Gilbert Walker Jr.

Born in 1959, Walker is the oldest of 5 children.Walker grew up without his 
father in his life so being the oldest in the 60's he was looked at as being the 
man of the house. Growing up as a latch key child Walker was responsible for his 
siblings until their mother returned from work. One of his duties was to keep 
control and to remain silent in the house, childhood was short lived. For years 
as latched key kids they all discovered and developed their artistic talents. 


Walker developed his talents in several mediums but settled with one after 
becoming an adult. He found that becoming an artist blacksmith would satisfy his 
love for African American history and his love as an artist.Two well known 
artist in America would be Walkers inspiration, Phillip Simmons of Charleston 
S.C. and John Boyd Smith of Savannah, Ga.

History tells us that African slaves were imported to the America's beginning in 
1619. Some of these African slaves were trained as Blacksmith and they became an 
important part of the economics and growth of America. Blacksmiths on the 
plantations were sometimes hired out by their masters to do work for other farms 
in the area. Some of these slaves were allowed to keep part of their earnings 
and pay for their freedom. As an artist blacksmith Walker is able to tell his 
story and that of the old Africans, thru custom designed and functional iron 
artwork, specializing in gates, furniture, sculptures and wall art.