Gummer rose to fame in 1973 with his solo exhibition. He became popular around the world for his mastery in his art and was widely acclaimed for designing jaw-dropping and eye-catching sculptures. This was followed by his work being featured at around twenty-four solo exhibitions at several galleries and museums across Midwest and East coast US. Many of his works have been commissioned by the government. Amongst all his works, the most famous have been 'Primary Compass' designed in 2000. It is a permanent outdoor sculpture which stands at Butler Institute of American Art. In Youngstown, Ohio. He was also applauded for a fountain that was designed by him in Historic New Harmony, Indiana. His remarkable work of 'Southern Circle' received huge acclamation and was commissioned by Indianapolis in the year 2004. It was actually a 7.6 metres tall sculpture that weighs around 20,000 lbs. His commissioned works also consists of 'Primary Separation' which was permanently installed at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in 2006. His other notable works include 'The Equitable' at New York, 'House of Music' in Kitskyushu, Japan, 'Louisiana Museum' in Denmark, etc. Until now, Gummer has had 28 solo exhibitions. His work was restricted to wall-mounted and table-top sculptures. However, by 1990s, he got into free-standing sculptures. According to critic Irving Sandler, Gummer's style of art is contemporary and rooted in constructivism.

Gummer was married to Peggy Lucas in early twenties. However, the couple divorced in a few years and Lucas moved to Atlanta. The sculptor then remarried shortly after. His wife Meryl Streep is a widely popular and beautiful actress in 1978. They gave birth to four children- Grace and Mamie are actresses while Henry and Louisa are musician and model respectively. The two have donated a lot of money for arts organization across globe. Some of them include, Opus School in Harlem, Vassar College etc.

Gummer's outstanding work and talent have brought three awards in the field of arts. He has been awarded till date by American Academy in Rome, Visiting Artist, Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Grant and National Endowment of the Arts. His wall mounted and table-top works makes his net worth of $10 million.