Bio

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A 1981 graduate of Oklahoma State University, Randy Walker now lives in Bellingham, Washington.

Randy first came to Pilchuck Glass school in 1989 as a student and has worked every summer for Pilchuck as staff, faculty member or craftsman since 1990 . During the school's off season, Randy makes his work in Pilchuck's hot shop.

He has been a principal member of the William Morris blowing team for sixteen years, helping to make some of the world’s most innovative glass works.

For the past decade, Randy has been a frequent faculty member at Pilchuck and has taught workshops in Canada, Japan, New Zealand and across the United States. In 2006 he was a featured demonstrating artist at the International Glass Art Society conference.

His work is exhibited nationally, as well as in France and Canada.

Driftwood Series

Studying and interacting with nature has always been a fundamental part of this artist’s life. A degree in Wildlife Ecology, a former carpenter and peach farmer, plus years roaming the mountains have brought Randy to the “Driftwood” series.

Randy’s blown and sculpted forms are inspired by the colors, textures and patterns found in the forests of the Pacific Northwest; dappled sunlight shining through a tree's canopy; a beam of sunshine spotlighting a quiet shrine of forest elements. These naturalistic forms, seemingly worn by weather and time, rekindle a sense of wonder, spirit and solitude one might find within the stillness of the woods.

The work is born from a deep seated reverence for the forest’s grandeur and tenacious vitality. Life’s seasons and cycles are played out with timeless patience. It’s one place where the beauty of change, both death and birth, is celebrated equally.

To capture the essence of the forest’s weathered branches , intricate bark patterns and autumn leaves, Randy skillfully matches molten glass’s animated movement and endless array of colors with the same essential qualities found in nature.

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