Orlando Podcast – Artistic Spot

Local Artist and sculptor Byron Walker shared his story with Artistic Spot. While sitting in his studio at the Faith Arts Village Orlando, he shared his passion for the arts and his artistry as a sculptor.

Byron’s studio, and workshop reflect his talent. Born in a family of artists, he was influenced by arts and creativity at a very young age. “My mom was a seamstress, and my dad was a Wood-chop teacher in school. They both challenged me,” said Byron.

Jose Rodriguez Marmol and Byron Walker

Walker was born and raised in Winter Park, Florida, and has been the Facilities Director at the Albin Polasek Museum Sculpture Garden for the past 10 years. “I am the Facilities Director, and I started there in their volunteer program. I learned to love the place, and I jumped on to the opportunity to make it part of my life. It is interesting, I have grown a lot from working there as an artist. I have helped put together and create over 40 shows in 10 years. So, that’s pretty cool. You learn about artists,” said Byron.

For Byron, having his studio, and his workshop at the Faith Arts Village in Orlando is a great opportunity. Being part of the outreach program ran by the Presbyterian Church in Park Lake and Will Benton, its Executive Director is a golden opportunity. “People come by bus from as far as Daytona, and Ocala. FAVO its kind of becoming a destination,” said Walker.

For Will Benton, Executive Director of FAVO, “Byron to me is a natural artist. I was aware of him at art functions. A space opened at FAVO, and Byron was, and is a natural fit for FAVO.”

Over the years, Byron has kept sketchbooks with his pieces. “They started in college; it was a plan material teacher that made us create a sketch every week. That’s where the habit came to creating something in a sketchbook. That’s going to speak to somebody in the future. It’s kind of special,” said Byron.

Byron Walker’s Sketchbook

For JJ Gonzalez Acosta, Central Florida artist, meeting Byron Walker has been one of the highlights of his career. “Byron’s art is innovative. His pieces are full of energy,” said Gonzalez Acosta.

Artists like Byron are an asset to Central Florida and Orange County. “His art pieces speak on their own. They have a voice and personality,” said JJ.

Byron Walker and JJ Gonzalez Acosta

“His level of artistry, and knowledge is incredible. All his learning experiences are translated in a perfect execution, in an organic, and tangible way,” said Gonzalez.

“Experiencing the recording of this episode of Artistic Spot, has been very important for my career as a visual artist in Central Florida. I am looking forward to seeing more sculptures around the state, and around the country,” said JJ.

In the world of art, Masters are part of each visual artist career, “artists like Byron become Masters, he inspires me to creating more art,” said Gonzalez Acosta.

JJ Gonzalez Acosta and Jose Rodriguez Marmol with Byron Walker’s chair made of recycled hoses at the Mills Gallery in Orlando, Florida.

“Thank you for this opportunity, I appreciate you coming down. Be good to yourself and support artists wherever you are,” said Byron.

For more information on Byron Walker visit: http://www.bwalkerart.com/artist.html

Episode 99: Byron Walker