"String Theory: The Art of the Musical Instrument" (Paintings and Carvings by Morgan Walker)

Music can mean a lot of different things to different people. For some it’s a way of expression and being able to relate to others. For others it’s a sense of freedom, or something that can explain when words fail. Music brings hope, it’s a source of stress relief, and can connect you to life. Art is the same in many ways and for Morgan Walker, his new art show “String Theory: The Art of the Musical Instrument” explores these themes of music through the creation of paintings and wood carvings.

Morgan first started with pencil sketching before learning how to paint. He spent a lot of time outdoors, and when asked about that process he “…prefers to do my work via ‘plein air’, even if it is just a quick sketch of something that piqued my interest, or an idea I have a for a piece. Working onsite can reveal details that a photography just couldn’t provide. This motivates you to get outside and see something different.” For this show however, Morgan explores a more impressionistic style, something he’s not done much of in the past. When asked why the change, his answer was simple: “To be different. There’s been a lot of realism, not that there’s anything wrong with realism, but there’s been a lot of realism lately and I wanted to step outside my comfort zone.”

Around 2002-2003 he began wood carving and since then has won multiple National and Worlds carving competitions. In his last show at the Alex Dufresne Gallery in 2019, he had on display a 16” ruffed grouse that had won three awards at the 49” Annual Ward World Wildfowl Carving Competition, as well as an award at the Canadian National Championship. “String Theory” will feature a number of carvings as well which will tie into the musical theme.

When asked about why he chose music as a theme, Morgan said, “I listen to it all the time, whether I’m working on something or fixing something or driving somewhere, music is just always on. I like doing instruments, I’ve done a few realism ones in the past that have sold really well and so I thought, might has well give it a try and see what happens.”

“String Theory: The Art of the Musical Instrument” opens Saturday at the Alex Dufresne Gallery at 107 Lansdowne St. E. in Callander. The reception will run from 2:00 – 4:00pm and the artist will be present. The show will remain on display until September 17th and the gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 – 5:00pm.