Maman, 2020
Adam Walls
Hope Mills, NC
Stainless Steel
2’ x 2’ x 3’
Photos by Kyla Willoughby
Artist Statement
My sculpture is concept driven and is often highly viewer interactive. The conceptual component of my work is often derived from some memory that was stirred by the shape of some memento that I have held on to since childhood. These things bring up thoughts and experiences that challenge me and guide me through the creative process. There are elements in much of my larger works that are derived from my love of fantasy, escapism, and pop-culture imagery. My sculpture ranges in size drastically from minuscule to monumental.
Some of my sculptures only require the viewer to watch as they see themselves reflected atop a difficult and imposing staircase which could represent the challenges we face in order to achieve our goals. In whatever way a viewer chooses to engage my work, I find that it is not always necessary that the viewer understand my concept, but it is important that I provide an experience that encourages the viewer to see and engage with art more often.
About the Artist
Adam Walls has been creating art for public exhibition since 2004. He received his BA in Art Education in 1996 from Limestone College and taught art in art centers, public schools, and out of his own studio until receiving his MFA in sculpture from Winthrop University in 2005. Since receiving his MFA, Adam’s work has appeared in Sculpture Magazine, been the topic of discussion on NPR and ETV, and has been exhibited in over one hundred outdoor sculpture exhibitions. Adam Walls currently resides in Tryon NC and serves as the head of the sculpture program at UNC-Pembroke.