OPENING: Randy Walker’s nature studies at Traver Tacoma

Randy Walker, Bonfire Maple, 2011. Blown and sculpted glass with metal stand. H 16, W 18, D 12 1/2 in.

After an apprenticeship and a decade-and-a-half as hot glass assistant to William Morris, Randy Walker has been applying is formidable skills in referencing nature to his solo career. His larger-than life studies of leaves, with intricate veining and color shading, are tour-de-forces of hot sculpting glass. Just in time for the fall leaf-peeping season, a solo show of his work debuts at Traver Gallery‘s Tacoma location for an exhibition that will run through October 30th.

Randy Walker, Radiant Pod, 2011. Blown and sculpted glass with metal stand. H 13 1/2, W 21, D 9 1/2 in.

Walker’s new body of work includes numerous leaf studies, but also new forms such as busting pea pods, birds’ nests, and vessels that are designed to resemble various species of wood. Looking at the work, Walker’s outsize contribution to the texture, look, and feel of William Morris quickly becomes clear. While the leaves remain life-like and earth-toned, Walker explores new terrain in his pea pods, with an almost Pop-art sensibility in the massive scale and vibrant colors. These are some of his most interesting pieces offering an interior dimension, and the rounded pea forms nestled within bring a wider range of compositional opportunities.

The Traver exhibition kicks off with an opening reception tonight. Walker will be exhibiting alongside his former teammates Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen and Jasen Johnsen whose solo career has seen her further exploring the fauna that she pursued to such great effect on the Morris team.

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