Michael Wilkinson is the pre-eminent figurative sculptor working in clear acrylic today.  Represented in private and corporate collections world-wide – with literally thousands of collectors – he has created a body of work known for its unique beauty and universal appeal. 

Wilkinson was born and grew up in northern California.  From his early years, his aptitude for art attracted special notice.  In 1979 he took a trip to Europe, studying the great masters of ancient Greece and the Renaissance.  On his return, he moved to New York City, studied at the Art Students League and The New York Academy of Art, and began to work seriously as a sculptor.           

In 1984 he discovered clear acrylic, finding in its optical properties new possibilities for conveying the ideas central to his art.  From the time he realized that acrylic offered a new opportunity for artistic and philosophical expression, there has been a progression not only in his art, but also in the acceptance of acrylic.  It is now on the level of bronze as collectible and museum-worthy.

Wilkinson has occasionally lent his expertise to related endeavors.  He has judged the sculpture entries in a juried show, lectured on his sculpture philosophy, technique and esthetics including most recently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

With international shows and numerous one-man gallery exhibitions, in two decades Michael Wilkinson has become one of the prominent sculptors of our time, creating beautiful and powerful works unique in the history of art.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Art has always moved my soul.  Whether it is the heroic grandeur of Michelangelo’s David or the love of a man for a woman as in Rodin’s The Eternal Idol; art has always affirmed and fueled my deepest beliefs about the beauty of life. 

For me, realism is the most accessible kind of art, especially when it portrays the human form.  Most artists would agree that the human form is the most difficult to recreate.  But, in my experience, the realistic portrayal of the human form is the most deeply satisfying, for it is unmatched in expression of emotion and psychological insight.

When working, I am always mindful of this maxim: “The greater a work of art, the more universal its meaning.”  I strive to create imagery based on broad themes that are universally understood, yet may inspire a deeply personal response in each individual.

My acrylic sculptures are a blend of figurative and abstract forms, a fusion that I enjoy creating and to which acrylic is beautifully suited.  Acrylic is a truly modern material and working with it is like working with no other medium.  I start out with clay, a lump of earth, but end up having created an ethereal world infused by light. A wonderful aspect of acrylic sculpture is that it is clear and has an interior: a “fourth dimension” that allows the viewer to look into the artwork. 

The men and women I create are conscious in their lives and have the power to make their dreams a reality. I hope that collectors see and appreciate this.  I believe art should uplift the human spirit, show us what is possible.