Transitions

Keith Walker // 2013

Glass|Stainless steel
Capital Boulevard (108 Street)

About

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.

Keith Walker

Started working as a volunteer at Glass Happens Studio in Edmonton since March 2001. It was there that i “grew up“ with the glass, practicing skills and learning about hot glass as a material.

Having a creative background in photography already, i soon realized that as my attraction to glass grew, it demanded more of my attention and photo ended taking the back seat. It became clear at the time that i had room for only one main creative interest in my life. This transition in creative thoughts although sad was a necessary one and paved the way to a new creative career and a new medium of choice.

As a journeyman carpenter with a strong work ethic, I really appreciated how physical the process was in creating glass objects. I draw a lot of parallels between carpentry and glass, one of these parallels is the struggle and challenge it can take me before i can really appreciate the finished result. Nothing worth having or doing seems to come easy for me.

During my time with glass i have managed to broaden myself by, helping teach beginner glass classes at Red Deer College and volunteering at Pilchuck glass school as a poleturner. I have had the opportunity to work with other artists and industrial designers in bringing their ideas to life and enjoy the challenge which comes with these new ideas and approaches. I have designed and fabricated custom lighting fixtures for clients, produced recognition and achievement awards for various local organizations, as well as been a successful candidate for a City of Edmonton permanent art installation.

I continue to live and work in Edmonton, Alberta with my family and am always in hot pursuit of the next best curry house and the perfect punty.