A vignette in Michele Oka Doner’s studio

The arrival of a Christie’s Private Sale catalog with a treasure trove of Michele Oka Doner’s remarkable work is another proof that art objects can be useful and not merely decorative art. Her handsome sculpture is symbolic and functional– and for me, because they reflect nature with a contemporary eye, they epitomize my catch phrase, Ancient and Modern.  

 Doner in her studio on a ‘Citra’ Bench

Last spring I met Michele Oka Doner at a dinner hosted by my friend Luke Pontifell. He often has the most interesting gatherings of friends which he takes pride in acquainting with each other. When he introduced me to Michele, it dawned on me that I was in the presence of a genius that I have long admired, starting with the moment I saw her fantastic floors at the Miami Airport. I know airport flooring is an odd thing to wax eloquent on, but in fact, due to my frequent trips I am (sadly) a connoisseur of airport interiors. Michele’s A Walk on the Beach, a half mile long installation, is an unforgettable and transcendent experience. It is an expanse of terrazzo embedded with mother of pearl and two thousand bronze sculptures of sea life, including starfish, sea urchins, and seaweed. Without exaggeration, I suggest that just this floor alone is worth a trip to Miami.

Views of Doner's Walk on the Beach at Miami Beach Airport

Included in the sale are a variety of her other beautifully crafted objects, from jewelry to fire tools.

Winter Branch Pins, 2012-2013, patnated bronze and diamonds.

Pair of serving forks, 2005, sterling silver

Burning Branches, fork and porker, 1981, patinated bronze

Bloodroot seed ring, 2007, 24 karat gold, from an edition of 4.

Cosmic Vessel, 2006, sterling silver, from an edition of 3.

“Citra” bench, 2012, tropical almond