Award-winning bird carvings on display in Callander
Special to The Nugget
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Published on: May 9, 2019 | Last Updated: May 9, 2019 2:05 PM EDT
Morgan Walker's award-winning 16-inch ruffed grouse carving is the focus piece of this exhibit Creativity from the Right HemisphereÉ Apparently at the Alex Dufresne Gallery in Callander. Supplied photo
The Alex Dufresne Gallery in Callander is presenting Creativity from the Right Hemisphere… Apparently, a collection of highly defined bird sculptures accompanied by equally impressive paintings and photography created by local artist Morgan Walker.
The sculptures are life-sized, anatomically and chromatically correct and have won a total of 12 awards at various carving competitions at the national and world levels.
The focus piece of the exhibition is a 16-inch ruffed grouse carving that recently won three awards at the 49th annual Ward World Wildfowl Carving Competition in Ocean City, Maryland, as well as an award at the Canadian National Championship.
More than 1,500 hours of work went into crafting this 'king of game birds" sculpture and its intricate amount of detail garnered much attention and fanfare during its recent showings at these high-level competitions.
Walker attributes his talents to an early sense of wonder at the variety of different animals and birds found in his rural Ontarian surroundings. While growing up in Simcoe County provided him with an endless array of subject matter to work with, his move to the North Bay area increased the diversity of the wildlife and landscape aspects of his art.
When asked about his process he says "I prefer to do my work via ʽplein air' even if it is just a quick sketch of something that piqued my interest, or an idea I have for a piece. Working onsite can reveal details that a photograph just couldn't provide. This motivates you to get outside and see something different."
The opening reception for Creativity from the Right Hemisphere… Apparently is from 2-4 pm Saturday with opening remarks at 2:15 pm. The exhibit will remain on display until June 22.
The Alex Dufresne Gallery is at 107 Lansdowne St. E. in Callander. Its spring/summer hours are 10 am-5 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
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