About
Toni Walker is a Melbourne based Australian artist, born in 1964. Referencing Mid Century Modernism her work explores the interior, design, architecture, ceramics, furniture and flora.
Earlier in her career her interest in the graphic arts and design saw her study and develop as a Commercial artist in the late 80’s. Working full time and in freelance capacity for various agencies in Melbourne including AJS Creative, Patty Bissetto Advertising, and Mushroom records. This was the pre-computer era when advertising agencies employed artist for the craft of hand lettering and logo development, illustrations, press-ready artwork and heady deadlines.
Following a decade in the Advertising industry working in art departments, she returned to University to study Visual Art - Painting and has been exhibited since 1999. In 2010 to 2013 Toni collaborated both technically and artistically with Shelford Girls Grammar musical director Mr Greg Mason to create and interpret story into stage design and production.
In her artist practice she works primarily in painting, but also across graphic mediums including drawing and collage. Her current practice involves sourcing found images, creating composition collages that become the preliminary material for paintings and drawings.
She lives with her partner and 2 teenage daughters and works out of her studio in Bayside Victoria.
Born 1964, Melbourne, Australia
Education:
1995 Associate Diploma Arts: Visual Arts Painting, Victoria University
1985 F.A. Diploma (Graphic Art), Preston College of Tafe
Selected Solo Exhibitions:
2013 Refuge, Kingston Arts, Moorabbin, Victoria
1999 Toni Walker, Catanach’s Gallery, Armadale, Victoria
Selected Group Exhibitions:
2014 Belle Arti Prize, Chapman & Bailey Gallery, Abbotsford.
2012 Connect 12, Victoria University, Melbourne Australia
2012 Linden Contemporary Art Postcard Show, St Kilda, Victoria
2011 60th Blake Prize, National Art School, DarlinghurstNSW, Finalist.
2010 Linden Contemporary Art Postcard Show, St Kilda, Victoria
2009 Linden Contemporary Art Postcard Show, St Kilda, Victoria
2008 Re:Connect, Level 17 Artspace, Victoria University, Victoria
2000 Rearvision, Span Gallery, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
1998 St. Kevin’s College Annual Art Show, St.Kevins College Toorak
1998 Camberwell Rotary Art Show, Camberwell Town Hall
1998 Rotary International Art Exhibition, Box Hill Town Hall
Awards, Residencies
2014 Highly Commended - Belle Arti Prize, Champan and Bailey.
Judges: Sam Leach - Artist, Dr Vince Alessi – Curatorial
Manager, Ian Potter Museum of Art Melbourne University,
Louise Hearman – Artist
2010 Artist in Residence / Visiting artist, Shelford Girls Grammar
2011 Artist in Residence / Visiting artist, Shelford Girls Grammar
2012 Artist in Residence / Visiting artist, Shelford Girls Grammar
2013 Artist in Residence / Visiting artist, Shelford Girls Grammar
2011 Finalist - 60th Blake Prize, National Art School,
Darlinghurst, NSW
1998 Highly Commended - St Kevin’s Annual Art Show, judged by
Geoffrey Smith, Curator 20th Century Art, National Gallery
of Victoria
Commissions:
2013 Stage Design and Production, Seaussical, Shelford Girls Grammar,
Caulfield, Victoria
2012 Stage Design and Production, HPA-Beatles, Shelford Girls Grammar,
Caulfield, Victoria
2011 Stage Design and Production, Once on this Island, Shelford Girls
Grammar, Caulfield, Victoria
2010 Stage Design and Production, HPA-Disney, Shelford Girls
Grammar,Caulfield, Victoria
Selected Articles/Reviews:
Chelsea Mordialloc News, Building on Art Space, Stuart Mccullough - October 2013
Art Collector - Refuge, October, 2013
Art Almanac Exhibition Brief - Refuge, November, 2013
Australian Religious Diary, 2012, 60th Blake Prize, 2011