We are honored to present works from the Collection of Arthur J. Williams (1936–2021), a man who lived a life dedicated to, and surrounded by, the arts.
Williams began his career in the mailroom at CBS before working in production and editing TV advertisements. He founded Editing Concepts Inc. in 1970, of which he became Chairman of the Board, and was instrumental in expanding the company to six divisions all related to the film and video industry. He was a founding member of the Association of Independent Creative Editors and served as its president for a time. Williams’s success in the media world afforded him the freedom to follow his passion for the arts, and he became a respected member of the International Academy of Ceramics (Geneva, Switzerland) and the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts (Newcastle, Maine). Additionally, he was on the board of the Craft Alliance of the 52nd St. YWCA, where he curated a number of exhibits for the Elsa Mott Gallery, and he conceptualized the Museum of Ceramic Art - New York, an important virtual platform which celebrates the art of ceramics.
“I am a clay addict. My fixes come in big and small, bright and demure and always quench my need temporarily. Or should I call it a sweet tooth that has a constant craving?...As a collector of clay objects, I am at once picky and open to what shares my home. An artwork has to show creativity, sparks of ingenuity and passion.”
A passionate collector and voracious reader, Williams remarked in a 2000 interview: “Educating oneself is the most exciting thing if not the most important aspect of collecting. Without knowledge, you can’t grow.” His genuine curiosity about art led him to acquire a diverse range of works from Chinese Export Ware and Pennsylvania Red Ware to sculptures by Chakaia Booker and contemporary ceramics from artists around the world. He found great joy in seeking out new pieces and in a note from his personal archive, we are given a wonderful glimpse into his thought process as a collector: “I am a clay addict. My fixes come in big and small, bright and demure and always quench my need temporarily. Or should I call it a sweet tooth that has a constant craving?...As a collector of clay objects, I am at once picky and open to what shares my home. An artwork has to show creativity, sparks of ingenuity and passion.” Williams had a prescient eye for art, especially of the clay variety, and assembled what became one of the most important, and comprehensive, contemporary ceramics collections of the present day.
Michele Oka Doner b. 1945
Born in Miami Beach, Florida, Michele Oka Doner grew up surrounded by the lush landscapes of South Florida, which became a lifelong source of inspiration. Her father, Kenneth Oka, served as the mayor of Miami Beach, and her mother, Gertrude Oka, was an artist and conservationist who instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature. This early exposure to both civic engagement and artistic expression shaped Oka Doner’s approach to her work.
She studied at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Arts and later a Master of Fine Arts degree. It was during this time that she began developing her signature aesthetic, drawing inspiration from natural forms such as shells, bones, coral, and microscopic organisms. Her fascination with organic textures and patterns is evident in her sculptures and large-scale installations, which often feature flowing, interconnected designs reminiscent of biological structures.
One of Oka Doner’s most celebrated works is A Walk on the Beach (1995-1999), a sprawling terrazzo and bronze floor installation at Miami International Airport. Spanning over 9,000 square feet, the piece features intricate oceanic motifs and embedded metal elements that evoke the shoreline, creating an immersive experience for travelers. This project exemplifies her ability to transform public spaces into meditative environments that foster a sense of wonder and contemplation.
Beyond large-scale installations, Oka Doner has created works in various media, including cast metal sculptures, ceramics, hand-sculpted furniture, and even book designs. Her pieces often incorporate natural materials such as driftwood, stone, and fossilized elements, reinforcing her philosophy that art and nature are inseparable.
Her work has been exhibited in major institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Additionally, she has collaborated with luxury brands such as Tiffany & Co. and Steuben Glass, applying her artistic sensibilities to functional design.
Oka Doner’s career spans over five decades, and she continues to be an influential figure in contemporary art and design. Her work serves as a bridge between ancient forms and modern sensibilities, encouraging viewers to reconnect with the natural world. With a philosophy deeply rooted in ecology, history, and the interconnectedness of life, Michele Oka Doner remains a visionary whose art transforms everyday spaces into sacred, reflective environments.
Auction Results Michele Oka Doner
