Angie C. Litchfield, Prose

Beginning Jewelry Midterm Paper

2/6/2001

Love of Celtic Design

Stephen Walker was born to second and third generation Scottish Americans, but that isn’t why he fell in love with Celtic design. Walker was originally attracted to the Celtic arts by way of Celtic music. At age 14, Walker was involved with the Allegany Highlanders Bagpipe Band, and along with playing music, the band members often made their own uniform components and even their own instruments.

Walker’s love for Celtic design grew and he went from making band uniform regalia to jewelry and metal art. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1980 with an art degree in Metalsmithing, and then went on to earn his Master of Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University in 1982. For his master’s work, Walker specialized in Mokeme-Gane and married metals.

Since 1984, Walker has been crafting his won jewelry line, which he exhibits at art festivals, museum shops, craft fairs, galleries, and Celtic shops nationwide. Walker’s jewelry portrays the evolution of Scottish and Irish knot work, going beyond just copying ancient Celtic art and bringing in deep feeling, creativity, and fine tuned technical skill.

Walker says that much of his inspiration comes from his family. His wife Susan is a Mathematician, and the couple has six children.

I am drawn to Walker’s art because I have always loved the variations in Celtic design. Two of my favorites are the Heart Knot Bands and the Josephine’s knot band in silver. Both are examples of Celtic design placed in a modern style ring that work beautifully together.

Silver has always been my favorite for jewelry, but Walker does work in silver, gold, and platinum. He has a variety of designs; some include stone settings, some do not.

I have included some samples of Stephen Walker’s jewelry here, but more of his work can be seen at www.celtarts.com.