the Beaux Arts Institute of New York. After returning to Detroit and attending Wayne University for one term Goldman joined the armed services.
Goldman served in the Navy during WWII, assigned to the battleship South Dakota. During his enlistment he was decorated with the Air Medal, numerous battle stars and citations. After the war Goldman moved to Albuquerque and entered the University of New Mexico, from which he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in sculpture and drawing in 1949.
Goldman was granted a teaching assistantship upon completion of his undergraduate studies. While taking graduate course work he taught classes in sculpture, ceramics, welding, drawing, and design at the university and privately.
During his career Goldman has created over 100 commissioned works of art, each requiring his open approach to style, form, and materials. Goldman passed away on September 22, 2012. He lived and worked twenty years in Albuquerque, NM, twelve years in Los Angeles and thirty-five years in the Dallas area. His work can be seen in New Mexico, Michigan, Texas, California, Kentucky, Arizona, Colorado and Africa.
Goldman did not limit himself to working with one material or medium. He demonstrated extraordinary versatility in creating unique and timeless sculpture. While each piece and project he has created is unique his fingerprint is always present.