Michael Elkan was born Aug. 16, 1942 in Philadelphia to Julius and Frances Elkan. His first business experience was working in his family’s store. From 1949 to 1961, he worked after school, weekends and vacations selling, displaying and buying children’s clothing.
At 18, Michael began working in the highly competitive fashion industry; first selling apparel on the road, then working in manufacturing. He started in the warehouse, but his talents were recognized,and he moved to the design department. Before long, he was commuting to New York, traveling from Paris to Hong Kong, designing apparel; skinny-ribs, V-necks, super tight, multicolored sweaters for Forum Sportswear and Faded Glory. His designs were a huge success and were featured in GQ, Esquire, NY Times and Men’s Wear Daily. He loved the energy and creativity of the industry, but not the concrete jungle and constant pressure.
In 1973, Michael quit his job and sold his home in Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Sharon, caravanned across the country, eventually landing in Oregon where he fell in love with the forests and a vintage house near Silver Falls.
For the next several years, he chose to do manual labor, planting trees, pruning berries and other farm and forest work. He became intrigued with maple burls and started creating unique burl boxes. He was introduced to Silverton residents who were accomplished in designing and producing a craft pieces and furniture. Those artists included Ken Altman, Ann Altman, Theresa Sharrar, David Cotter, Neil Austin, Mike Jesse, Howard Griffiths, David Bosshardt, Tom Allen and Michael Williams, most of who continue to be accomplished artists and residents of Silverton.
He became intrigued with maple burls, and with the assistance of his friends, he learned how to create burl boxes for commercial production. His collaborations led to starting Maple Leaf Studios. There, Michael was able to embrace his endless curiosity and determination to give artistic life to nature’s inanimate trees. He designed a multitude of woodcrafted forms and furnishings. With the business acumen to market the work of those who produced, Maple Leaf Studios gained national recognition for its fine art.
For 25 years Michael’s work was shown in prestigious, juried, national craft shows and exhibited in galleries from The Real Mother Goose in Oregon to Appalachian Spring in Washington, D.C. His work was featured in the American Craft Museum, the Smithsonian Craft Show and in numerous collections, including that of textile designer Jack Lenor Larson. When the Warm Springs Museum was built in Oregon, Michael was commissioned to create some pieces, including the Chief’s Chair. In 1995, he wrote a book, Reading the Wood, a tribute to the wonderful material, people and processes involved in his creative woodworking business.
In 2002 Michael decided to retire. He moved to Mexico where he built a house on the beach that resembled one of his box sculptures. He practiced yoga, played basketball with the local kids, designed concrete furniture for his patio and enjoyed the local people. They spent summers in Oregon visiting with friends and family while enjoying their cabin in the forest.
When Michael learned he had terminal cancer, he requested a celebration of life party he could attend instead of a funeral after his death. The party drew nearly a hundred people from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico who came to share stories of their friendship and history with Michael. A simultaneous celebration was happening near Michael’s home in Mexico and it was Skyped to the party in Portland.
Michael died July 27, at his home, surrounded by family. Michael was an easy going, gentle man with a creative and generous spirit. He is survived by his wife and partner of 46 years, Sharon Elkan; his brother and business partner, Charles Elkan; his sister Rochelle Elkan; nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.
If you wish to make a donation in Michael’s honor, please donate to New Avenues for Youth for their Youth Artist Mentorship Program in Portland. Michael believed in mentors. Contributions will help lead some young person to that creative path that nourished and sustained Michael throughout his life.
His first grade teacher once wrote, “Michael seems to daydream a great deal.” She didn’t know that he would grow up to be the man that would make those dreams come true.
Learn more about Michael and his work at michaelelkan.com
And so it goes…
