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 Calvin Walton, the artist, was born in Athens, Tennessee. His interest and talent in the arts seemed always to be present. As a young boy drawing and creating came second nature. His love of art grew and his talent flourished throughout his school years. Convinced that art was at his core, Calvin embarked on a journey to develop his own unique style.
After high school, Calvin attended first college in Miami, Florida. There he was part of a community of artists at Grove House in Coconut Grove where he experimented with the usage of different media and techniques. After a time he moved back to Tennessee. Though he worked full time, he carved out time to attend Cleveland State Community College in order that he might study under well-known "abstract realist", Jere Chumley. Though a job transfer caused Calvin to move to Knoxville, he packed up all that he had learned from Prof. Chumley, and continued developing and defining his work at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Changes in the economy led Calvin to San Antonio, Texas. There he had the opportunity to surround himself with the beauty of the Riverwalk at Lubes Arts Studio.
Another turn in the economy led to another turn in the road on Calvin’s journey. He felt that it was time to "rein in" his talent, define himself even more and "get a real job". This led him to The Portfolio Center in Atlanta, where he studied advertising and earned a degree as an Advertising Art Director. After graduating, he enjoyed a successful career as an Art Director at some of the largest ad agencies in the Southeast. Being in a creative environment, surrounded by many talented artists was very satisfying. But his "core" kept tugging at him, begging to be "loosed" again.
Finally that tugging was great enough that Calvin began painting again in his spare time. He began experimenting with color, creating beautiful landscapes in bright colors. He began to experiment with manipulating recyclable materials with his hands, first creating 3-dimensional animal masks. Animal masks grew to animal busts, then full body animals. As his work has evolved, Calvin has been able to combine his “sculptures” with his painting to create magnificent 3-D sceneries. He truly has taken what might have become trash and created great treasures.
Calvin continues on his journey, ever experimenting, developing and working his craft. He no longer has to make the choice between his "real job" and his art, as his real job is his art. Though his travels take him far, he can most often be found at work in Stone Mountain, Georgia where he lives with his wife Michelle and son Caleb.
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