Meet Michael Okhaen | Sculptor & Public Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Okhaen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Nature has always had a prominent place in my life, and I nurtured a deep appreciation for all living things since my youngest age. I dedicated years to a scientific education, yet I found it challenging to convey my profound passion through traditional academic means. This realization prompted a shift towards my creative inclinations.
With visual arts, I discovered the most useful way to channel my sentiments, emotions, and ideas. Choosing to become a sculptor allowed me to engage with natural materials on an intimate level, transforming my reverence for nature into tangible, three-dimensional expressions that I could share with others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To me, real art is public art. It’s both one of the top challenging realm of creation and the most purposeful. And this is why I chose to quit my promising scientific studies more than 20 years ago to become a professional artist.

My approach to sculpture and public art is highly specific. This means that each artwork I create is tailor-made for a distinct installation site, a particular community project, or unique individuals. While I draw inspiration from the dynamic interaction between people and nature, my true joy lies in initiating conversations and evoking real, genuine reactions. This often happens with sculptures positioned in outdoor settings such as public parks, walkways, or private gardens, because this is where people live – not in a gallery or a museum.

My artistic journey began with the creation of large-scale wilderness installations as a means of protesting ocean pollution in the early 2000s. Subsequently, I actively engaged in sculpture symposiums and participated in artist residencies across Europe before my move to the US in 2014. Every sculpture I crafted during these years was intricately shaped by the geographic, historical, cultural, and environmental context of the commission. I took immense pride in collaborating with local officials, public workers, and community representatives to bring to life large-scale art projects that have since become cherished landmarks.

My sculptures predominantly feature responsibly sourced wood, often paired with materials like metal, resin, or concrete. This combination enhances their aesthetic appeal, structural durability and lifespan. I’ve developed a strong affinity for the diverse tree species growing in South Florida. The trimming and storm-related activities often supply me with the materials I need. My studio’s work is all about giving cultural significance to what some might consider natural waste, providing discarded objects with the opportunity to shine once again in the eyes of the public. From that perspective, I enjoy crafting small figurines, statues, or wall sculptures, all the while harboring a secret aspiration to create them on a monumental scale someday.

While my focus has revolved around art workshops with schools and my studio practice since I live in Miami, I’m now enthusiastic about drawing from my previous experiences and reignite my involvement in public space projects. So you might cross one of my creations during your next morning walk, keep your eyes open. And if there is a lesson to learn from my artistic journey, it is that even the most unconsidered thing can become a object of great interest with the infusion of love, dedication, and hard work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I’m not working in my studio or traveling across the country for a public art project, here’s what I love to do around here: – A fishing trip from one of the Haulover Marina charters
– A couple hours at the beach and a little snorkeling at Crandon Park
– A mini road trip on Old Cutler, with a picnic stop at Fairchild Gardens
– A jump in the Everglades National Park to enjoy a wildlife trail
– And a lovely diner at Blackpoint Ocean Grill, facing the marina and enjoying live music

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While having an artistic career is sometimes hard for my loved ones, my wife, my daughter and my parents are always deeply supporting. Whatever crazy sculpture project is coming up, these four people give me the will and motivation to make it.

Website: www.okhaen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okhaen/