KEITH WALKER, TRANSITIONS, 2014
Location: 108 STREET BETWEEN 99 AVE AND 104 AVE
Edmonton glass artist Keith Walker was selected to provide a design for, and to fabricate, decorative finials for new light standards along Capital Boulevard. The ceremonial street connects the Alberta Legislature Building with MacEwan University and will provide a pedestrian-friendly artery. Walker’s design consists of up to 204 hand-made and sandblasted blown glass components. The finials stand 26″ tall and are affixed to the light standards by means of a custom-designed screw and collar system. Each finial consists of up to 3 glass pieces threaded onto a centre pole which screws into the light fixture. Although the prototype is made from clear glass, the finished installation feature coloured glass in myriad hues.
Biography:
Classically trained in the art of glassblowing, Keith Walker’s glass practice began at Glass Happens Studio in Edmonton, AB. Since then, further experience was gained by volunteering at the Pilchuck Glass School (Washington); attending a summer course at the Pittsburgh Glass Centre and collaborating with other local artists on various projects.
Keith has had the opportunity to be included in group showings of new work and also held solo displays of glasswork; The Alberta Craft Council in Edmonton mainly represents him.
Gaining an interest in the Alberta Art Community Keith participated on The Alberta Foundation for the Arts Jury for Feb 2012 Individual Artist Project Grants and also returned in the summer for The Queens Jubilee Scholarship Jury.
His work has always had a strong emphasis on form and has been heavily rooted in the sculptural non-functional path.
Keith has a series of work on display at the newly renovated Edmonton International Airport, a permanent public art installation located at The Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre in Edmonton, an installation at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, a outdoor permanent glass installation along Capital Boulevard in downtown Edmonton and most recently a permanent low-relief sculptural composition at Fort Saskatchewan City Hall. He also has a selection of artwork acquired by The Alberta Foundation for the Arts for their Permanent Collection.
Keith continues to work out of his private studio, Blow In The Dark Glassworks, in the heart of the inner city of Edmonton where he creates glass sculptures and functional art pieces for private clients and galleries, designs and creates awards for local organizations, teaches beginner glassblowing classes and works on large scale public art projects.