Michael Binkley can see inside stone.
This was the realization the Squamish-based artist came to four decades ago, while examining the work of Michelangelo during a European trip to discover himself in his 20s.
It was a powerful catharsis that set him off on an artistic journey to create over 11,000 sculptures, now on prominent display all over the globe.
“I wanted to be an architect, but after two years of university, I realized formal schooling was not in the cards. I was barely passing and hit burnout, and really didn’t know what to do, so I took an art history course in Florence, Italy,” Binkley told The Squamish Chief.
“Instead of looking at slides in North Vancouver, I actually got to stand in cathedrals and museums and see the real thing. That was the first time I saw Michelangelo’s work. David himself was very awe-inspiring, but what clicked for me was his four unfinished pieces.”
Known as “The Prisoners” or “The Slaves,” these unfinished sculptures were originally commissioned for the tomb of a pope. They fascinated Binkley.
“There’s enough work done on the sculptures that you can see male figures emerging from the white marble. It looks like they’re trying to free themselves from a marble prison. And I realized I could see them in my head, the same way as looking at David. I had this epiphany that I can see inside rock and came home from that experience saying ‘I’d like to try carving stone.’”
Looking forward, looking back
Binkley needed somewhere he could make a mess.
When he went looking for a studio and gallery to support his work nearly a decade ago, his search brought him to a patch of dirt in Squamish’s Industrial Park. It was the only cost-effective place he could find where he could go about his work without interference, creating a gallery and studio off the beaten path.
“Stone sculpture can be noisy and dusty, so you can’t do it professionally in a backyard or on a kitchen table. Even on a commercial street like Cleveland, we would be kicked out within a day. The reason we’re in an industrial complex is because noise, dirt and dust are not an issue,” he said.
And even though his work has already drawn wide acclaim, he’s still working at a feverish pace while diversifying his modes of creativity. Lately, he’s branched into digital art and creating 3D-printed wearable figurines of the female form. His biggest sculpture, on display in China, is almost four metres (12 feet) tall, while other pieces can fit in the palm of your hand.
“I’ve done 11,000 sculptures, so I can’t remember them all. I do get a memory jog if I go on eBay or one of those European websites where there’s work for sale, and I won’t remember a particular piece, but I’ll see it’s my style and my name is on it,” he said.
Collectors of his work include the City of Vancouver, the singer Jann Arden, Simon Fraser University, UBC, BC Children’s Hospital and BCIT. He recently completed a 25-sculpture commission for a hotel in Singapore, he has work on display in Spain and Italy (where everything started), and he even shares his work and expertise on cruise ships.
And though he’s considering retirement, the creative energy will continue to flow.
“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,” his website reads.
“Sculpture occupies space in our world and allows for a deeper connection through the sense of touch.”
No shortage of fabulous ideas
Binkley is just one example of a growing trend—artists drawn to the Sea to Sky Corridor, many of whom are embarking on innovative community projects. This year Squamish Arts received a record number of applications for their annual culture grants, something that executive director Clea Young takes as a sign of the surplus of talent in town.
“This year, we received a really high number of applicants for funding, possibly the highest in terms of dollar amount, and that shows there are a lot of people out there with fabulous ideas who just need some funding to get that work done,” she said.
“We’re able to fund some of those ideas, but sadly not all. I wish for all of them to come to fruition.”
One of the latest developments in town is the creation of Art Gym, an establishment that offers the opportunity and the materials necessary for community members to learn about art.
“People are coming together in the community around art, which is lovely to see, and it’s really gathering traction.”
Young is thrilled to see the eclectic programming at venues like the Brackendale Art Gallery: Café & Culture Centre and Trickster’s Hideout—showcasing musical and theatrical talent. At Create Makerspace, there are classes offered in pottery, metalworking and woodworking.
“Just like everything else in Squamish, the arts scene is growing with more people coming to town, and I feel like it’s an increasing demand. People are looking for artistic activities they can access in their community rather than driving an hour to find those experiences,” she said.
“We need to look for ways to diversify, to be able to continue to offer free programming.”
But even if people don’t get involved in any events, the city’s artistic spirit is still readily apparent. Strolling around downtown means encountering gorgeous building-sized murals, while the parks feature epic sculptures.
“The Squamish Mural Walk Festival is a mainstay in Squamish, and every year there are incredible new pieces, so I would say it’s a real attraction for people coming to town. You can wander around and take in these murals, just let them happen upon you.”
She believes the Squamish arts scene offers enough attractions to attract people from all over.
“I would encourage everyone to step off the highway instead of burning right through to Whistler and discover some of what we have to offer."
