Randy Walker's imagination inspired him to decorate the Shanaska Creek Bridge in Lake Washington County Park.
Randy Walker says, "The breeze flutters these bands and gives it this electric vibration that I hadn't anticipated so that's something I'm really excited about."
And like father like son his 8-year-old couldn't agree more.
Sol Walker says, "How the wind moves it around like there's an electric jolt." But there are plenty of other reasons why Randy Walker can reflect and admire the hard work that has gone into his three dimensional piece of art.
Artist Randy Walker says, "One of the most enjoyable parts is to have people come up even if they don't know what it is and just start a conversation."
Walker transformed the bridge by using scaffolding on wheels and four spools of fiber thread at a time and tied it to each end.
Walker says, "I wanted to still see the trees and the environment but I also want to make an artistic intervention so everyone's attention is drawn."
It took Walker two weeks of extensive labor to complete this project, which included over 30,000 feet of ribbon thread. Although this material is made for being outside unlike a painting, unfortunately this type of artwork won't last forever.
"Walker says "It's not going to last forever the wind the elements will eventually fray the fabric."
Walker says that's another project in itself but he's hoping it will last even after the first snowfall.
But when the time comes for him to take it down, the fiber thread will be donated to St. Peter weavers to create a kind of textile work.
In the meantime, he can be proud of what he's accomplished. And for his next project, the sky's the limit.
Randy Walker will be back in Lake Washington County Park on November 20th from 1-3p.m. to answer any questions and share his experience to those who are interested.
