FLORIAN OKWU


Sculptor & Designer
Based in Vancouver, BC 

studio@florianokwu.com




EXPERIENCE

STUDIO FLORIAN OKWU

Independent Fine Artist
Providence RI, 2024-Present (1 year)
Selected commissions: President of RISD, private collectors across the US and China.
   - Design and hand-carve abstract wooden sculptures with a focus on form, delicacy, and balance.
   - Produce limited editions of small sculptural products in wood, brass, and bronze.
   - Maintain and operate a professional sculpture studio, including sourcing and processing materials.
   - Coordinate all business operations, including client communication, sales, and shipping logistics.
   - Exhibit and sell work at craft fairs and through private commissions.
   - Develop and maintain website, including in-house documentation and editing of all works.


RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Fine Arts Woodshop Monitor
Providence RI, 2023-2024 (1 year 5 months)
    - Operated and upkept woodshop machinery.
    - Supervised and assisted working students.
    - Machine Experience: Table & band-saw blade switching, lathe setup, jointer & planer setup, drillpress & chopsaw adjustments, spindle & disc sander belt replacement, ventilation bag replacement.

Glass Coldshop Monitor
Providence RI, 2024-2024 (5 months)
   - Operated and upkept glass coldshop machinery.
   - Supervised and assisted working students.
   - Machine Experience: Lathe, diamond saw, belt-sander, lap-wheel, grit wheel, wet-dremeling


CARVING STUDIO & SCULPTURE CENTER

Resident Intern
West Rutland VT, 2023-2023 (4 months)
   - Gallery assistant: Curated, lit & painted pedestals for 3 separate shows.
   - Handled delicate artworks and rigged up to 4000 lbs marble sculptures.
   - Represented the studio to visitors with a professional image.
   - Maintained grounds and studios: Swept, mowed, trimmed foliage, pitched tents.
   - Machine/Tools Experience: 9” & 5” angle-grinder, chainsaw, pneumatic & hand chisel sharpening.


TRADEUP EXCHANGE

Creative Director & Head of Marketing
Los Angeles CA + Hybrid, 2022-2023 (1 year 7 months)
   - Established and maintained the artistic identity of an early stage startup company.
   - Managed all social media marketing and promotional content.
   - Conducted user testing and analyzed data to adjust + narrow marketing campaign strategy.
   - Illustrated and created a structured asset library for team-wide use.
   - Designed and produced company merchandise, business cards and booth display for trade shows.



EDUCATION

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN

BFA Sculpture 2024