"You've got to take a chance on doing something," says iconic modern artist Walter Askin.

Walter's most recent sculpture, The Sentinel, demonstrates this principle.

The Sentinel is one of eighty pieces featured in the Los Angeles Arboretum's current exhibit, "The Nature of Sculpture".   This exhibit, spotlighting the work of local artists, points up the ways the natural landscape complements these artists' creations.

For The Sentinel, Walter and his wife, fellow artist Elise Anne Doyle, developed a new technique to accomplish something that, supposedly, "couldn't be done".

(Walter's resume includes exhibiting his work all over the world, teaching in California, Hawaii and New Mexico and numerous professional honors, including the Pasadena Arts Council's "Artist of the Year" Award.  Hearing "no, you can't do that", he took it as a challenge!)

Walter talked about his experiences as a young artist getting his name known in Pasadena in the 1960s, shared the story of creating The Sentinel and even offered a mini-lesson on art and creativity!
Due to its popularity, "The Nature of Sculpture" exhibit dates have been extended through October 15th at Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.   Here's the link for more information and exhibit hours.