About the Artist
Chuck Oakander has lived close to nature and its wonders since childhood. Throughout his life he’s been drawn to wild spaces and scale tall trees to explore their natural features and unique ecology. He’s been a lifelong surfer, deep-sea fisherman and arborist for nearly 40 years. He’s a keen observer of local marine life, shells, antlers and arrowheads found near his home in Bolinas, California. He’s befriended the deer who graze in his backyard and is quick to notice signs of other wild visitors. Indeed, nature is where he resonates.
Chuck’s work as a sculptor began in 2008 as a natural extension of working as an arborist. His work enabled his close contact with trees and the natural world. Sculpting is really an extension of this interaction and exploration and a means to give further life to these large descendants of nature.
It’s easy to see how the physicality of working with large wooden structures appeals to Chuck. The act of sculpting is an intimate and concentrated effort for any sculptor yet working with large pieces of wood brings a sense of awe that is amplified in the finished pieces. His raw material has weathered storms, droughts, insects and other hardships and often bears certain marks, formations and characteristics that are incorporated into the work. For Chuck, sculpting is a process of reading and reflecting on the particular piece and its characteristics. Each of the pieces requires a dedication of design, planning and time due to its large scale and mass.
There is something awe inspiring about the finished pieces. People are often drawn to the luminance and beauty of the finished wood and grain and to run a hand down the length and contours of a piece. The works are designed and intended to be interactive and enjoyed, to be sat, layed or crawled upon. It’s an experience in itself to see how others approach and respond to his installations.
About the Work
Chuck Oakander’s sculptures are created individually and personally by the artist working by hand with a range of hand and powered tools. All the wood for his works are salvaged from his job sites and include monterey cypress, black acacia, red and blue gum eucalyptus, California bay laurel, coastal live oak and redwood.
Prospective clients generally visit the artist in his outdoor studio in Bolinas, California to view works in progress and select a piece. Alternate arrangements can be made for those unable to travel to his studio. After some conversation about how the piece might take shape, will be used and installed, Chuck will finish the piece, and prior to delivery, finish it with a stain and/or sealant as desired. Completion of works generally requires 1-2 months but can be years in the making. Works installed outside and exposed to sunlight and UV rays will weather to grey and age naturally.
The sculptures are large and heavy and require special consideration for delivery and installation. Benches generally have metal legs installed in the bottom that may be set into concrete footings to maintain a stable position over time. At the time of selecting a piece, the artist may be able to advise on delivery and installation depending upon the delivery location.
The artist is available for commissioned works in his studio with timeline consideration for prior commitments. You can reach us here.
Installations
2021
Bench Sculpture 2, Monterey Cypress
Commissioned by the Mill Valley Arts Commission for the Department of Parks and Recreation
Old Mill Park
Mill Valley, California
2019
Bench + Chair Sculptures, Monterey Cypress
Private residence
Bolinas, California
2019
2 Meditation Bench Sculptures, Blue Gum Eucalyptus
Private residence
Bolinas, California
2019
Wave Bench Sculpture, Monterey Cypress
Private residence
Bolinas, California
2019
Peace Bench Sculpture
Public lands
Bolinas, California
2019
Bench Sculpture 1, Monterey Cypress
Commissioned by the Mill Valley Arts Commission for the Department of Parks and Recreation
Old Mill Park
Mill Valley, California
2016
Bench Sculpture, Red Gum Eucalyptus
Private residence, Seadrift
Stinson Beach, California
2016
Seat Sculpture, Monterey Cypress seat
Private residence
Bolinas, California
2016
Bench Sculpture, California Bay Laurel
Commissioned by friends and family in memory of Ward Johnson
Bolinas Community Public Utility District (BCPUD) Children’s Center
Bolinas, California
2015
Wave Sculpture, Monterey cypress and Sculpture, Blue Gum Eucalyptus
Private residence
Stinson Beach, California
2014
Wave Sculpture, Monterey Cypress
Kezar Triangle, Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
2014
Stump Sculptures, Monterey Cypress
Kezar Triangle, Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
2014
Bench Sculpture
Commissioned by Lion’s Club in memory of John Nassrah
Bolinas Community Park
Bolinas, California
2013
Bench Sculpture
Commissioned by Diana Hadley in memory of her husband Peter Warsaw
Bolinas Community Public Utility District (BCPUD) water treatment ponds
Bolinas, California
2010
Bench Sculpture, Monterey Cypress
Stinson Beach Village Green, California