Michael Binkley

Michael Binkley wants to reconnect individuals to their primal instinct of touch. The sensory experience of touch is quickly de-programmed in most of us during childhood. ʻDonʼt touchʼ is a phrase often spoken to a child during formative years, and we learn that it is almost taboo to touch objects. This imposed societal constraint pushes our desire to touch to a deep place within us and sculpture is one means to resurface that instinct.

When carving sculptures, Binkley tries to pay as much attention to the finishing of the piece as he does to the design - different textures are integral to the piece itself, as it supports his desire to have people touch his work as part of their interaction with a particular piece. In our contemporary world of ʻconceptual artʼ as popular art form, Binkley believes there is a missing piece that dismisses line and form, positive and negative space and composition of a discrete sculpture, which he feels is truly valuable in aiding an individualʼs interaction with art through touch. 

Binkley gives thanks for two main blessings on his artistic path. He was fortunate to have experienced his epiphany at an early age, which has allowed him to pursue his passion for sculpture as both a young and middle aged man. And he has the foundation of an international group of collectors that have allowed him to remain self-represented and he is eternally grateful to the support and patronage of this group. It said that it takes a village to raise a child, and Binkley believes it takes a community to raise an artist. 

Based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Michael Binkley has been a professional artist for over 40 years and maintains his gallery and studio in Squamish, BC, Canada. Binkley works in a wide range of stone, scale and idiom, though his favourite subject for his compositions is the human nude.

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 di Belle Arti, which struck a chord deep inside him. He discovered he was able to see finished sculptures hidden in the stone 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. 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.

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.

Binkley has worked internationally to create sculptures in the USA, Italy, China and Spain. Binkley is passionate about his work, and is interested in sharing it with patrons. He is very approachable, and welcomes your inquiries.