One of the new pieces featured by Art Around the Corner, Ronny Walker’s “Hawker Hurricane,” almost does not feel like a sculpture. Rather, it appears nearly alive, making the viewer nearly expect to have this fun dog jump down and follow him or her along. It is not simply the attention to detail in capturing the external likeness of the dog: There is also emotion represented with this frisky, friendly companion.
Perhaps the detail and ability to capture the spirit of “Hawker Hurricane” comes from Walker’s connection with him. Walker created this sculpture as a tribute to a fourteen-year-long friendship she had with Hawker. The relationship was more than just an ordinary friendship: It was one of companionship. Hawker spent the majority of those fourteen years traveling with Walker to shows around the country and patiently enduring long hours in the studio.
“Sculpture has always been a fascination for me, as far back as I can remember,” Walker shares on her website. “I recall as child gazing up at the statue of a Roman emperor, watching the light and shadows change the sculpture’s mood. Also, its physical presence becoming part of the surroundings, claiming its own space. I fell in love.”
Walker grew up in Europe with her father. His appreciation for art introduced her to many venues rich in art. The lasting impression left on her from these experiences led her on a lifetime journey in the arts. She studied formally and in private institutions. She became a painter, a writer, a musician, and a photographer. These studies resulted in her consuming passion as a sculptor.
This sculpture is just outside of Twenty-Five Main Cafe. As you walk to the next sculpture after viewing “Hawker Hurricane” in the downtown exhibit, take a look behind you and make certain he didn’t jump down and follow you.
