Biography and C.V.

Selected Collections | Public Art Works | Past Exhibitions |Representation

Michael Binkley is one of Canada's most successful self represented artists. Born in 1960, he is primarily a self taught sculptor. His artistic talent was evident at an early age and through perserverance and dedication, he is now one of Canada's leading stone sculptors.

Binkley maintains his studio gallery and sculpture garden, Binkley Sculpture Studios, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with his wife Michelle.

Binkley's initial inspiration to turn to stone sculpture occurred in 1980 while he was in Florence, Italy. He encountered Michelangelo's four unfinished "Captives" at the Accademia, which struck a chord deep inside him. He discovered he was able to see the finished sculptures hidden in the marble and from that moment, a transformation began which has shaped the soul of an Artist.

Since his experience with the "Captives," Binkley's desire to create has been continuous and prolific. His passion is for the human form, and this can be seen in a wide range of gorgeous sculptures ranging from stylized to representational in the Figurative Gallery. He also creates images of Wildlife and pure Abstract forms. Inspiration for his sculptures comes from his life experiences and observations and it is a rare moment when his sensors are turned off.

The sensory joy one experiences from feeling a polished stone is something no other material can provide. There is an ancient, primal link between Man and stone, and few viewers can resist the urge to run their hand over Binkley's sculptures. Sculpture occupies space in our world and allows for a deeper connection through the sense of touch. This is a feature that two-dimensional art cannot satisfy.

Binkley strives to create sculpture which will seduce the viewer's eye, stir the soul, and entice the viewer to touch. He carves as much of the details of a particular subject as he can, without sacrificing the flowing, graceful lines which typify his style. He is a widely collected artist with a diverse and versatile sculpting talent. His work over the years has proved to have a universal appeal.

His work can be found in private, corporate and public collections on every continent and he has over 40 exhibitions to his credit. Most recently, Binkley has been working with exclusive, six-star cruise ship lines. He is the first stone sculptor to have a solo exhibition aboard a cruise ship and the first stone sculptor to give carving lessons aboard a cruise ship. He is the only Canadian artist in the permanent international art collection aboard the Queen Mary 2, the world's largest ocean liner and in the spring of 2005, was the first stone sculptor to lead an art tour aboard the Crystal "Symphony". In April 2006, Binkley traveled to Pietrasanta, Italy and worked at renowned Studio SEM for the month, beginning work on four major commissions in Carrara marble for North American patrons.

He is passionate about his work, and is interested in sharing it with patrons. He is very approachable, and welcomes your inquiries. If you are interested in any of the sculptures you see on this site, or wish to discuss the creation of a specific piece, please Contact Us.

Work/Lecture Experience:

Professional Sculptor since 1980. "Sculptures at Sea" art tour aboard Crystal Cruise Line's "Symphony", May, 2005. Stone carving workshop aboard Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, April 2004. World's first solo stone sculpture exhibition aboard a criuse Ship, "Sculptures at Sea" aboard Radisson Seven Seas Navigator, August 2002 West Coast Stone Sculpture Assoc.: Member since 1999, President, 2003-06. Instructor, Vancouver Island Sculpture Symposia, September, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006. Cityscape Artspace: jury member for exhibition season, 2002, 2003. North Vancouver Community Arts Council: Board of Directors, 1996 - 2001. Council President, 1997 - 2001. Northwest Stone Sculptors Assoc.: Member since 1992. Instructor, International Sculpture Symposia, July, 1994,1996,1997, 1998, 2004. North Vancouver Public Art Steering Committee: 2001-2002 Harmony Arts Festival: stone sculpting demonstration, August, 1995, 1996, 1998. Ferry Building Gallery: jury member for exhibition season, 1996.

Education:

Capilano College (1980, 1981) North Vancouver, BC. 19th & 20th C. Art History. Renaissance & Mannerist Art History. University of British Columbia (1979, 1980) Vancouver, BC. Art History