UNC Pembroke University Mace

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke has a rich history unlike any other institution of higher education. As it marked 130 years of service, the university commissioned a ceremonial mace befitting the distinctiveness and importance of UNC Pembroke. Showcasing the work of local artists, the mace celebrates the university’s heritage, mission and sense of place, including its indelible ties to the Lumbee people and southeastern North Carolina.

Atop the four-foot mace is a 13-inch red-tailed hawk, UNCP’s mascot. The hawk’s dual positon – taking flight or landing – symbolizes UNC Pembroke students taking flight to soar into the future and alumni who return home to reconnect with their alma mater.

The hawk is plated in 24 karat gold. The gold-plated pinecone footer pays tribute to the longleaf pine tree. Ed Walker sculpted the hawk and the pinecone. His foundry, Carolina Bronze Sculpture cast all the bronze elements of the mace.

The staff, which was crafted of wood sourced from the Lumber River basin, is adorned with the university seal, tobacco leaves, pine needle basket weave and pinecone patchwork designs.

The academic mace symbolizes the university’s governing authority. It is carried by the faculty grand marshal during convocation and commencement.

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said each detail of the mace tells the story of the 130-year-old institution. It also serves as a symbolic link to previous generations.

To view a video about the making of the mace click here.

Ed Walker, sculptor
Pembroke University Mace

Pottery Time

NC Artist Ed Walker Installs 16’ Tall Sculpture

Carolina Bronze Sculpture, NC’s only commercial fine art bronze casting foundry recently fabricated and installed an aluminum sculpture for artist and owner, Ed Walker. The piece titled “Pottery Time” was installed at the edge of a small park at the corner of E. Main St and S. Broad St. in downtown Seagrove.  This impressive sculpture features a 5’ diameter clock face reminding visitors to make “time” to see the many creative artisans that live in Seagrove. To celebrate the rich tradition of pottery, Ed chose a small pottery shape to mark each hour.

“It’s the place where people can meet to go shopping in Seagrove. It’s Pottery Time.”, Ed said.

Ed Walker Attends Weeklong Sculpture Workshop

Ed Walker, owner of Carolina Bronze Sculpture, NC’s only commercial fine art bronze casting foundry, has attended a week long figure modeling class with well-known sculptor, Philippe Faraut in upstate NY.

During the week, Ed learned about sculpting both the figure and portraits. Ed commented that, “As one of the in-house sculptors for Carolina Bronze, this workshop greatly increased my skills with sculpting the figure. This training will help me with several upcoming sculpture commissions.” Visit https://edwalkerart.com

Philippe Faraut is a figurative artist specializing in life-size portrait sculptures and monumental stone sculptures. His media of choice are water-based clay and marble. From his extensive research of the human face he developed a technique of modeling the portrait that he shares with his sculpting students during his numerous sculpting classes and seminars taught throughout the US. Visit http://philippefaraut.com/

More Progress on Sculpture

To create this 12′ tall sheet aluminum sculpture, I first made full size cardboard templates. From these, I was able to cut and bend all the aluminum. Individual pieces were welded and finished, then assembled. You can see some of the supports in the base. Steel rods run through the entire sculpture for added strength. Still have more to do!

Starting a New Sculpture

I am starting a new sculpture using the model on the left as my design. It is being built at Carolina Bronze Sculpture out of sheet aluminum. It will be going to Raleigh when it is finished. More pictures will becoming soon.

“Little” Art Show

Attended the International Sculpture Conference in New Orleans, LA during the week of October 1-5. Had a great time with family and friends. Ate lots of good food and saw lots of art. Here are some pictures from the “Little” Art Show that I participated in. All works had to be less than 8″x8″x8″. Also a great picture of old friends Gene Koss and Barry Bailey during the opening at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.