The Sculpture Program at Carbondale was an in-depth and comprehensive explora-tion into concepts. Process and self-development. I felt so lucky to have had an assistantship at the museum,  a stipend paycheck and tuition waiver. The studios and the facilities were excellent. It was the opportunity to explore and take chances. I felt Walsh made a sincere effort to support us on our journey of self-identity. We all worked hard and had a good time doing it. I came away confident, competent and inspired.

When I think about my time at Carbondale, many great memories come to mind. I re-call in-depth, sometimes heated discussions about Art and process. I remember hard, hot work in the foundry and at iron pours. I didn’t appreciate early mornings until I had to beat the heat and humidity. Walsh was up well before sunrise, getting shit done. You had to get up very early to catch him for coffee. Feet held to the fire. All business. I enjoyed his company in the late afternoon over frosty adult beverages…or, when he was cooking carbonara. I had a clean, well-organized studio. Start the day before sunrise and live the examined life with curiosity and fellowship. I enjoyed the steady flow of visiting artists, cupola building…iron pours and the tremendous group effort required. Along the way we produced a lot of sculpture. I recall showing my work everywhere on the campus, and getting inspired feedback.

The annual pig roast, hosted by the foundry, was always fun. I remember shooting pool, pitching horseshoes and cheap pitchers of beer. I miss lightning bugs, thunder and afternoon rain. I don’t miss cat fishing at night, covered in bug spray.