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Florian Okwu

@okflo

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Sculpture alum Florian Okwu creates imagined idols, beings, and creatures that populate his inner world. Okwu’s practice draws on fascinations with anthropology, archaeology, and the natural sciences, which he expresses, materially, through “instinct”—the drive to nurture belief systems, ornamentalize our lives, and imprint our identities onto our surroundings.

Stay tuned for more alumni features highlighting RISD graduates who are shaping culture and industry in bold, unexpected ways. by @okflo

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a month ago

Some process behind my recent piece “Being III”, carved from a block of walnut.

I want to share more process, so I’ll be experimenting with different editing styles for future pieces. Still figuring out what works best, music or no music, and overall what feels authentic.

#woodart #sculptor #woodworking #wood #abstractart by @okflo

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5 months ago

My newest walnut commission “Being III” (170 hours). With Florian to scale.

I wandered down a bit of a different path this time, leaning away from pure fragility to explore overall composition and weight. I wanted a piece that could hold its own presence a little more securely and the scale here brought me a lot of satisfaction.

I don’t fully understand what it is about this scale that I enjoy yet, theres a subtlety/non-intrusiveness I want to continue exploring in future work which I think comes across here. I might even steal a couple curves from this piece, rework them into new materials, but overall I’d like to capture what about this language attracts me to it so much.

Thank you to everyone who’s been supporting me, especially those commissioning, suggesting opportunities, and general encouragement... I know I express this in a lot of captions but I really mean it. It’s hard to follow a passion like carving. It can feel very irresponsible sometimes, but each new piece is body to a purposeful & meaningful life (ideally…) ❤️

#woodartist #sculptor #woodcarving #woodartwork #abstractsculpture by @okflo

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8 months ago

Thank you to everyone who has been supporting my pets these last two years! I had a really great time deviating from the classical pet silhouette in this collection, excited to continue pushing the intricacy and mythologies of these creatures. So many new + familiar faces this past weekend with @risdalumni , and such great overall receptivity and encouragement. Thank you! by @okflo

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a year ago

I haven’t decided on a title yet for this new commission but I’m calling it a Mahogany Egg for now. Enjoying the smaller scale and love the idea of it hosting a much larger being.

Hand-carved from African Mahogany and partially finished with graphite for some drama (given the documentation 😂) Something very alluring about capturing the color in harsh light, which is very subtle otherwise. by @okflo

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5 months ago

“Being I”, commissioned by @crystalannwilliams Such an awesome opportunity, seriously. 7 feet tall and mostly hand carved from a single piece of walnut ~115 hours. Had a really great time making it and excited to start on the next project 👋🏽 :) by @okflo

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2 years ago

Featuring the most recent sold out collection. A little saddening to see the little ones go, but nice to know they’ve found new homes and owners :) Carved from a variety of woods: Walnut, mahogany, spalted maple, maple + graphite, and walnut burl. by @okflo

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2 years ago

“Burial II”: Carved from a single board of padouk, finished with graphite, and set in a stained & inked ash frame. by @okflo

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2 years ago

The first tripod pet collection, carved mahogany & graphite :) by @okflo

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2 years ago

My shelf! by @okflo

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3 years ago

“Execution” in ink dyed Mahogany (2024) taken in Rhode Island School of Design by @okflo

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3 years ago

Mahogany & maple by @okflo

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4 years ago