As an apprentice at the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture, N.J. in 1979, I met and worked with a host of famous sculptors and helped to create their work. At the Atelier, there was a community, along with learning technical mastery and work ethic. To further my commitment to sculpture, particularly foundry, I went to graduate school.

Tom Walsh had been a visiting artist at the Atelier, but it was his paper on iron casting and his influence on the application of ceramic shell molding to art that compelled me to enroll into the three-year program at SIU in Carbondale.

There were 14 grad students between the Glove Factory and the Foundry, working on content and a consistent body of work that would ultimately prove us professionals. The teaching and technical assistantships provided an opportunity to secure a graduate degree. It was the questioning that Walsh instilled in us that would take us down a lifelong educational and professional artist career path.

SIU memories of working in the studio all night, leaving at 4 AM and passing Walsh by the parking lot as he was coming to work. At one point he told me that I needed to come and work during the day…or else. I remember Walsh’s gorgeous home with the dramatic staircase, his delightful Carbonara meals, and his Prix de Rome experiences! I lusted after his collection of Milagros…small Italian metal amulets, talisman and charms.

I made three life size bronzes from my body and set out to create a body of work that dealt with masking and defensiveness. My final thesis was an art performance production of motorized sculpture and rear projected 16 mm film, dance and live, original music. Walsh brilliantly encouraged me to select some members of the Graduate Committee to be  outside the Department of Art, faculty from dance and theatre.

The entire time I was at SIU, Walsh hosted an impressive list of famous visiting sculptors. Artists that I remember most were Red Grooms, Martin Puryear and Reuben Nakian. Walsh also secured a casting/chasing job for me, with sculptor Ernest Trova. He was great about taking care of his students.  My last assistantship was recasting a bronze duplicate of SIU’s “Paul and Virginia” sculpture located between Shryock and Davies gym. Walsh prepared us so well for life after grad school. He wanted us to succeed!

Walsh has been a powerful influence on my life’s work and ethic. His tireless dedication to lifelong learning through travel and experience continues to inspire us. I have been influenced by his techniques of wrapping, layering and subjective storytelling through universal symbolism. His attention to detail and his love of metal is what inspires me the most.

He has supported me throughout my entire career, with letters of recommendation and grant proposals. He has become not only a mentor, but a friend. Thank you, Mr. Thomas Walsh!